Emuna: Irreversible - The Certainty of Redemption Part 3

 by Rav Sh. Yosef Veitzen yeshiva.org.il, translated by Hillel Fendel.

Response to the second challenge: Our task is to serve as Divine emissaries

We began a series two weeks ago entitled "The Certainty of Redemption," noting three different approaches towards the national-historic process that the Jewish Nation is currently experiencing. One holds that the Ingathering of Jews from all over the world in the Holy Land is not significant from the standpoint of Redemption, given that the State of Israel is not run by a Torah government. Another view is that the State of Israel is most definitely the fulfillment of many Biblical prophecies, that G-d is not toying with His people, and that we are on a one-way journey, of undetermined length, towards Redemption. And a third approach is that the current situation is certainly an opportunity for Redemption, but that its fulfillment depends on our national and personal behavior.

The series continues with challenges to the second approach, that which holds that the State of Israel is unquestionably a critical station on the way to certain Redemption, and responses to these challenges by Rabbi Veitzen, the Rabbi of Psagot. Last week we read the first challenge and response, and the second challenge is presented here: 

"Absolute certainty in interpreting the Redemption brings about negative character traits. Instead of sensing our great responsibility, we remove from ourselves all accountability and feel that we need do nothing to help bring the Redemption; we rather throw it back, so to speak, to G-d. This can lead to apathy, lack of action, and a sense that we have nothing to struggle for."

To this, Rabbi Veitzen responds as follows: 

There is no reason that one who is certain that the current state of affairs leads directly to Redemption should behave as if he need do nothing in and for the Redemptive process. It is true that one who believes that he is in charge in the world, and that everything depends on him, is liable to fall into the trap of arrogance and haughtiness vs-à-vis others. Such can happen to one who believes that he is the only one who knows what must be done, and that everyone else is merely disturbing and blocking the arrival of the Redemption. He is of the opinion that Redemption is for tzaddikim alone, like him, and that it will happen in their merit.

At times, the difficulties along the path to Redemption can lead him to frustration, anger, and despair. He believes that the Redemption is dependent on him and his ilk, but sees that he and his camp alone do not have the necessary strength to tip the entire world's scales towards a favorable Divine verdict. He "knows" that he alone has the right path, but given that he can't do it alone, he sees it as a lost cause, whilst feeling bitterness and anger towards everyone else. And so he gives up.

However, one who attributes the Redemption process to G-d Himself will not fall into this trap. He is filled with joy at the fact that G-d has placed him in the generation privileged to be rescued from Exile and brought to Redemption. Whatever he can rectify along the way, and whatever he can do to help the process along, he will do with might and confidence, in the knowledge that this is what G-d wants him to do at this time. 

He sees himself as an important worker in a giant factory that produces great things – and he has been granted the opportunity to be a partner in this marvelous enterprise. He then attempts to fulfill his role as best he can. If he rises to the role of department head or the like, he will certainly do his job happily – but will never see himself as the ultimate boss. All of us are emissaries of G-d, filled with joy at the assignment and opportunity to take part to the best of our abilities.

And what about that which we cannot do? The answer is that we keep in mind that which the Mishna teaches: "Completing the job is not incumbent upon you – but neither are you free to refrain from working at it." Regarding that which we cannot do, we trust that G-d will find other emissaries, at least as good as us, who will do what is necessary to bring about the next stage. We do not concern ourselves with questions such as, "What will be?" Nor do we fret about that which we cannot change or influence. We engage only with that which we know how to do correctly and effectively. 

And regarding others, we do not feel superior to them – for we know that it can very well be that others are doing things that also bring about the Redemption. Everyone does that which he believes to be right and good, and then, as the Talmud states (Sotah 40a), "From whichever way, G-d will be exalted." 

Of course, if we see someone who is actively blocking the Redemption, according to our beliefs, we will try to prevent him from doing so – but only within the permitted limits that G-d has set for us.

----- We will continue next week with a response to yet a third challenge to the view that we are surely in a one-way historic national Redemptive process.