The scene in "Shtisel" where Gitti asks the pharmacist for nails so that they can laugh at her and take away her pride, in the manner of Novardhoeck, is out of this world. Not because it doesn't make sense, but because it's getting close.
We left sacrifice in Egypt and the next time we encounter it, we will sacrifice it on the altar in the Third and Eternal Temple.
It was such a week. A week that ended with the burial of the baby, the grandson of the mayor of Beit Shemesh, a week in which it became clear that human dignity and freedom are a moral principle only when it comes to the leftist, secular, "liberal" worldview. Not when it comes to the freedom of a helpless baby who passed away under tragic circumstances. Here, human dignity no longer exists. Here, the High Court takes for itself the liberty to cut into the flesh of the dead and desecrate its honor.
No compassion. No emotion. Certainly not the kind of Jewish emotion that is required. Something that was repeated this week during MK Miki Zohar's attempt to introduce a law in favor of the Sabbath. Not, God forbid, a religious law, but only a social law that would prevent Jews from forcing other Jews to work on the day of rest.
The interpellations that shook the plenary and caused the expulsion of seven Knesset members in less than ten minutes speak for themselves.
Those leftists, socialists, who extol human rights, could not hide their pathological hatred for anything that exudes a Jewish scent.
Tell the truth!
""Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips," says Moses to God, and wonders: "And how will Pharaoh listen to me?""
God seemingly only answers the question "How will he hear?" and does not refer to "I am of uncircumcised lips." It is a fact that God commands Moses, "You shall speak all that I command you." Your brother Aaron will be the one who will translate the words, repeat them. But Moses our Lord must bear them, despite being uncircumcised in lips.
Why? If Aaron knows how to "explain" Moses, what is the benefit of Moses speaking his words? Wouldn't it have been more correct to have Moses speak to Aaron in the sacred language from the beginning, and for the latter to "translate" his words to Pharaoh and all the rest?
But the Torah wants to teach us something for our daily lives: the truth must be spoken. Out loud, in the Holy Language, without adjustments, filters, or translations. Not only because words of truth are evident, and not only because words that come from the heart enter the heart, even without understanding, but above all because these are the words of the living God, as they were originally spoken.
I too sometimes find myself faced with Moses' question. Sometimes I feel like I'm standing in front of a "stiff-necked person" and ask myself what the use of my words is. After all, I am of uncircumcised lips and how will he listen to me? God wants us to act in both ways. Both in the way of Moses (we will speak the truth as it is) and in the way of Aaron (we will soften and adapt things to the understanding of those in front of us).
Because when we tell the truth as it is, we declare that we are only instruments in the hands of God and have nothing of our own. We have no personal interest of our own. And words of truth become evident and enter the heart.
Nevertheless, in order to ensure that this is understood, we must also follow Aaron's path and translate the words into "Egyptian.".
No responsibility for results
Whether Pharaoh listens or not is not our responsibility. Pharaoh is all "ego" and pride. Pharaoh is all heresy against the One who said and the world was. And it is not my responsibility what he does or does not do. My responsibility is to fulfill my mission and convey the divine message.
Even if it often seems like there is no one to convey the message. Even if it seems like the entire media hates Torah and Judaism. Even if it seems like it is better to simply remain silent and shut yourself away in the four cubits of holiness because these are "stiff necks" that there is no point in wasting energy on.
There is no room for feelings of victimhood and humiliation.
The truth – the Holy Torah – is in our hands and we must pass it on, even to Pharaoh. Even to those who declare their disbelief in the Torah and the Givers of the Torah. After all, we left Egypt, didn't we?
• The author is the owner ""My choice"", event host, lecturer and radio broadcaster. For comments: [email protected]
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