Which Candidate Would Be Best for US-Israel Relations?

Dave Gordon

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, one question of special concern to Jewish voters is which candidate – Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump – would be better for U.S.-Israel relations. Both have expressed strong support for Israel and the Jewish people, yet each has faced scrutiny over the depth of their commitment.

At the heart of this complex issue lies a number of competing priorities: maintaining America’s strategic alliance with Israel, addressing the Iranian threat, combating rising anti-Semitism, and potentially brokering peace in the Middle East. As voters weigh their options, they must consider not just the candidates’ rhetoric, but their track records and likely policy approaches.

Harris’s Record

Harris has voiced support for Israel’s right to self-defense, while equating it to concern for Palestinian civilians. She attracted criticism, however, when she snubbed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he spoke before Congress and sent a low-level politician to sit in her seat. During her first presidential bid, she did not attend the pro-Israel AIPAC convention, when nearly all the other candidates came to greet attendees. During that bid for the highest office, Harris received the endorsement from J Street, a notoriously anti-Israel group.

Biden, at one point, paused shipments of large munitions to Israel, but reversed course in September, sending armaments to fight Hamas, leaving some guessing if Harris would also flip-flop on this issue as president.

In addition, on Biden-Harris’ watch, on March 25, 2024, the United States abstained from voting on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, which called for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. This abstention allowed the resolution to pass, breaking with the previous U.S. policy of vetoing similar resolutions. The resolution did not condemn Hamas or explicitly condition the ceasefire on hostage release. 

Trump’s Record

Trump, on the other hand, touts his pro-Israel achievements, which include moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, standing up for Israel in the UN, recognizing Israel’s claim to the Golan, visiting Israel in his first 100 days as president, and brokering the Abraham Accords. 

Regarding Iran, both candidates have talked tough. Harris has backed the Biden administration’s efforts to counter Iranian aggression. While critics maintain that Biden began his presidency softening his stand on the Islamic Republic, originally intending to reboot the Obama-era negotiations with the ayatollahs.

For his part, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal – which he called a “disaster” – citing how it ultimately left Iran with more time and money to pursue nuclear weapons. This decision was met with mixed reactions. This time around, he has not said much about how he will deal with the largest sponsor of terror. 

Combatting Anti-Semitism

Combating anti-Semitism presents another key challenge. Harris has forcefully condemned attacks on Jews and supported efforts to fight hate. Trump’s record is similar, yet critics point to his divisive remarks that some argue trivialize anti-Semitism.

“She’s totally against the Jewish people,” Trump declared of Harris, at the July 24, North Carolina campaign rally. He told a New York radio station on July 30, “Number one, she doesn’t like Israel. Number two, she doesn’t like Jewish people.” In other interviews, Trump said that Jews who support Democrats should “have their head examined,” and he called New York Senator Charles E. Schumer – also Senate Majority Leader – “A proud member of Hamas.”

Meanwhile controversial podcaster Candace Owens, who has been accused of slurring Israel and the Jewish people, was to appear alongside Donald Trump Jr. at a recent campaign event, but was removed from the slate due to pressure from Jewish Republicans. The former president also raised eyebrows when hosting rapper Kanye West at his estate, despite it being known that the entertainer had made anti-Semitic remarks. 

On the Democrat’s side, it is no less controversial. 

Regarding Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, CNN’s John King told Anderson Cooper, “He’s Jewish – there could be some risk in putting him on the ticket,” referring to Shapiro being shortlisted as the potential vice-presidential candidate. In a video podcast for The Free Press, Newsweek editor Batya Ungar-Sargon was certain that Shapiro was not chosen because of anti-Semitism in the Democratic party. 

Certain fringe elements of the Democrats have been staunch and fierce in their opposition to Israel, including the small group in Congress known as “The Squad,” rarely admonished by the leaders of their party. The Democrats even gave a podium at the Democratic National Convention to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who in a House floor speech accused Israel of committing genocide, said that Israel was “occupied Palestine,” and advocated for military aid to be withheld. 

Responding to Israel’s Enemies and the “Two State Solution”

In Oct. 2023, thirteen progressive Democratic lawmakers signed a petition for a ceasefire in Gaza (code for Hamas to re-arm and re-attack). Neither the president nor the vice president spoke out. 

Harris expressed a “both sides” statement when commenting on anti-Israel protesters: “They are showing exactly what the human emotion should be, as a response to Gaza,” Harris told The Nation. “There are things some of the protesters are saying that I absolutely reject, so I don’t mean to wholesale endorse their points. But we have to navigate it. I understand the emotion behind it.” Her vice-presidential nominee, Tim Walz, said in a radio interview that anti-Israel protesters are “speaking out for all the right reasons,” and that more pressure should be applied to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a Palestinian state.

