Parshat Vayishlach
There
is a local rabbi, here in Jerusalem,
named Rabbi Machlis, who weekly hosts three Shabbos meals at his home for whoever
wants to join him and others who are seeking out a warm and nourishing meal and
camaraderie. All in attendance are invited to speak on the condition that they
don't proselytize (on the behalf of Christianity, that is) or speak of politics
or any other topic that would be "harmful to the experience of
Shabbat." The rabbi's avoidance of political discourse is rooted in its
potential to incite, or in other words, cause conflict. Though Rabbi Machlis
avoids politics on Shabbas, this dvar Torah will be rooted in politics.
This
week's Parsha, Vayishlach, commemorates and eternalizes the meaning of Yisrael,
or "Israel,"
the country named after our forefather Jacob whose name becomes
"Yisrael" in this week's Torah portion. The reason given for the
change in Jacob's name and subsequent role is, "For you have fended with man
and with God and you have prevailed." We can see here the uniqueness of
the name Yisrael. In showing a fear of Heaven, the source of Jacob's strength
in his struggle with Lavan and ensuing faceoff with Eisav, Jacob or Yaakov has
proven himself worthy of the name Yisrael, which speaks volumes of the
invincibility and indomitability of our people.
Therefore,
I believe that it is vital not to sugar coat the matter or practice of
referring to Christian or Arab Muslims as "Yisraelim;" in my
humble opinion referring to people of other faiths who have not merited this
title is antithetical to the observance of our faith and our rootedness to the
legacy of our forefathers. It was only Yaakov who merited the name Yisrael
after having learned the moral values of his own father and grandfather. To use
the name "Aravi Yisraeli," Arab Israeli or "Aravi
Notzri", Christian Israeli, who have not been entrusted with the
legacy of fighting the valorous campaign for the moralization of humanity as
have the Jewish people, is not in keeping with the name Yisrael. The
transformation of Jacob's role through a change in name is not only an emblem
of our roots but also constitutes the vision for our future, to continue the
struggle on behalf of mankind for the betterment of universal man, each and
every person, Jew and non-Jew alike.
Shabbat Shalom,
Yoav Gedalia Barth
