Operation Rising Lion - Am Kelavi — עם כלביא.
Israel is at war. Again.
Existential.
A deep dive into the name of this operation “Am Kelavi” shows the intensity and the endless desire that our enemies have had for millennia — contriving our demise.
You see, these words and the current war name are from the Torah (Bible) , prophetically uttered by Balaam, who had been hired by the Moabite King to curse the Jewish people. It doesn’t quite work out as intended when instead of cursing the Jewish nation, Gd ordains that the finest and most glowing blessings are shared by Balaam. A plot that went and consistently goes terribly awry…
“Behold the people rise like a lion”. Despite intending to curse —he speaks of their essential quality, that of a lion.
It’s no surprise then that a day ago Prime Minister Netanyahu in a visit to the Kotel placed a note in the cracks of the Western Wall with these exact words — quoting the passage but also praying that Israel will be successful in doing what requires lionlike might!
Last night showed nothing short of lion and lioness strength. It displayed nothing short of miracles of Biblical proportions. It underscores the sheer power, ingenuity and utter bravery of the Israeli army, Mossad, society and the entire Am Yisrael. It shows of the strength of a nation that has endured thousands of years of challenge showing no erosion or infirmity at all!
Yet the description “lion” extends beyond the physical might. It’s a reference to their spiritual might. Closer to home it refers to “our” spiritual might. The might that is required to live as a proud Jew in a turbulent world. The might to focus our lives on ensuring Jewish continuity. The might that is required to ensure that our children understand their Heritage and birthright in a world and time that misinformation is assaulting them daily on TikTok and Instagram.
Looking forward, despite an incredible and hopeful beginning to the foreboded war with Iran, the Jewish nation needs continued blessing from above. We need to increase in prayer, charity and Torah — the three pillars that the world rests on and that, is something practically that each of us can do — LINK to more.
Might of a lion and lioness! Balaam — I couldn’t agree with you more! AM YISRAEL CHAI!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor
PS - In Israel they are being instructed not to go to Shul — in diaspora we ought to intensify our going to Shul to help our brethren!! Check what time services are in your Synagogue and show up — now is the time! (@ Chabad tonight — it’s 6:15pm we’d love to see you)