Regarding a potential peace agreement, Harris has expressed repeated support for a “two-state solution” while emphasizing Israel’s security needs. Trump – who during his first term proposed a map of two states, and never heard back from the Palestinians – decided then to bypass the Palestinians, to normalize Israel’s relations with Arab states, such as UAE, Morocco, Sudan, and Bahrain.

Ultimately, while both candidates profess support for Israel, their differing worldviews and political pressures could lead to divergent approaches on key issues affecting U.S.-Israel relations. Voters will need to carefully consider how each candidate might navigate these complex challenges.

To get a well-rounded approach, Community Magazine interviewed Dov Hikind, former local New York State Assemblyman (1983-2018); syndicated columnist and political strategist, Warren Kinsella; and U.S.-Israeli presidential scholar and author Gil Troy, to get their take on the candidates’ records and how their policies might affect Jews in the U.S., and Israel.

Dov Hikind

“I always supported the person who I thought was best for America, for the Jewish community, never really a Republican, or Democrat,” Hikind stated. “I always said publicly, without hesitation, that I am a Jew, period. And what’s best for our people is what determines what my position is, nothing else, and it’s that simple.” Hikind is now a registered Republican, but served as an elected official for 36 years as a Democrat.

Hikind added that he understands those who hesitate to back Trump, being “concerned about a guy who behaves sometimes in a way that is really not cool. It’s not acceptable, it’s not proper, it’s not the way we want our kids to behave, much less an adult.”

But the alternative is worse: “The idea of a Harris administration scares the daylights out of me, without a question. To so many of us, Trump was a better friend to Israel. And if you were to ask me, who was the second best, the third best, it would be Donald Trump. That’s how good he was.” 

Hikind is heartened when scores of non-Jewish Republican lawmakers across the country support Israel – some who have few Jews in their state. “They are so on target when it comes to American support for Israel, recognizing who we’re dealing with. They know you can’t compromise with terrorists.”

Though President Biden unabashedly calls himself a Zionist, Hikind doubts Harris will be so bold. 

From funding the United National Relief Works Agency – that has had terrorists on its bankroll – to holding back shipments of weapons to Israel, Hikind said the Biden-Harris policies needed to tilt to the radicals because they believe, “If we’re going to win in a very close race, we need them on our side.”

Though, for Hikind, Israel is not the only big issue – he believes Trump would also be the best candidate regarding the issues of crime, border patrolling, and national security.

“I know that a lot of people, every presidential election, call it [the election] ‘consequential.’ And I never have called any election consequential. I actually believe this one is.” 

Warren Kinsella

Warren Kinsella is the founder and president of Daisy Consulting Group, a Toronto-based firm that engages in paid political campaign strategy work, lobbying, and communications. He was a partner at the law firm of McMillan Binch, in its Public Policy Group, and has also worked as a consultant, journalist, and political Chief of Staff. In 2020, he worked in several states on the victorious Biden-Harris campaign and is now canvasing for Kamala Harris.

Concerning Iran, Kinsella noted that in early September, Avril Hanes, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI is a senior cabinet-level U.S. government official) issued a series of statements that confirmed the Islamic Republic was actively and presently funding protests against the United States, and funding efforts to destabilize American democracy. Around the same time, the Justice Department revealed that it was holding Iran responsible for terrorism that led to the murder of American citizens.

A prospective President Harris would not be able to contradict what the intelligence establishment has concluded, Kinsella said. “There’s no way you can normalize relationship with a nation that is engaged in destabilizing your democracy, period. There may have been a desire within the Democratic Party to lower the heat with Iran. Those days are now gone,” he said.

“So, just by virtue of the statements and the actions of the U.S. government, the U.S. government cannot now turn around and adopt a conciliatory approach towards Iran.” 

Kinsella is certain that a Harris presidency would take anti-Semitism seriously, as Harris is married to a Jewish man, and has been to Israel more times than her husband.

“She may not identify as a Zionist in the way Biden does, but you know, by her words and her actions [she shows she is], I draw comfort from that.”

Regarding support for the Gaza war, Kinsella touted that in early September the Biden administration sent $25 billion in military hardware to Israel, and a U.S. Battle Group – “the biggest military formation you can possibly have, to the Mediterranean to ensure that Hamas and Iran do not ramp up their attacks on Israel.”

“That’s not the action of an anti-Semite,” Kinsella said. 

In terms of The Squad, the Democrats have “already run candidates, moderate, centrist, pro-Israel candidates, against those people. And those people have lost their nominations, so they’re gone. So, they’re doing it. They may not be doing it out in public, you know, with a meat cleaver, but they’re doing it.”

“AOC [Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her virulent anti-Semitism]

survived it, but so you know, that her position on a lot of stuff has become much more centrist than it was.”

Kinsella noted that at the Democratic National Convention the parents of Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin (who was held hostage by Hamas and was murdered in September), were given the podium, “and the whole place was crying.” 

“The Palestinian types were aggressively seeking a spot on the podium,” but were not permitted.

“Measure them by their actions,” Kinsella insisted. “Forget about their words, forget about their tweets, forget about what they put on Facebook and Instagram.”

As for the so-called “two-state solution” he said, “That’s gone for a long time, in my opinion. And she [Harris] knows that. As long as Hamas is in the picture, you’re just not going to have a two state solution.” 

Gil Troy

Gil Troy is an American presidential historian and is a popular commentator on politics and other issues. He is a professor of history at McGill University in Montreal. Troy noted that predicting Harris’s policy “is particularly difficult, because she’s made a conscious decision to try to obscure her positions. I don’t say that as a Democrat or Republican, I just say that as an observer.” 

“She’s chosen, tactically, to make this a politics of joy campaign,” he said, “and while there have been occasional ups and downs, fundamentally, each president has understood the importance of supporting Israel, and to the extent that Kamala Harris – part of the Democratic mainstream – one would bet smart money on that staying the same.” 

The fear is, both in tone and substance, Troy said. “As vice president, she definitely was very careful to distance herself just a little bit from her boss and be a little bit more of the bad cop to Joe Biden’s good cop when it came to Israel, and to be the one who made sure to try to open up some initiatives with the Arab Americans and Muslim Americans. So, to the Jewish community, that’s a source of concern, because it often was done in a very kind of tit-for-tat way, that established a moral equivalence between Israel, which was defending itself and fighting for its life, and Hamas, which was hiding behind civilians.”

The Party, in general, has become one with the “most vocal anti-Semitic and anti-Israel minority in the way the Republican Party had 30-40 years ago,” Troy said. He lamented that “not enough people in the Party have taken them on. She’s less likely than Trump to fight left-wing anti-Semitism.” 

What Troy referred to as a “Democratic blind spot” is the Party’s tendency, since the Obama administration, to “be less hard on the mullahs” with a foreign policy establishment that “have not done enough to use soft power to try to undermine the Iranian regime.” Troy said this limp-wrist response was demonstrated at two critical moments, in 2009’s Green Revolution, and then more recently under Biden, during the Mahsa Amini protests for women’s rights. Troy believes that a Trump administration would have seized the chance to ramp up pressure on Iran.

But when asked if there was a vulnerability that both candidates share concerning Israel, he said that they are both likely to want to claim a victory in pushing for an end to the war with Hamas and will exert pressure on Israel to do so. 

Troye is further worried that a Harris administration would be “so addicted to the two-state solution and October 6^th thinking,” flawed in the notion that “if the Palestinians only had a state, then it would all be good.”

“The smart money would definitely be,” he said, “Harris being stuck on that same 30-year-old failed vision and policy, not even being willing to open a taskforce to look at changing the language to ‘two democracies for two people,’ which would automatically put more pressure on Palestinians.” 

On Nov. 5th, the choice is yours – decide wisely, balancing what you want most in a candidate. Most importantly, exercise your right to cast your ballot.

Jenna Ashkenazie

Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of Jews owning guns. We are generally a peaceful group. However, with the rise of anti-Semitism and concern about the upcoming presidential election, more people are choosing to acquire guns in order to feel more secure, and to defend themselves and their families if needed, Gd forbid. 

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in favor of Americans’ right to carry guns in public. This decision impacted many states with stricter gun laws. In New Jersey, for example, in 2021, (the year before the ruling) 631 permits to carry guns were issued. In 2023, the number went up to 19,993, a whopping 3,000 percent increase! Prior to the Supreme Court decision, New Jersey residents seeking permission to carry a gun had to demonstrate they faced “specific threats or previous attacks” that presented a danger to their life. That requirement was struck down.

The number of New Yorkers applying for gun permits rose significantly as well. Last year, the NYPD License Division received 13,369 requests to possess a handgun or rifle at home – an 80 percent increase over the previous year. That’s nearly triple the applications received in 2019. The number of applications to carry concealed weapons in just January and February of this year already surpassed the total for the years 2019-2021 combined. 

Community Response to Gun Ownership

According to Mark Abady, co-owner of the shooting range WESHOOT,  in Lakewood, New Jersey, “It is important that every person has a plan in order to keep their families safe. To some, that means owning a gun, and learning how to shoot it.”  Abady maintains that although owning a gun might not be right for everyone, it can give people a sense of security during these times of animosity and uncertainty. “It [owning a gun] brings control, self-esteem, and confidence.”

John Deloca owns the Seneca Sporting Range in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and has seen a huge spike in customers buying guns and enrolling in classes for people wanting to obtain concealed weapons carry permits. He claims his customers want to arm themselves because they feel unsafe. “People are getting guns because everybody is out of control,” Deloca said. “We’re selling guns like pancakes.”

Has Gun Shooting Practice Gone Mainstream? 

 Not long ago it would have been a crazy idea to go to the shooting range for a date night. But WESHOOT thinks it’s a great idea. “New Jersey’s friendliest public indoor range” offers  a variety of fifty different lessons, “ranging from a simple date night at the range to going through all the training and paperwork to purchase and legally carry a gun.” Customers as young as ten years old are allowed to come shoot a few rounds. They must be accompanied by a legal guardian over 21.WESHOOT even offers a separate class for women. 

Covid, October 7^th, and the Upcoming Elections

Gun sales climbed nationally during the height of the pandemic. Mark Abady noted that both Covid and October 7^th prompted Orthodox Jews to look into gun ownership. He notes,  “Covid and October 7th brought a lot of people to train, buy, and conceal guns. About 40 percent of our clients are Orthodox Jews. With elections coming up, more and more people are looking into acquiring guns. The increase in gun ownership has in turn increased the number of WhatsApp group chats concerning guns.  People ask questions about different types of guns, the benefits of owning certain kinds of guns, and ask general questions about maintaining guns, or even obtaining a license.”   

Increased incidents of anti-Semitism throughout the U.S. have caused extra security precautions throughout the nation – at schools, shuls, Jewish community centers, and in general, buildings that have any sign of servicing the Jewish population. It is no wonder that individuals feel the effects of increased anti-Semitism, and look for ways to protect themselves, including taking self-defense classes, and looking to own a gun. Times of uncertainty naturally cause many to feel heightened anxiety. One response has been to seek protection in the form of firearms. In our community, we know that we are required to do our hishtadlut (make our own efforts) but we recognize that ultimately, our protection comes from Gd.

Rabbi David Sutton & Dr. David Katzenstein, LCSW-R

Contrary to contemporary postmodernist thought (which permeates our society and our approach to life) the idea that we should pursue all desires to our hearts’ content is actually antithetical to overall life satisfaction. The pursuit of desires often leads to excessive and unhealthy behaviors, creates unrealistic expectations, and can cause emotional distress when desires are not met.

Here are some risks associated with pursuing all of one’s desires:

Addiction: Engaging in excessive behavior to fulfill a desire can lead to addiction, which can negatively impact one’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Unfulfilled Expectations: Unrealistic expectations about fulfilling desires may lead to disappointment when those desires are not met, leading to emotional distress and to a decrease in overall happiness.

Ignoring Other Priorities: Pursuing desires at all costs can lead to ignoring other important aspects of life, such as one’s relationships, physical health, and personal growth.

Decreased Satisfaction: Excessive focus on external desires can cause decreased satisfaction and happiness in life.

Increased Stress: The pursuit of desires can also lead to increased stress levels, due to pressure to achieve those desires, and can lead to unrealistic expectations in connection with those desires.

A legend is told about the mighty Napoleon. While at war, he and his army found themselves within ten miles of a city famous for its cigars. Though Napoleon did not need to capture the town in order to succeed at war, he did want those cigars. So he made a detour. Who knows how many people he killed on the way, but he and his men captured this little city.

At long last, the moment arrived, and Napoleon’s second-in-command excitedly brought Napoleon a cigar. Napoleon put the cigar to his lips and just after the soldier had lit the cigar, suddenly, to the amazement of all those present, Napoleon broke the cigar in half and declared with conviction, “Napoleon will control the cigar. The cigar will not control Napoleon.”

When we let things control us, those things are not us. Those things are outside of us.

Once the Alter of Novaradok, Rav Yosef Yoizel Horowitz, was walking in the streets of Europe, when he saw a policeman walking with a thief. The two of them were handcuffed to each other. Embarrassed to be seen in this predicament, the thief announced to all who passed him, “I’m the officer and he’s the thief.”

When describing the scene, the Alter asked: How do we know who is telling the truth? He answered: The one who holds the keys to unlock the handcuffs is the one in control.

Though we may tell ourselves, “I’m in control. I can stop this anytime. I can lose ten pounds, quit my smoking habit,” and so on, the only way to know if we can do it, if we are really in control, is when we do it. Otherwise, we are being controlled.

Sam Sutton

The 2024 M&S Summer Softball season will forever be remembered as the year rookie captain Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda led his team, IDF, to a stunning World Series championship. From the first pitch in May, Beyda’s vision was clear: assemble a team that shared his intensity, passion, and desire to win the M&S Cup. The result was one of the most incredible runs in the league’s storied 17-year history.

Building the Roster

Beyda meticulously crafted his roster to mirror his competitive spirit. From speedy outfielders to hard-hitting sluggers and defensive stalwarts, each player fit into the grand design. In left field, the lightning-fast and tenacious Isaac Sasson patrolled the grass, while rising star David Buca Cohen locked down center field with his athleticism and range. The heart of the lineup revolved around slugger Bernie Pindek, whose power gave IDF a constant threat in the middle of the order.

At third base, Eric Cytryn, known for his clutch hitting and slick defense, anchored the hot corner and brought championship experience, having won the title in the previous season. Meanwhile, Yossi Abramson, a proven winner and a consistent force in right field, rounded out the outfield with his sure glove and veteran leadership.

In the infield, the soft-spoken yet impactful Joey “JoeCo” Cohen made the switch from shortstop to second base, instantly elevating the defense. His smooth fielding and quick throws complemented the infield perfectly. Longtime league veteran and future Hall of Famer Maurice Haber was the glue at first base, his steady presence on and off the field unifying the team. Jack Rueben Bibi, a versatile utility player, contributed invaluable perspective in the locker room, helping to maintain a calm and focused environment, while filling in wherever needed.

Behind the plate, Alfonse Missry was the heartbeat of the team, a gold glove-caliber catcher whose fiery personality injected energy into the dugout. Midseason acquisition Ricky “The Railroad” Rothstein was another rambunctious addition who made an immediate impact, especially in the postseason. Finally, the slick-fielding, clutch-hitting shortstop Mordy Chrem solidified the left side of the infield, rounding out what was, on paper, a championship-caliber roster.

A Humbling Regular Season and the Wild Card Push

Despite the talent on the roster, the regular season presented challenges. After a hot start, IDF hit a bump in the final week of the regular season, suffering a devastating loss that pushed them into the Wild Card round. That defeat was a humbling experience, but it also ignited the fire that would fuel their historic playoff run.

The Wild Card round was a test of resilience. Following a series of play-in games that determined the final postseason matchups, IDF was set to face the Bleacher Creatures. The stakes were high, but Beyda’s squad was not fazed. In fact, they dominated, winning in a blowout, 14-3, as their offense exploded and their defense held firm. It was a statement victory, and it sent a clear message to the rest of the league: IDF was not going to go down easily.

A Thrilling Semi-Final Battle

The semi-finals featured one of the most thrilling series in M&S history, as IDF took on the top-seeded Sarah’s Kibbes team. This was no ordinary matchup – Sarah’s Kibbes had been dominant all season, and many expected them to cruise to the finals. But IDF, having regained its confidence, was ready for the challenge.

Game One saw both teams trading blows in a back-and-forth contest, but it was Game Two that cemented this series as one for the ages. In a gut-wrenching 13-inning marathon, IDF emerged victorious, sealing the series and punching their ticket to the World Series. It was a battle of wills, and Beyda’s leadership and his team’s resilience shone through. The young captain was now back where he had set his sights all season: the World Series.

The World Series: A Matchup for the Ages

In the final showdown, IDF faced off against the Predators, captained by the legendary Michael Sabon Salomon and featuring MVP favorite Mark Barsano. This was no ordinary matchup – the Predators also had Hall of Famer Allie Marshal and last year’s World Series-winning pitcher, Yitz Sutton, on their side. Sutton had already made history by pitching the only known perfect game in World Series history, and he was looking to repeat the feat as champion.

Game One saw the Predators jump out to an early 3-0 lead, but IDF, as they had all season, refused to back down. Ricky “The Railroad” Rothstein delivered a pivotal triple into the left-field gap, setting the stage for IDF to get on the board. A sacrifice fly brought in their first run, and the momentum shifted. Cytryn drove in another run in the fifth inning, and Joey “JoeCo” Cohen added a clutch two-RBI base hit, giving IDF the lead.

The Predators had a chance to tie the game in the seventh inning with runners on second and third and nobody out. A sacrifice fly appeared to score the tying run, but the celebration was short-lived as the umpires convened and ruled that the runner had left third base early. IDF held on to steal Game 1, and suddenly, the Predators were on the ropes.

Game 2: The Championship Moment

In Game Two, IDF came out firing, building an early 4-0 lead. The Predators, however, were not ready to fold. They chipped away, cutting the lead in half by the sixth inning, setting up another dramatic finish. With two outs in the seventh, the Predators loaded the bases, bringing up their best hitter, Mark “Bam” Barsano. In a moment that would define the series, Barsano smoked a ball to third base, but Eric Cytryn – whose defense had been stellar all season – made an incredible behind-the-head catch and quickly tagged out Alan Jemal to end the game and the series.

The improbable run was complete. Edmund Beyda, in just his first year as captain, had led his team to a World Series title. It was Beyda’s second M&S Cup as a player, but this one, as captain, meant so much more.

The Legacy of the 2024 IDF Team

The IDF’s victory in the 2024 M&S World Series was not just about winning a title. It was about perseverance, resilience, and believing in a team when others doubted them. Beyda’s leadership, the clutch performances from players like Rothstein and Cytryn, and the steady presence of veterans like Haber and Bibi, created a championship-caliber atmosphere that carried them through the toughest moments.

As the dust settled on the field and the IDF players celebrated into the night, it became clear that this team had etched its name into M&S history. The 2024 season was a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and a captain who refused to let his dream slip away.

The 17th season of M&S concluded with one of the most unforgettable championship runs ever, and the next chapter is eagerly awaited. For now, though, the IDF can bask in the glory of being the 2024 M&S World Series champions.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

Albert is a first responder. He is on call three times a week, ready to jump to the rescue and save people’s lives. He loves his volunteer work and has saved many lives over the years. Albert presented me with the following dilemma: “Rabbi, is there any obligation to rescue people who willingly enter into dangerous situations? Am I responsible to help people who act in a reckless fashion, given that they are not willing to help themselves? And what about Shabbat? I know I’m obligated to desecrate Shabbat to save someone’s life, but does this apply even when someone deliberately endangers themselves?”

Torah Sources

The source of the Torah obligation to take action to save another person’s endangered life is the pasuk, “You shall not stand idly by the blood of another (Vayikra 19:16).” So to rephrase Albert’s question in terms of the pasuk, the question becomes:  Does this mitzva still apply when a person willingly endangers their life?

There is an additional source that one must act to save a fellow man’s endangered  life. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 73a) reasons that if we are obligated to perform hashavat aveda – to return lost property to its rightful owner, all the more so we are obligated to “return” a fellow man’s most precious possession, namely his life itself.

Picking up on this second source, the Minhat Hinuch (237:1) argues that there is no obligation to save the life of a person who deliberately threatened his wellbeing by behaving in a reckless and dangerous manner.  Since the halacha clearly states that one is not required to return lost property that was deliberately lost by its owner (HM 261:4), by extension one need not return the possession of life that was deliberately endangered by its “owner.”

Hacham Ovadia’s Ruling

Hacham Ovadia, zt”l, (Yabia Omer, OC 8:37) however, disagrees. He argues that there is a fundamental distinction between saving lost property and saving an endangered life. Whereas a person is the owner of his monetary possessions, he is not the “owner” of his life. While a person has the right to do as he pleases with his own money, he does not have the right to act recklessly and deliberately risk his life. As the Radbaz (Commentary to the Rambam, Sanhedrin 18:6) writes, “A person’s neshama it not his personal property, it’s the property of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, as the pasuk states, ‘The nefashot belong to Me’ (Yehezkel 18:4).” Therefore, even when a person acts recklessly and disregards his own life – one remains fully responsible to the Divine owner and is still obligated to save him. 

(Although we do not have the right to needlessly endanger our lives, we have explained elsewhere that it is sometimes permitted to entertain a small risk in order to obtain a meaningful positive outcome. For example, to donate a kidney or to undergo elective plastic surgery.)

Hacham Ovadia goes further, insisting that one even desecrate Shabbat to save the life of a person who has acted recklessly. This follows Maran Hida (Birke Yosef, OC 301:6), who writes, “It is obvious that we desecrate Shabbat even for someone who deliberately endangered their life.”  They reject the ruling of Responsa Shevut Yaakov (1:16) that one may not desecrate Shabbat in such instances.  

Hacham Ovadia’s ruling underscores how Judaism views every human life as precious and invaluable. “Whoever saves a single life is considered as if they saved an entire world (Sanhedrin 4:5).” “Guard yourself and exceedingly safeguard your soul (Devarim 4:9)” – do your utmost  to preserve and protect human life (see Brachot 32b). 

In light of the above, the answer to Albert’s question is that the mitzvah to save human life applies, even to someone willingly endangers their life, and even on Shabbat.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer, and author on Medical Halacha. He heads the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, email rabbi@torathabayit.com.

Pnina Souid

The Mitzvah Man received a beautiful letter on August 21st. The letter presented below emphasizes how our contributions to this incredible organization truly impact the lives of others. The dedicated Mitzvah Man volunteers give with their hearts and souls to make a difference in the lives of those in need, including individuals living with serious challenges.

Dear Mitzvah Man Organization,

I am writing to encourage every community member, no matter where they are, to donate to the Mitzvah Man Organization.

Let me tell you the story of a boy named Moishy, who, due to unfortunate circumstances, was sent by his parents to live in a government-run home. 

Moishy is now 17 years old and is the only Jewish boy in the assisted-living home where he resides.

