To the Esteemed Klal Israel,
Shalom Aleichem. As we stand yearning for unity in our continuous journey of understanding and living Torah, I write to you with a heart full of humility and a mind seeking clarity and truth. Our sacred tradition, rooted in the Tanakh and primarily the Torah given to Moshe Rabbeinu at Sinai, is the bedrock of our identity, law, ethics, and aspirations. Yet, certain narratives and developments within our tradition raise profound questions that require our collective contemplation and dialogue. This letter seeks to address these concerns, not as a definitive decree but as an open invitation to explore, understand, and perhaps re-align our perspective in light of the Torah’s eternal wisdom.
The Authority and Role of Prophets
Our tradition reveres the prophets as HaShem’s (G-d) messengers, guiding us back to Torah’s path whenever we stray. However, the narrative involving Shmuel Hanavi (the prophet Samuel) and the appointment of the first king of Israel raises profound questions. While the Torah in Deuteronomy 17 seemingly permits the appointment of a king, Shmuel’s reaction to the people’s request and the subsequent declaration that HaShem was displeased with the people for requesting a human king (1 Samuel 8), which appears to conflict the sentiment of one of the very Mitzvot given by HaShem (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) and reaffirmed by Moshe Rabbeinu at the end of the 40 years in the wilderness prior to entering Jerusalem. This leads us to question: Was Shmuel expressing a divine message or his personal concern? Does this narrative reflect a conflict of interest given his sons’ misconduct and his role in anointing the king?
The Authenticity and Authority of the Davidic Dynasty
From Shmuel’s anointment of David, the Davidic dynasty has been central to our messianic hopes and national identity. Yet, how do we reconcile this with the Torah’s foundational status and its warnings against adding or detracting from the law (Deuteronomy 4:2)? The narrative and its implications, extensively elaborated upon in later writings and rabbinic literature, require us to critically examine the basis of the Davidic dynasty’s authority and its role in our national destiny and messianic aspirations.
The Nature of HaShem’s Complaint and Commandments
Shmuel’s assertion that HaShem was upset with the people’s desire for a king, as it was a rejection of His kingship, stands in stark contrast to the Torah’s commandment to appoint a king upon entering the land. This discrepancy leads us to question the nature of divine commandments and complaints. How do we understand the apparent contradiction between a divine commandment in the Torah and the reported divine complaint through a prophet? Why would HaShem complain about His people’s attempt to obey the Truth imparted to us in His Torah? Does this reflect a deeper, perhaps esoteric, aspect of divine command and human agency, or is it an issue of prophetic interpretation and context? The last thing we want to suspect are the wayward intentions of a prophet, or even a political coup, a maneuver to occupy people of Israel through strongholds. But let’s be honest, we’re currently experiencing power struggles to this very day in Israel. A quote comes to mind: “is there anything new under the sun?”.
In seeking answers to these questions, we turn first and foremost to the Torah, the immutable word of HaShem given to Moshe Rabbeinu and all of Israel. The Torah is our ultimate authority, and any interpretation or narrative from the Prophets and Writings must be reconciled with its principles and laws. While the Nevi’im and Ketuvim are integral parts of our sacred texts, providing historical, ethical, and spiritual insights, their interpretation must always align with the Torah’s teachings, and essence.
Comparing HaShem’s Word in Prophetic Declarations
In the Tanakh, the manner in which prophets convey messages from HaShem often carries a solemn and authoritative introduction, such as “Thus says the Lord” or “Thus declares the Lord of Hosts,” highlighting the divine origin of their prophecies. This form is prevalent in the writings of prophets like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Zechariah, Isaiah, and Malachi, each employing a unique formula that reflects their relationship with HaShem and the aspect of the Divine they are emphasizing. These introductions serve as a clear marker that what follows is not merely the prophet’s words but the divine will, commanding attention and obedience.
However, in the narrative context of 1 Samuel Chapter 8, the divine communication takes a slightly different form. Here, as Shmuel is confronted with the Israelites’ demand for a king, HaShem’s words are interwoven into the narrative, guiding, and instructing Shmuel on how to respond to the people’s requests. The dialogue is less formulaic and more conversational, fitting the historical and narrative style of the early prophets (Former Prophets). This distinction highlights the versatility and contextual nature of divine communication in the Tanakh, demonstrating that while the message always carries the weight of divine authority, its presentation adapts to the circumstances and literary style of each book.
Interpreting the Prophetic Narratives
The Tanakh is replete with prophetic narratives that guide, warn, and sometimes chastise the people of Israel. Understanding these narratives requires a careful and nuanced approach. The role of the prophet, as understood in our tradition, is not to introduce new laws and traditions but to guide the people back to the observance of the Torah. When encountering narratives like those involving Shmuel, we must ask: Are we interpreting the prophet’s words in light of the Torah’s eternal principles? Are we considering the historical and cultural context that might influence the message and its delivery?
The Davidic Dynasty and Messianic Expectation
The promise of a future redeemer from the lineage of David is a cornerstone of our faith. This expectation is deeply embedded in our prayers, our hopes, and our vision for the future. Yet, as we uphold this belief, we must also engage with the textual and historical foundations of the Davidic dynasty. How does the promise of a Davidic Mashiach (Messiah) align with the Torah’s laws and principles? How have our sages and commentators throughout the ages understood and elucidated this concept? Moreover, why? What benefit would one group have over the many others? The last thing anyone wants to suspect is foul intent, a great deception, or even a conspiracy.
2 Samuel 7:11-16, says: “The LORD declares to you that He, the LORD, will establish a house for you. When your days are done and you lie with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own issue, and I will establish his kingship. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish his royal throne forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to Me. When he does wrong, I will chastise him with the rod of men and the affliction of mortals; but I will never withdraw My favor from him as I withdrew it from Saul, whom I removed to make room for you. Your house and your kingship shall ever be secure before you; your throne shall be established forever.”
Is HaShem not all knowing? Of course He is. It would be heretical to say otherwise, yet we find “I will never withdraw My favor from him as I withdrew it from Saul, whom I removed to make room for you.” That is just troubling and an obvious contradiction. I’m sorry, but HaShem does not lie. It would appear that these aren’t the words of HaShem. Another troubling statement is “Your house and your kingship shall ever be secure before you,” as that is clearly not true. The Davidic dynasty has been nothing short of catastrophic since it’s inception, and anybody who can’t see that simply doesn’t understand their history, or they’re blinded by the bribe of the promises of a Machiach to come bail us Jews out. Clearly, HaShem has other ideas, as we’ve only been in exile for 2000 years to figure this out.
Warnings from Isaiah
Isaiah 10 is part of a larger series of oracles and rebukes addressed primarily to the Kingdom of Yehudah, warning against various forms of injustice and corruption. The immediate context is a continuation from Chapter 9, which describes the punishment that will come upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel and also touches upon the leaders of Judah for their arrogance and misdeeds. In Chapter 10, Isaiah turns his attention more directly to those in positions of power and authority within the society, specifically targeting the lawmakers and judicial authorities in Judah.
The “iniquitous decrees” and the writers who draft “oppression” are understood to be the judges, officials, or perhaps the scribes in Judah who are responsible for creating and enforcing unjust laws that oppress the poor and vulnerable. This critique is aimed at the misuse of power and the perversion of justice that leads to social inequity and suffering. Rather than upholding righteousness and fairness, these leaders and scribes are indicted for their role in institutionalizing injustice.
Thus, while the narrative speaks to a broader audience and has universal implications about justice and leadership, the immediate context and primary target of Isaiah’s rebuke in this verse are the leaders and officials of Yehudah, who are failing in their divine mandate to govern justly and uphold the law. The prophet’s words serve as a stern warning to them and a call for repentance and reform.
”When the real Mashiach comes, he will reestablish Torah truth. That’s the light everyone has been talking about, the light that’s coming down, as light signifies truth and when that day comes, every religion in the world is going to collapse like the house of cards they are and the only thing that will remain is the truth of HaShem, ‘Torah HaShem.’ Is that day today? No, but we’ve never been closer.” – MaBeYo
Yaakov’s Blessing to Yehudah
The blessings given to Yehudah by Yaakov, particularly the phrase “The scepter shall not depart from Yehudah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes,” have sparked deep theological discussions. This passage is traditionally understood to mean that leadership (denoted by the scepter) will remain with the tribe of Yehudah until “Shiloh” comes, a term often associated with the Mashiach. The ambiguity of “Shiloh” has led to various interpretations, but commonly it is seen as a messianic figure or an era of peace and prosperity.
