Rabbi Meir Kahane: Responsibility Means Repairing Society
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Meir Kahane stated that responsibility means repairing societal rifts, drawing parallels from the biblical story of Rebecca and Jacob. He urged Israeli leaders and the public to actively mend divisions that emerged during and before the recent war. Kahane emphasized that true responsibility involves collective action to fix problems and ensure national unity. This approach, he believes, will strengthen Israel against its enemies and lead to complete redemption.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Meir Kahane stated responsibility means repairing societal rifts, not just bearing consequences.
- He called on Israeli leaders and the public to mend divisions after years of war.
- Kahane referenced Rebecca's words "Your curse be upon me, my son" to illustrate collective repair.
- He drew a parallel to Jacob's statement "upon me shall all be laid" regarding his sons.
- The rabbi stressed the need for national unity to face enemies and achieve redemption.
Rabbi Meir Kahane, in a Torah discourse on the weekly portion of Toldot, explains the meaning of Rebecca's words to Jacob, "Your curse be upon me, my son." Drawing on the interpretation of Rabbi Saadia Gaon, Kahane posits that responsibility is not merely bearing consequences but a commitment to repair. He calls upon Israeli leaders and the public to mend societal rifts following years of war.
Kahane elaborates that taking responsibility in the Jewish people signifies repair and a sense of partnership. It means that if one was involved in something that failed, they must also be involved in its rectification. He references the biblical story of Jacob being sent by Rebecca to deceive his father, Isaac, into giving him the blessings meant for his brother Esau. Jacob's fear of receiving a curse instead of a blessing is met by Rebecca's assurance, "Your curse be upon me, my son."
While many interpretations exist for Rebecca's statement, Rabbi Kahane focuses on Rabbi Saadia Gaon's view: "Upon me is to repair." This implies a commitment to stand with Jacob, confront consequences together, and resolve problems collectively. This clarity from Rebecca provides Jacob the support to proceed. Kahane draws a parallel to Jacob's later words to his sons regarding Benjamin, "If Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin; upon me shall all be laid." This, Kahane explains, signifies Jacob's overarching responsibility for the unity and integrity of the entire people of Israel, not just his personal loss.
Rabbi Kahane connects these biblical examples to contemporary Israel, stating that the nation is currently engaged in repair. He acknowledges the difficult start to the recent war and the leadership's role in guiding the nation, as well as the miracles and national unity witnessed. However, he stresses that pre-war societal tensions and divisions also require mending. Kahane urges leaders and every individual to actively participate in reconnecting the Israeli people into a unified and strong nation, enabling them to withstand enemies and achieve complete redemption.