It is a miracle that Moishy still does his best to keep kosher and to go to shul,  a block-and-a-half away from the assisted-living home. Rabbi Shimon Hecht, founder of Chabad of Park Slope and Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Jacob, invites Moishy over every Shabbat.

Look how Hashem watches out for this neshama!

Let’s hear how  the Mitzvah Man Organization stepped up to the plate for Moishy.

Some time ago I called the Mitzvah Man hotline and asked for help to provide Hanukah presents for Moishy. The Mitzvah Man surprised Moishy in school and brought many toys that Moishy had dreamed about but never thought he would have himself.

Now Moishy is older, and needs more help. I turned to the Mitzvah Man Organization again.

Within five minutes of my phone call, I received a list of people willing to help Moishy get a particular toy and money for yom tov clothes. The hesed of the Mitzvah Man volunteers is unbelievable.

I want to personally thank the Mitzvah Man and his volunteers for showing this young man that there are still people who care for him.

I’m begging everyone, near and far, to support this great cause. The Mitzvah Man Organization is truly a lifesaver for those who are less fortunate than we are.

I wish everyone who does hesed like this to have only beracha, mazal, parnassa, and long life to continue to help others. 

Help a Jewish soul TODAY!!!

Sincerely,

B. Teitlebaum

When we think of the celebration of Sukkot, we naturally think of meals in the sukkah, waving the arba minim (four species), and the special prayers, such as the Hoshanot, which we recite while carrying the arba minim around the synagogue.

In the times of the Bet Hamikdash, however, this special holiday had additional features.  For example, an unusually large number of sacrifices were offered on each of the seven days of Sukkot, including a total of 70 bulls.  And, there was an especially intriguing ritual performed each day called nisuch hamayim – the water libation.

Throughout the year, many sacrifices – including the daily tamid sacrifice – were accompanied by a wine libation, the pouring of wine into a special pipe on the altar.  Each day of Sukkot, at the time of the daily wine libation, water was poured, as well.

On one level, the purpose of this mitzvah relates to the theme of water that features prominently on Sukkot.  The Mishna (Rosh Hashanah 16a) teaches that on Sukkot, which is observed at the onset of autumn, the world is judged with regard to rainfall, as to whether or not sufficient rain will fall during the winter months.  Hence, we approach Gd with a sample of the different types of vegetation (the four species) that depend on rain, and we pour water on the altar, as a means of praying for rain.

Additionally, however, there is deeper significance to the nisuch hamayim on Sukkot, one which gives us a more profound understanding of the nature of this special Yom Tov.

Mixing the Water with the Wine

Let us begin by noting a number of surprising features of the water libation that was performed on Sukkot.

First, the Mishnah (Sukkah 48b) teaches that the tube into which the water was poured over the altar was slightly thinner than the tube used for the standard wine libations.  The reason is that water is more fluid than wine, and flows more rapidly.  In order for the wine and water to descend simultaneously, it was necessary for the water pipe to be somewhat thinner than the pipe used for the wine.

This halachah, of course, works off the assumption that it was important for these two liquids to descend at the same time.  But the Mishnah does not explain why.  For what reason did the wine and water need to flow down to the bottom of the Temple courtyard at the same time?  Would it matter if the water flowed more quickly than the wine?  Moreover, why was it even necessary for the wine libation and water libation to be performed at the same time?  Why are these two linked at all?  Why couldn’t the special Sukkot libation with water be done after the daily wine libation?

This question is compounded by Rashi’s controversial opinion regarding these two pipes.  In explaining this Mishna, Rashi writes that although the wine and water were poured into separate tubes, these tubes then merged together, combining the wine and water.  According to Rashi, then, not only were these two libations performed simultaneously, but they were specifically intended to mix the two liquids, which then descended as a blended mixture down into the drainage system underneath the Bet Ha’mikdash.  Although Tosafot and other commentators challenge Rashi’s position, his view needs to be understood.  What connection is there between the daily wine libation and the special water libation performed on Sukkot?  Why did they need to be mixed?

The answer begins by an examination of the Biblical source of the nisuch hamayim obligation.

Nowhere does the Torah explicitly command pouring water on Sukkot – which is why, incidentally, the heretical Sadducee sect (“Tzedukim”), who rejected the rabbinic oral tradition, and followed only the strict, literal meaning of the text – opposed this practice.  However, the sages found a number of subtle references to nisuch hamayim, one of which appears in the command to offer wine libations to accompany the daily tamid sacrifice.  The Torah speaks of this daily wine libation with the seemingly repetitive expression “hasech nesech” (Bamidbar 28:7).  The rabbis inferred that the terms “hasech” and “nesech” refer to two different libations: the standard wine libation, which accompanied the tamid offering each day of the year, and the additional water libation which was done on the seven days of Sukkot.

