BO 1980

No Ultimate Solutions.  Partial solutions worthwhile, too.  People looking for ultimate solutions will be disappointed.  

In the Haphtorah it says G-d will return Jacob from afar.  The Rabbis explain that this means G-d will be the redemption even if we are far, if we are not worthy of it.  We can't frustrate G-d' s plans however we can bring it sooner.  If we will do the right things we can bring redemption sooner.  Our relationship to G-d is like turning off and on an electric switch.  If there is no power we won't be able to turn on the light but if we don't turn on switch light won l t go on either.  Great Jewish heresy is when we don't think that we need G-d's help, can do it all.  That we can solve all worlds’ problems.  We can't because every time we solve one problem another one comes in its wake.  However, not all problems equally bad.  It's better to have the problems freedom brings than not to have freedom.  It is better to have the problems of a food surplus than not to have enough food.  In life we must constantly work to make things better but we mustn’t ever think we're going to make them perfect.  Everything depends upon the time and place.  When Moshe Rabenu was to go to Pharaoh to demand the Jewish people's freedom he was accompanied by Aron and the elders.  However, when he got to Pharaoh only Aron was with him.  All the elders had slipped away.  They thought that they had better things to do.  They had to nurture Jewish customs among people, keep up their spirits.  Freedom wasn't probable and wouldn't be without problems.  They were wrong and they were punished "because when G-d gave Moshe the Ten Commandments he wouldn't let the elders ascend the mountain.  In our own day we had same problem.  

Sure, a Jewish state and a flag isn't going to solve all Jewish problems but without it we would be in terrible position.  Sure, after the state we still need mitzvahs and how to lead moral decent life.  But not to support state was and is wrong.  Jews need it even in America to not only maintain pride but also as a source of security.  We shouldn't hesitate to support things just because they are not ultimate solutions, nothing is an ultimate solution.  We can't even say the use of force always a solution.  After all, in America there is no more slavery and no states are seceding.  Sure, it's not an ultimate solution and I’m not advocating its use always but partial solutions are worth working for.  Our only criteria should be will the solution offered result in less evil than what it is replacing.  If it will then it is worthwhile.  

Story about man who said he no longer worries about snow.  Four reasons.  One, he has a son who's 16.  The second reason he has a son 14.  Third he has a son 12, and four he lives in Florida.  Only if we live in Florida doesn't have to worry about snow.  Only in Messianic days don't have to worry about problems.