December 2005 The Reed Beats The Cedar Every Time By Rabbi Alvin Kass An old Hasidic tale informs us that a fragile reed may have more survival potential than a tall and mighty cedar. For in a bad storm the wind will knock the cedar down while the reed is able to avoid harm to itself by bending to the wind. Thus, power and size may not always provide the edge for successful adjustment to the varying and changing fortunes of life. The victory of Israel against its oppressors and persecutors from the days of Babylonian, Persian, and Roman hegemony down to the modern epoch of Nazi, Soviet, and Arab harassment demonstrates the strength of weakness. Indeed, the very weakness of the Jewish people may well contain a very valuable lesson which the rest of the world would do well to learn. Only people who have suffered can feel the plight of the less fortunate. We are uniquely gifted to understand the discrimination to which African-Americans, Hispanics, Native-Americans, Chicanos, and others have been subjected. If the nation as a whole could draw from us a sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of the poor and hungry, both within our borders and throughout the world, the country would renew its national purpose and reach unprecedented heights through its enrichment of all humanity. I find it remarkable that the tiny country of Israel has demonstrated a continuing resolve to help the poor and disadvantaged. Despite severe economic problems of her own and the unremitting hostility from her Arab neighbors, our Israeli brethren have never abandoned the passion for assisting those in need which has been the hallmark of our people from the days of Abraham. Israel's Development Aid program has benefited many thousands in Africa. The war-torn inhabitants of southern Lebanon have received food, medical care, and other human services from Israel. The Jewish State opened its doors to the "boat people" of Vietnam when all other ports were closed to them. Hadassah Hospital treats Arabs as warmly and caringly as Jews. The prophet Zechariah (4:6) declared that "not by might, not by power but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts" would the world be moved. For that reason it is possible for seven lean cows to devour seven fat cows as we read in the Bible. For that reason, the handful of Maccabees managed to defeat the mighty Syrian hosts. For that reason, the small army of Israel was able to beat back the troops of seven Arab nations, who collectively number over 50 million citizens, five times in 57 years. The key to Jewish survival may well lie in our weakness as a people. For the world needs to master the lesson of compassion, which only those who have been powerless can teach. The practice of compassion will not only serve to preserve our own identity but will enable the rest of the world to survive the consequences of the terrible power that now inheres in the hands of humankind. Happy Hanukkah.