SHABBAT SERMON Vayeira

By Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum

November 15, 2003

In this week’s portion we read the account of Abraham’s negotiation with God over the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham had compassion and did not want to see the people destroyed, despite their great transgressions. The sages believe in the idea that when we know that our fellow man will be harmed, we should do our best to help them and prevent their suffering. Abraham demonstrated this trait through his concern by begging for God’s mercy for the cities.

Fast forward to modern times and we see a mirrored situation being played out before our eyes. According to the media, this week was a very crucial negotiating week in Israel with the proposed exchange of the bodies of four Israeli soldiers for about 400 Hezbollah terrorists who are currently held in Israeli prisons. The decision to exchange the bodies for the freedom of these terrorists will impact not only Israelis, but any Western Civilians, especially American citizens all over the world. The claim from those who want to negotiate is that there is one soldier who is still alive, and we should do everything we can to save him and bring him back to his family. There is also great pressure from the families of the dead, because they want closure, want to give their loved ones proper burial. All of these are human needs driven by real emotions.

However, we need to look at the bigger picture. The dilemma here is weighing the price that we are willing to pay for the return of one soldier and his fallen comrades. The head of Mossad and the Israeli Chief of Staff say that such capitulation will give the terrorists opportunity to repeat this kind of demand and will make it easier for them to facilitate the release of terrorists who should be kept behind bars. Such prisoners have blood on their hands, and if they are released, more evil will happen-- more suffering and more victims. This will affect not only Israelis, but the entire world, because these terrorists are everywhere. The Talmud states, "We should not pay for a fellow captive by the enemy more than his value." Jewish law forbids us to overpay a ransom. So, in this situation, are we paying too high a price for four bodies? Will this not only legitimize and perpetuate the enemy and terrorism around the world?

The decision to exchange the prisoners was made by the margin of one vote by Israel’s ruling body. Then, as terrorist organizations often do, they upped their demands. Hezbollah is now demanding the release of even more terrorists. Now, as we examine the Torah portion, Abraham negotiated with God over the destruction of the cities. But the transgressions of the people against a Holy God were non-negotiable; the price was too much to pay. In our own lives and conduct, may we never overpay.

May God bless us that we never need to face such situations in the future as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Shalom.