Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

As a Bostonian by birth, I was emotionally charged this past weekend by the latest act of Anti-Semitism in the world at large. On Friday, Boston area Chabad Rabbi, Shlomo Nogrinski, was stabbed several times by Khaled Awad. Fortunately, the rabbi is going to be alright, and local police apprehended the culprit quickly. It was discovered over the weekend that the oppressor is indeed Anti-Semitic and had previously expressed hateful comments regarding Jews. We must remember that an attack on any Jew is an attack on all Jews.

It is easy to understand our feeling vengeful in response to acts of Anti-Semitism. In fact, in this week's Torah portion of Mattot, we read what seems to be an act of vengeance against the Midianites. "Avenge the Israelite people on the Midianites . . . let them (chosen Israelite men) fall upon Midian to wreak the Lord's  vengeance upon Midian (Numbers 31:2-3)."

As indicated in the commentary of the Etz Hayim Chumash, the modern reader is likely to be bothered by this section of Torah. What one can say is that this particular undertaking is the "Lord's vengeance (31:3)" and can be directed only by the word of God. We know from earlier in the Torah that we, the Jewish people, are prohibited from taking vengeance against others. We have the right to defend ourselves and prevent haters of Israel from having the resources to afflict us, but not to take revenge. In Parshat Kedoshim, known as the Holiness Code of Judaism, we read, "Lo Tikom V'Lo Titor - You shall not take vengeance, and you shall not bear a grudge (Leviticus 19:18)." The Art Scroll Torah commentary adds: "Revenge consists of retaliating against someone who has displeased you by attempting to do him some harm, or by refusing to do him a favor that you would normally have done."

We may feel vengeful when acts of hatred are perpetrated against our people. But we may not act in this regard. It is for God only to exact vengeance in ways we do not understand. Such an example is found in Parshat Mattot. Another example is found in the Shabbat prayer, Av Ha'Rachamim, which was composed shortly after the Medieval Crusades. In that passage, we read, "For God will avenge the blood of His servants and bring retribution upon His foes." In the same spirit, have you ever noticed the abbreviation on the back of tombstones which contain the names of martyrs who perished in the Shoah? "Hashem Yikom Damam - God will avenge their blood."

Many of us may feel strong vengeful sentiment these days. Feelings are one thing. We Jews must exact justice, but leave any potential acts of vengeance in the hands of God only.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison