Rabbi Meir Kahane: Rosh Hashanah Calls for Global Perspective and World Repair
Rabbi Meir Kahane, in a Torah discourse for the weekly portion, emphasizes that on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish people are called upon to look beyond internal issues and recognize God's sovereignty over the entire world. He explains that the Torah readings for the holiday, including the expulsion of Ishmael and the covenant with Abimelech, are not merely sequential narrative but carry profound meaning for the New Year.
Kahane posits that these readings prepare for the binding of Isaac by illustrating the development of Isaac within Abraham's household, contrasting it with Ishmael's departure. He highlights Ishmael's central role in the narrative, noting God's promise to make him a great nation. This focus on Ishmael, he suggests, reflects the broader Rosh Hashanah theme: the judgment of all humanity, not just Israel, as stated in the Mishnah, where "all inhabitants of the world pass before Him like flocks of sheep."
The rabbi connects this to the liturgy, where prayers include petitions for all nations and states, not solely for Israel. He asserts that Israel's role extends to repairing the entire world, acting as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" not just for itself but for all humanity, leading towards a future where "the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established at the top of the mountains."
He draws parallels to current events, stating that prayers for victory in the ongoing war against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime are not just for immediate self-preservation but for the larger purpose of world repair. Kahane envisions a post-war world where these oppressive forces are replaced by entities that value Israel and contribute to global betterment. He also raises questions about the roles of Sunni powers like Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan in this future world order.
Finally, Kahane urges unity and a broadened perspective, especially during election periods when internal disputes can be consuming. He calls for looking towards Israel's global standing and the repair of the world, praying for divine intervention to advance humanity towards its rightful place.