It turns out, then, that the Torah introduces the mitzvah of nisuch hamayim in the context of the daily wine libations.  From the sages’ reading of “hasech nesech” it seems clear that the nisuch hamayim obligation is required on Sukkot as part of the daily wine libations.  This is not a separate mitzvah that is observed on Sukkot, like eating in the sukkah and waving the four species.  Rather, the Torah commands that on Sukkot we perform the daily libations in a unique fashion – together with water. 

This easily explains why the water libation was performed on Sukkot simultaneously with the regular wine libations, and why, according to Rashi, these liquids were actually mixed together.  The Torah precisely commands that on Sukkot, the standard wine libation accompanying the tamid sacrifice must be performed in a special way – together with wine.  The mitzvah is precisely to mix these two liquids.

Diluting Judgment with Mercy

What remains to be understood, then, is the meaning behind this mixing of water and wine.  Earlier, we mentioned that the obligation of nisuch hamayim is part of our prayer for plentiful rain during the winter months.  But if this were the full extent of the meaning behind nisuch hamayim, then why would the Torah require mixing it with wine? 

The rabbis explained that the mixing of the wine and water on Sukkot symbolizes the kabbalistic notion of mituk hadinim – the “sweetening of the judgments.”  Like all kabbalistic teachings, this concept lies well beyond the grasp of our limited comprehension.  Nevertheless, we will endeavor to understand the idea behind mituk hadinim on a level that is accessible to us.

Throughout the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays), we are subject to dinim – harsh judgment.  We are all guilty of certain misdeeds, and thus during this period of din (judgment), when Gd applies strict justice, we face the risk of being found culpable and deserving of punishment, Heaven forbid.  Therefore, during the Yamim Noraim, we are in a state of fear, and we repent and beseech Gd for forgiveness in an effort to protect ourselves from the dinim.

We might have thought that once Yom Kippur ends, and we begin the festive season of Sukkot, the force of the dinim no longer prevails, and we now enter a period characterized by compassion and grace.  But in truth, the dinim remain in force even during Sukkot.  However, instead of responding with fear, attempting to shield ourselves from the dinim, we are able to “sweeten” them, and transform the harsh judgment into kindness.  This is because on Sukkot, we come before Hashem not with fear, but rather with joy.  The Talmud famously teaches that repenting out of fear has the effect of erasing our guilt, but repentance driven by genuine love of Hashem goes even further – actually transforming our guilts into merits.  When we joyously celebrate our relationship with Gd, we not only earn forgiveness, but earn His special love and affection.

We need the period of fear, the days of the Yamim Noraim, to begin our process of repentance and change.  The prospect of harsh judgment shakes us from our complacency, and motivates us to take steps to improve.  But once we complete this stage, we advance to the next stage, which is teshuvah me’ahavah – repentance out of love.  On Sukkot, instead of reflecting on our wrongdoing and wallowing in remorse, we festively rejoice over the great privilege we have to serve our compassionate, loving Creator.  And this joy brings us much more than forgiveness – it achieves the “sweetening of judgments,” the transformation of our guilt into sources of merit, thus bringing us great blessings.

This is symbolized by the merging of the wine and the water on the altar.  The red wine signifies harsh judgment, whereas the fresh, life-sustaining water represents love and mercy.  The joy of Sukkot, the exhilaration of our relationship with Hashem, has the effect of pouring “water” onto the “wine,” in a sense “diluting” the judgments, thereby arousing Gd’s love, compassion and kindness, which we hope will remain with us throughout the coming year.

Why is this so important for us to know?

There is an unfortunate phenomenon of “High Holiday Jews,” of Jews whose attendance in synagogue and general involvement is limited to the Yamim Noraim.  I want to emphasize that these Jews should be warmly welcomed and made to feel at home; no Jew should ever be made to feel uncomfortable in the synagogue or at any religious function because of his or her level of observance.  However, this phenomenon is most unfortunate – not only because our religion is relevant to our lives each and every day of the year, but also because the Jewish experience must never be seen as focused primarily on fear.  Torah life is not about being scared, about avoiding the wrath of a harsh, mean, vengeful Deity.  Quite to the contrary, Torah life is meant to provide unparalleled joy, fulfillment and meaning.  Observing the frightening Yamim Noraim without then festively celebrating Sukkot and Simhat Torah is like stopping in the middle of a trip without reaching the destination.  The dread and fear of judgment is meant to be followed by a period of unbridled joy, celebrating our special relationship with Hashem.

The special “sweetness” of Sukkot reminds us that Jewish life is to be joyous, vibrant and full of positive energy.  It prepares us for cold, dark, dreary winter months by injecting within us a healthy dose of enthusiasm and rigor, reminding us that we are privileged to live as Gd’s faithful service, and to thus be worthy of His unlimited blessings.