Rabbis Interpret Near-Miss Plane Incident as Divine Intervention
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Several rabbis have interpreted a recent near-hijacking of a Flydubai plane as a miraculous divine intervention. They emphasize the importance of religious observance, such as Sukkot rituals and prayer, in averting disaster. The rabbis also highlighted the bravery of the crew and passengers in neutralizing the threat. The incident is seen as a call for introspection and a reminder of God's protection and the Jewish people's purpose.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbis interpret a near-hijacking of a Flydubai plane as a miraculous divine intervention.
- Rabbi Zamir Cohen linked the event to the protective power of Mitzvot like the Four Species.
- Rabbi David Djammi saw the incident as a dual sanctification of God's name through divine protection and human heroism.
- Rabbi David Gvirzman stressed overcoming despair, citing Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's teachings.
- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson explained divine kindness as an active intervention to overcome human resistance.
- The article questions how to preserve the memory of miracles, unlike the remembrance of disasters.
Following a recent incident where a Flydubai plane was nearly hijacked, several prominent rabbis have offered interpretations, emphasizing divine providence and the importance of religious observance. Rabbi Zamir Cohen, chairman of the 'Heverot' organization, highlighted the miraculous chain of events that prevented disaster, suggesting that the observance of Mitzvot, such as the Four Species during Sukkot, has a profound impact on averting divine decrees. He drew an analogy to a laser pointer in a jungle, where its effect is not immediately apparent but is crucial for protection.
Rabbi David Djammi of Yeshivat Har HaMor connected the event to the holiday of Sukkot, viewing the "Sukkot of Peace" as a manifestation of God's protection over Israel. He praised the quick thinking and bravery of the pilot and passengers in neutralizing the threat, seeing it as a dual "Kiddush Hashem" (sanctification of God's name), both God's protection and human heroism.
Rabbi David Gvirzman, speaking at a Sukkot celebration, framed the incident as a struggle against despair. He referenced the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, emphasizing that "there is no despair in the world at all" and that individuals have the power to overcome destructive impulses, likening the situation to a co-pilot taking control of the aircraft.
Chabad lecturer Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson interpreted the biblical phrase "His kindness overcame us" (כי גבר עלינו חסדו) as God needing to actively intervene, even overpower, humanity's resistance to divine grace. He suggested that this divine "overcoming" is necessary to break through our fears and self-deception, urging individuals and the Jewish people collectively to embrace their true identity and purpose, and to bring the "plane of history" to its intended destination.
The article suggests that while disasters are remembered with mourning periods, miracles often fade from memory, and poses the question of how to preserve the memory and impact of such miraculous events, advocating for a renewed commitment to religious practice and introspection.
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