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B'nai Emet ->
Messages
-> Conservative Jewish Commitment ->
2005
Another Leap of Faith: A Message for Passover
By Rabbi Jerome Epstein, Executive Vice President of The United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism
The anticipation surrounding Israel's unilateral disengagement plan is causing a
good deal of tension and anxiety. Many are seeking "guarantees" of a better
life. But in diplomacy, war, and politics, there can be no real guarantees.
The crossing of the Reed Sea was a leap of faith. Stepping into the water was
nothing less than a statement of belief. It required the acknowledgement of a
higher power, an ultimate redemptive force.
The Israelites were escaping from Egypt after years of misery in which they
could never reach their potential. Now, there was hope. There were also great
obstacles. The Sea was at their feet, and Pharaoh was at their back. They might
have been paralyzed had not one person, Nachshon ben Aminadav, been willing to
lead the Israelites into the water by taking the first bold steps.
Today, as Israel prepares to implement its disengagement plan, it is once again
making that extraordinary leap of faith.
Had a referendum been required at the time of the Exodus, it may well have
failed. The promise of Israel's future required not only an act of faith but
also faith in action. Our ancestors already believed that their lives could be
better. They required only that leaders motivate them to act even without
guarantees.
On July 20, the State of Israel will take a major step in the name of peace. If
many Israelis see nothing but raging waters before them as our ancestors must
have done at the time of the Exodus that is quite understandable. The plan,
while structured with security as the paramount consideration, nevertheless
involves the withdrawal of civilian settlements from Gaza and some outlying West
Bank settlements, along with a relocation of parts of the security fence. Given
the success of the admittedly controversial fence in preventing terrorist
attacks, that is indeed a frightening specter for many people.
Nevertheless, the leadership in Israel -- while human and fallible, unlike the
guiding force behind Yetziat Mitzrayim -- has chosen its course with an eye
toward the redemptive power of peace. The survival of Israel is vital, but it is
essential that Israel survive as both a Jewish and a democratic state. It is to
be hoped that the people of Israel will support the decision of its
democratically elected government and that the nations of the world will
understand and appreciate the strength shown by Israel in making this choice and
this modern-day leap of faith.
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