The Fast Track

Today has been declared to be a fast day by the Yesha Council of Rabbis. From the JPost article:

"In light of the threats to the communities in Gush Katif and outposts throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza," the rabbis wrote, "all people who are capable are requested to fast to annul the evil decree and save the entire Nation of Israel wherever they may be."

Quoting from Maimonides, the rabbis noted that Jewish law states that "it is customary to fast as a result of trouble which comes upon the community until there is mercy from the heavens."

The rabbis added that those unable to fast should "increase their prayers" and recite Psalm 83.

I am going to go out on a limb, and suggest not participating in this fast. Israel is not Russia, Sharon is not the czar, and his proposals are not "evil decrees." Israel is our country, which we built to be our eternal homeland, and we don't counter bad policy proposals by reciting Psalm 83. The Psalm says, "Ki hinei oy'vecha yehemayun, um'san'echa nas'u rosh" - Your enemies make a tumult, and they who hate You have lifted their head. This is not talking about the Jewish prime minister of the Jewish state.

Here are some suggestions of what you can do instead:

If you live in Israel:

• Find out about a political or activist group which you can become involved with.
  
• Go visit a community in Yesha which you've never been to. Ask for a tour.
  
• Make plans to ascend Har Habayit. Instead of Psalm 83, say Psalm 122: "L'maan beit Hashem Elokeinu avaksha tov lach."
  

If you live in the Exile:

• Take one step towards your aliyah. Find out about your profession in Israel, call the Jewish Agency, or just think about where you'd like to live. Wear a pin that says, "I'M MAKING ALIYAH!" and explain it to anyone who asks. Start thinking about your next vacation to Israel.
  
• Buy an Israeli newspaper. If you can, buy a Hebrew one. Read it, and feel like you're a part of it.
  
• Find an Israeli charity and write a check.
  

I found this article on Maariv, with beautiful pictures and descriptions of all the communities in Gaza. It's well worth the read. If you don't read Hebrew, look at the pictures.

Finally, read some Tanach. Read the book of Nechemia, or the book of Zecharia, or the second perek of Yishayahu. Plan to read more. Feel yourself connect to the past, as you envision the future.

We are living in a different world from the one we lived in 60 years ago, and we need to act and think that way. Good things will happen when, with God's help, we take an active role in making them so.