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MIZRACHI

RELIGIOUS ZIONISTS OF
Rabbi Dr. Ronen Lubitch AMERICA

On Miracles & Tests

he concept of ‘miracle’ (nes) is to transpire. Most of us no doubt almost happened. And for every terrorist
synonymous with Chanukah, remember the reaction of Yehuda attack, many more are thwarted, whether Make a Commitment to Religious Zionism and also Benefit!
T and the concept of ‘test’ Wachsman when the mission to rescue we hear about them or not. Join RZA-Mizrachi or Your Local Chapter
(nisayon) is very prominent in the story his son, Nachshon, failed, and Nachshon
of Yosef we are reading about over these was killed. When asked whether the Our Sages teach, “The person to whom
weeks. failure, after so many prayers, hadn’t the miracle happened does not recognize
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shaken his faith in the Creator, he his miracle,” and “How many miracles
One type of test is coping with a replied: “My faith in our Father in does G-d do for a person of which he
situation in which one expects a miracle, Heaven remains as firm as it always was. is unaware.” Chanukah teaches us to STRENGTHEN ENCOURAGE SUPPORT
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and it doesn’t happen. For example, Father is allowed to say ‘no.’” stand up to the test after the miracle and
Yosef has to remain a faithful Jew, even express gratitude for the miracles that Religious Zionism Aliyah and Service to Olim, Yeshivot Hesder,
when it appears that his G-d has left him. In our times, we are often required to are happening every single day. in the United States the State of Israel and Midrashot
Indeed, from the pit his brothers threw withstand tests of this nature, especially
him into, to the pit that Potiphar throws when anti-Semitism is rising and Israel’s The establishment and existence of the
him into, Yosef remains the same Yosef, security is under threat. We must keep State of Israel is no less a miracle than Joining Mizrachi is a declaration of your personal commitment to the values of Religious
loyal to his faith and upholding his our faith and stick to our path despite what happened to the Maccabees.
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identity as an Ivri. the difficulties. Zionism as encapsulated in the maxim 1Nl� n1m 91Y 1Nl� y7N) 1Nl� □Y,
The revival of our decimated people and the Jewish People living a life of Torah and Mitzvot in the Land of Israel.
Three chassidim were warming Another kind of test within the miracle a return to sovereignty, the Ingathering
themselves by the fireplace in an inn, is to acknowledge that a miracle did in of the Exiles, making the deserts bloom
each extolling the praises of their fact occur. and building a strong army, becoming Membership also has practical benefits!
respective Rebbes. The first said that world leaders in science, technology, As an RZA-Mizrachi member or member of one of its chapters (RZC - Chicago, RZLA - Los
after he and his wife had gone many For example, Yosef acknowledged medicine and much more, obligates us to
years without bearing children, the that his promotion was not due to his see the Hand of Divine Providence, and Angeles, etc.), you are entitled to discounts to a growing list of attractions, stores, services and
Rebbe blessed them. Within a year they own talents, but to Divine Providence to thank Him for the miraculous process accommodations
had a baby daughter. The second chassid navigating the proceedings. The unfolding in our generation.
said that his Rebbe’s bracha had managed Hasmoneans also understood that their
to return his wayward son. And the third victory over the Greeks had little to do In Israel’s 70th year, it is fitting that these •
told of his Rebbe, who had blessed a with their own might and strength but eight days of celebration should sharpen • a:.
big business in which he had invested with Divine intervention, which then our awareness of the great merit we have
a lot of money, and the business went necessitated special gratitude to G-d. to be living in these times. ,::,"mi1 :l/:l'Pi1 11X'T17J
bankrupt. In our generation we often hear “well, we DE KARINA TIIB BIBLICAL MUSEUM
CHOCOLATIER
OF NATURAL HISTORY
“So where’s the miracle?” asked his didn’t see a miracle.” These people refuse 1 Niddah 31.
shocked colleagues. to see a guiding Hand, and attribute 2 Bamidbar Rabbah 24:2.
Israel’s successes to its own might. The
“The miracle,” replied the chassid, “is truth is that we should be showing
that I remained a loyal chassid to my gratitude for the miracle of our very
Rebbe…” existence, as individuals and as a nation.
Rabbi Dr. Ronen Lubitch is Rabbi
Authentic faith involves tests of We should remember that for every of Nir Etzion and President of
that faith, even if the miracle fails road accident, there are many more that Ne'emanei Torah VeAvodah
Go to memberbenefits.rza.org
to learn more and join RZA-Mizrachi or your local chapter.

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