A story would be fitting to start this week’s Parshah thought. A band of men gathered together in their den discussing their plan for the future. Their goal was to topple the government they so despised, but fear gripped them for years and none of them had the courage to do more than complain. Over and over again they would have talks among themselves about how dishonest and deceitful their taxes were being spent and the services promised and guaranteed to them were never delivered. It was at this defining moment that the leader of the group called for a meeting.

He didn’t disclose his true intentions as he reached out to each individual. Rather, his message was discreetly worded. It read as follows: “This group is formed for likeminded individuals. People who are respectful and understanding of your situation in life, who wish to walk the path to peace.” The meeting commenced three days later. The circle was formed with some food and pleasantries, and then came the big question to the coordinator. “What is the purpose of this meeting?” he was asked.

He began. “We won’t be toppling the government, and we won’t even be crying over them. Actually, our sole purpose is to stop doing that altogether. But you may ask, ‘What if it still bothers me?’ and for that I’ll answer, ‘It won’t!’ The Government asks for compliance and adherence, and as long as they feel that they have the authority to impose they will do so without a vote, but we are coming to take away their authority from them.”

“Toppling them would ask us to change minds, build communities, change the education system, and even create a governing body of our own which may ultimately lead to being toppled itself. Of course such a plan would require boldness and audacity, as far as being sentenced as traitor and being put to death. Over the years we have all been too afraid to raise our heads above the water for more than a moment to catch our breaths. We’re not on a suicide mission. Ours is one that is eternal, and eternity has enough time.”

“I know that we all want redemption to be tomorrow if not sooner, but since we’re working the long game we will simply be living our lives for the next........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)