...for many Jews the question arises: How should we relate to Christians who suddenly have become our friends? For nearly two thousand years, they persecuted the Jewish nation, murdered, plundered, expelled, coerced us to convert to Christianity, and suddenly they love us? Can we believe them? And what do we do with what the Rambam (Maimonides) wrote, that Christianity has the status of idol worship?
(In order to be above suspicion, and so that I can write my opinions without any personal interests, I hereby promise, God willing, not to accept for myself, or for Yeshiva Har Bracha, donations from Christian friends of Israel)
Nevertheless, we are searching for ways to contribute an equal amount of money towards positive activities amongst the Gentiles
Apparently, everything is dependent on the attitude towards Israel. The most severe sin of Christianity was its denial of God's choosing Israel to be His Chosen Nation, and all the prophecies of Redemption spoken about the Jewish nation. They thought to replace Israel, and thus, caused us horrendous suffering, trying with all their might to convert Jews to Christianity. This is why the Sages amended the 'birkat Ha'minim' (the blessing on the heretics), or as the Rambam wrote (Laws of Prayer 2:1): "They would cause anguish to Israel, and incite them to turn away from Hashem."
...In recent times, we have witnessed significant changes in the attitude towards Israel. Our return to our Land, and our establishment in it, our eternal existence despite the murders and the Holocaust, the creation of the State of Israel, the prospering agriculture, standing-up to our surrounding enemies – all this aroused significant questions and new ideas within them.
Some hated us because, according to their understanding, our very existence here in Israel contradicts their faith, and under various pretexts, they always support our enemies. In contrast, today there are quite a few who believe, to some extent, that Israel is the Chosen Nation, who must return to their land, settle it, and occupy themselves with Torah and mitzvoth. They see it as a privilege to help fulfill the prophecies in the Bible.
That being the case, when it comes to Christians who believe that God chose Israel, and that all of the good prophecies should be realized within Israel, and they are not working to convert us, God forbid, rather, to strengthen us – then all the severe things mentioned about Christians do not apply to them. On the contrary – great tikun is being made by them, they are righteous Gentiles, and God will reward them...
Read it all.
And this as well.
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1 comment:
Beautiful homilies by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed -- thanks for sharing.
Shabbat Shalom from America!
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