Page 33 - Jewish News_June-July-2021

COMMENTARY June/July 2021 33A

Iran, Israel, Natanz and negotiations

By Rabbi Howard A. Simon

dispersed to the far reaches of Europe, n Sunday, April 11, an electri- ed it will begin enriching uranium up from Israel. Middle East countries,
North Africa, Asia Minor and beyond cal blackout occurred at Iran’s to 60% purity. In January, Iran raised many of which resent the actions of
to search out and free the impris- Ounderground Natanz atomic its level of uranium enrichment to 20% Iran, will watch as these two coun- What will result from the tensions that
oned sparks of Divine light. The light facility. Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of purity for the first time since 2013, well tries face off against each other. Isra- are felt is unknown, but the hope is that
found in these places could be released Iran’s atomic agency, called the Natanz beyond the limits of the 2015 nuclear el will continue to protect her country cooler heads will prevail and the threat
through a tikkun (healing, repair), the incident an act of “nuclear terrorism.” accord. By raising uranium enrichment and seek support from the Arab na- of increased struggles will fade away.
performance of a heightened act of Natanz has been targeted by sabotage to 60%, Iran would move closer to the tions that have recently established Rabbi Howard A. Simon is the found-
redemption. A multitude of human en- prior to this event. The 90% purity threshold re- relations with it. Problems abound and ing chair of the Robert and Esther
deavors could serve as a tikkun if done Stuxnet computer virus, quired for weapons-grade fears loom throughout this part of the Heller Community Relations Commit-
with kavannah, wholehearted intention discovered in 2010, dis- uranium. world. The goal is peaceful solutions. tee, formerly known as the Heller IAI.
and feeling. rupted and destroyed Ira- While all of this is
The opportunity to free this illumi- nian centrifuges at the site. taking place, Iran and the Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz...continued from previous page
nation endowed seemingly mundane On April 12, Iran’s top five parties involved in an especially gifted healer, such as a faiths to give and receive tikkun rests
activities and ritual commandments diplomat, Foreign Minister the 2015 nuclear accord tzaddik or rebbe, is required to draw it the ultimate tikkun, Tikkun Olam, the
with far-reaching significance. Eating, Mohammad Javad Zarif, are meeting in Vienna to out. healing of the world.
making love, worship, lighting Shab- accused Israel of attacking attempt to create a path Interestingly, many of the tech- I am not uncomfortable in assert-
bat candles, planting a field, studying, the Natanz facility, saying, for the United States to re- niques employed by the early gen- ing that religion in general and Juda-
tzedakah and socializing all possessed “The Zionists wanted to turn to the agreement the erations of tzadikkim more than 200 ism in particular is a human construct.
the potential for spiritual elevation and take revenge on the Irani- Rabbi Howard A. Simon country exited in 2018. years ago to elicit this light, anticipated Whether the construct is literally true
potency. This orientation to religious an people for their success in lifting the The dual goal set for the negotiations methodologies that continue to inform is not the sine qua non for me, but
task explains how Hasidic Jews could oppressive sanctions, but we will not is for the United States to lift sanctions psychotherapy today. To borrow the rather the virtues, ethics and traditions
still behold life with such unalloyed joy allow it and we will take revenge on imposed on Iran if Tehran agrees to terminology of Martin Buber, tikkun is it seeks to transmit. In my view, Luri-
even amid the tribulations and grinding the Zionists themselves.” comply with the 2015 pact that curtails the transformation of the realm of “it” anic Kabbalah is an extraordinary con-
poverty in Eastern Europe during the Israel has not commented on Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weap- into that of “Thou.” struct offering a sublime prism through
18 and 19 centuries. these allegations, but numerous Is- ons technology. Each of us possesses unique capac- which to appreciate and undertake ex-
th
th
A tikkun occurs when, through em- raeli media outlets have said this was Israel worries about the future ities for performing tikkun. Our charge alted Jewish purpose.
pathy, conviction and enthusiasm (a a Mossad led cyberattack aimed at sab- plans of Iran’s leaders desiring great- is to cultivate and exercise them. At Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz serves as the
word from the Greek en theos, “with otaging the Natanz site. Whether this er impact on all that takes place in the the same time, it’s also incumbent on Community Chaplain and Director of
God”), we utilize our God-implanted is true or not, one thing is indisput- Middle East. Reflecting on this possi- us to be open to the nourishing power the JFCS Jewish Healing Program. His
powers of intelligence, responsibili- able. Prime Minister Netanyahu has bility, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd of tikkun others demonstrate. On the position is underwritten by The Jewish
ty and even humor to raise vitalizing described Iran in these terms for many Austen declared on his recent visit willingness of people of all nations and Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
life sparks in ourselves and others. years: “an existential threat to Israel to Israel the “enduring and ironclad”
In Hasidism, this illumination can be due to Iran’s alleged pursuit of nucle- American commitment to Israel, thus YOU BELONG
so deeply encased within people that ar weapons and its support of militant underscoring the support the U.S. has
groups like Lebanon’s Hezbollah.” The given to Israel in the past and will con- WHERE
Prime Minister has repeatedly said Is- tinue to provide in the future.
rael will do all it can to keep Iran from Israel will continue to monitor all
becoming a nuclear-armed nation. that emanates from Iran, and Iran will
As a result of this attack, Iran has stat- continue to monitor all that emanates
build. advocate.

remember. support.

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