The world was shocked to learn of Israel’s preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear and military targets yesterday. In a matter of hours Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions had been drastically set back. The top Iranian military leaders, who just a day earlier were promising to wipe Israel off the map, were no longer among the living.
The situation is ongoing. But, one thing is certain. These are historic times with long-ranging and generational implications.
In this week’s parsha, Behaalotecha, the Jewish people are traveling in the wilderness and resort to one of their favorite pastimes. They complain to Moshe about the food they were being served. Almighty G-d was feeding them daily (except Shabbat). However, the Jews found a way to complain about this Heavenly food. They did not need to work for it, nor purchase it. It was theirs for the taking. And, they still kvetched.
“We remember the fish, which we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions and the garlic. But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, besides this manna, before our eyes.”
Why did the Jews complain about the food? They were completely satiated and they had no nutritional worries. Could it really have been better under Egyptian bondage?
What they failed to focus on was the miraculous nature of this food. If food becomes natural, I can find a million reasons to kvetch.
But, the moment something is viewed as a miracle, I will continue to cherish it and thank G-d for the amazing gift.
By realizing that the food was a miracle, they would have acknowledged that G-d – Who knows best – is the source of their unique sustenance. They would have embraced it – because if G-d is performing miracles for me, it shows His deep concern for me.
When we forget Hashem’s miracles, we can end up on either side of the spectrum. We can kvetch. Or we can take things for granted.
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Make no mistake.
We are experiencing miracles today. Regarding Israel, the Torah tells us that “The eyes of G‑d are always upon it, from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.”
The Israeli military should be proud of its unbelievable accomplishments. But, without Hashem’s miracles, myriad things could have gone the other direction.
We must thank Hashem for His continued miracles, have faith in His protection, and pray for peace in the Holy Land.