Parshat Mattot-Masei

Dear STOCS Friend:

At the beginning of Parshat Mattot, we read about the war against Midian. In this battle, the Jewish army completely destroyed its enemy and acquired significant spoils of war. Despite the one-sided nature of the battle, with an enemy intent on undermining and destroying the Jewish people, there is no instance of a victory celebration. Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald writes: "There is no such thing as a good war. Even under the best of circumstances, decisions must be made that may result in the deaths of more than a few innocent victims. And yet, a moral nation has the right to defend itself." Despite these circumstances, there were no victory dances.

Why? The Mishna in Avot teaches: "Shmuel Ha-Katan would say: Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him..." In other words, celebrating the downfall of an enemy is not a Jewish trait or tradition.

Shmuley Boteach wrote today: “Arch demon, Hamas terrorist leader, and billionaire thief from the Palestinian people, Ismail Haniyeh, has been assassinated. I feel no joy in this monster’s death – better he would never have been born. But I feel satisfaction that fewer innocent civilians will die now that he has been terminated.”

I completely agree. The scenes of Jews dancing and celebrating the deaths of Fuad Shakur and Ismail Haniyeh were disturbing. We should not mimic the behavior of our enemies but instead take the high road and keep the words of Shmuel HaKatan in our hearts and minds.

May we soon see the day when peace will come to Eretz Yisroel.

I look forward to seeing you in Shul this Shabbos.

Rabbi Evan Shore