Every week I wait for the inspiration that will be the basis of my Parsha musings.
Sometimes I have to wait till late Thursday night for an idea, a moving story or a nugget of wisdom to much tied in to the weekly Parsha.
It never fails.
Because the Parsha is always relevant.
If I can’t find a connection it’s only because I haven’t tried hard enough.
Tonight there is only one message.
As Israel fights for its existence and endangers itself to protect the world from nuclear threat, we must pray.
The prayers can be the verses of Tehillim or Psalms, or heartfelt prayers from the heart.
So what’s the message to strengthen us in this week’s portion.
It’s actually mind blowing.
In this week’s portion there is a once in the Torah phenomenon.
Parentheses.
No where else in the Torah are there any parentheses.
That might not sound so earth shattering but it is unique.
Now, if you have ever looked into a Torah scroll you will immediately question my assertion.
There are no parentheses or brackets in the Torah script.
In our portion the letter NUN, written upside down serves as”brackets”.
These nuns are inserted around a number of verses.
They serve to separate and highlight those particular verses.
These verses are actually quite familiar as they are the ones which are often sung as the Torah scrolls are removed from the Ark in the synagogue.
“Vayehi Binsoa HaAron VaYomer Moshe. Kuma Hashem Veyafutzu Oyvecha vYanusu Miponecha.”
When the Ark was ready to move Moses would intone these words which mean:
“Arise Hashem, scatter Your enemies and make those that hate You flee”
In the desert, when the Israelite encampment would begin to move with the Ark leading the way, the enemies would scatter. This particular Ark went in front to smooth the path and ensure safety. This Ark is one that specifically housed the broken tablets, the shards of the Tablets Moses had destroyed.
What protected the Jewish people with this Ark in front, the broken tablets?
Even though we made a mistake as portrayed by the broken tablets, even when we are broken, we still have the ability to turn to Gd to request Gd destroy our enemies.
As long as we remain connected to our spiritual source, to the Torah and one another, even if we aren’t perfect the power of that connection will prevail.
This could not be a more relevant request at such a daunting time.
Now we call upon Hashem again and beg for the destruction of our enemies.

But it depends on us.
We don’t need to be perfect.
We don’t need to do it all.
We may feel broken by life or circumstance.
But we have the power to hold each other in these difficult moments.
We need to extend ourselves in prayer, kindness and caring to one another.
If we keep the connection Gd will smooth the way and scatter our enemies.
We the Jewish people are the chariot that carries Hashem in this world.
We need to be aware of that relationship, that Gd is watching over us.
Rabbi Paysach Krohn was once visiting the city of Rome, Italy, on one of his tours to pre-war Europe, and he saw that there was an arch that is more than fifty feet tall. It is, of course The Arch of Titus. Titus was the Roman General responsible for the conquest of Yerushalayim and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
On the outside of the arch, near the top, there is an engraving that shows a very haunting and sad scene. The Jews , broken and lost, carrying out the Menorah from the Temple as they are exiled from their Land. When Rabbi Krohn saw the arch he began to wonder, why did Gd allow that arch to continue to stand for so many years, in almost perfect condition, while the rest of the city and its landmarks and tourist spots like the other arches, temples and courthouses, are falling apart and in ruins?
There are pillars of what most likely once where great pieces of architecture, but now they stand alone. There are stairs leading to doors with nothing to show behind it. Yet, this arch built for such a wicked person remains, in almost perfect condition?
Well, before he gives a beautiful answer, Rabbi Krohn shared the famed story of Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahanamen zt'l who visited the arch in 1953. When he arrived he looked towards the engraving of the Yidden carrying the Menorah, he pointed and cried out "Titus Titus! You thought you would get rid of us! You thought you'd destroyed Yerushalayim and that the Jewish People would be gone forever. Well, look at the world today! We, the Jewish People are all over! We are studying Torah and doing Mitzvos. But, where is the Roman Empire? It's gone! Not a shred of it remains! Titus, we defeated you!"
Perhaps, that's why, Rabbi Krohn shares, Gd has allowed that arch and its engraving to remain the way it was built for more than 1900 years. Exile started after the destruction of the Second Beis Temple and will continue until Mashiach comes very soon. But until than, for us to survive, we must carry the Menorah and all the vessels of the Temple such as the Ark, and all they represent. May our study of Torah and performance of Mitzvos, be a light upon the world, and through our good deeds and learning, we should merit to see the Eternal Light of Mashiach and a safe and peaceful end to this conflict.
Words of comfort, strength and direction are highlighted for us in the Parsha.
Let’s heed the message.
Shabbat Shalom and so much love!!