Slavery or Leadership?

Among the first laws the Israelites in the desert were taught following their spectacular exit from Egypt and the breathtaking giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai were the laws of slavery. At first glance, it might seem more fitting to teach the newly liberated Jewish Nation more 'spiritual' laws. But slavery is an enticing alternative that must be discouraged. Liberty comes along with responsibility. Slavery is the escape route for those who shy away from responsibility and those who fear to lead. Today, the faith based public in Israel is afraid to lead. This fear points to a much deeper problem -- lack of faith in our own culture. Faith based people repeat time and again that the Torah is truth. So what are they afraid of? Why do they prefer the 'intuition' of Ehud Barak over the intuition of a G-d fearing, Torah observant Jew? Is there not a grain of desecration of G-d's Name in this behavior? Is the refusal to lead -- demonstrated by all sectors of the faith based public -- not actually an admission that the Torah is irrelevant, G-d forbid? Some people prefer to remain enslaved, similar to the Hebrew slave in this week's Torah portion. "I love my master," they apologize. "Even if he sometimes kicks me, 'love will triumph,'" they explain. "Even when my love for my master brings horrible destruction, even when my misery is no longer theoretical, even when the 'intuition' of all those who have no G-d is clearly destructive, even then -- I will not go free." A person who loves his master does not dare step outside the fences. Not the fences of Kfar Maimon, not sectoral fences and not political fences. True, he is willing to switch his leftist master with a rightist master. He is even willing to work hard to switch one master for a master who he imagines will be better. He worked hard to elect Netanyahu instead of Peres and Sharon instead of Barak. And then he worked hard again -- this time, to elect Netanyahu instead of Sharon and then once again to elect Netanyahu instead of Silvan. But to take responsibility? To be his own master? To be responsible for the nation? To lead? Support Manhigut Yehudit Today Now is the time! Your donation can turn the State of the Jews into the Jewish State. Joining Manhigut Yehudit is much more than just a donation. Now you're part of the team! You don't need to be living in Israel Support Manhigut Yehudit Today