The phrase suggests that while Yehudah will hold significant leadership and the lineage of kings, particularly noted with King David and the Davidic dynasty, the coming of the Mashiach (Shiloh) could potentially mark a shift or fulfillment of this leadership role. While the Davidic line is traditionally associated with the Mashiach in Jewish thought, the exact nature and origin of the Mashiach are subjects of much discussion and varied opinions.
Reconciling Divine Commandments and Complaints
One of the most perplexing issues arises from the narrative of the people’s request for a king and HaShem’s subsequent reaction through Shmuel. The Torah clearly allows for the appointment of a king under specific guidelines, yet the narrative in Shmuel presents HaShem as lamenting this request. This raises profound questions about the nature of divine commandments, the role of human agency, and the interpretation of divine displeasure. Are we to understand these divine complaints as literal, or might they represent a more complex interaction between divine will and human action? Did these complaints even occur?
The Need for Ongoing Dialogue and Study
The questions we face are not merely academic or historical curiosities; they are essential to our identity and our understanding of our covenantal relationship with HaShem. As such, they require ongoing dialogue, study, and contemplation within our communities. Let us approach these discussions with the seriousness and dedication they deserve, drawing upon the wealth of wisdom contained in our texts and the insights of our chacham (scholars).
Engaging with Tradition and Scholarship
In our quest to understand the complexities of our tradition, we must engage both with the rich corpus of Jewish scholarship and with contemporary academic studies. This includes the classical commentaries of our sages, as well as modern approaches to biblical criticism and historical research. While our commitment to Torah is unwavering, we recognize the value of understanding the historical, linguistic, and cultural context in which our sacred texts were written. This broader perspective can help us grapple with difficult questions and deepen our appreciation for the Torah’s eternal wisdom.
Addressing the Challenges of Leadership and Authority
The narratives concerning the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, and the role of prophets like Shmuel, bring to the forefront issues of leadership and authority in our tradition. These stories compel us to reflect on the qualities of righteous leadership, the responsibilities of those who hold authority, and the role of the community in holding leaders accountable. They also prompt us to consider how we, in our own time, can cultivate leaders who embody the values of Torah and who are dedicated to serving the community with integrity and humility.
Exploring the Depths of Divine Communication
The prophetic narratives in the Tanakh offer profound insights into the nature of divine communication. The dialogue between HaShem and His prophets, and between the prophets and the people, is rich with theological and ethical significance. As we study these texts, let us explore the multifaceted ways in which HaShem communicates His will, the challenges inherent in interpreting and conveying these divine messages, and the implications for our own relationship with the divine.
Committing to Communal Study and Action
The issues we are discussing are not merely theoretical; they have practical implications for our individual and communal lives. As we engage in this collective inquiry, let us also commit to action: to strengthening our study of Torah, to deepening our commitment to mitzvot, and to working together to build a community that reflects the justice, compassion, and holiness that the Torah teaches. Let this letter not only be a catalyst for discussion but also for renewed dedication to living out the values and commandments of our tradition.
Let’s reaffirm our commitment to the following principles:
1. Torah as the Foundation:Our discussion and inquiry must always be grounded in the Torah, the bedrock of our faith and law. Any interpretation or narrative from later texts must be reconciled with the principles and laws of the Torah.
2. Unity in Diversity:
While we may encounter diverse opinions and interpretations, let us maintain unity and respect within our community. The diversity of thought is a strength, not a weakness, of our tradition, as long as it is rooted in a sincere quest for truth and adherence to Torah values.
3. Humility and Openness:
Let us approach these questions with humility, recognizing the limits of our understanding and the vastness of the divine wisdom. Let us be open to new insights and willing to reconsider our assumptions in light of compelling evidence and reasoning.
4. Commitment to Ethical and Spiritual Growth:
Ultimately, our study and dialogue should lead to ethical and spiritual growth, drawing us closer to HaShem and to the realization of His will on earth. Let our discussions inspire us to greater adherence to the commandments, deeper compassion for others, and a more profound commitment to justice and righteousness.
Concluding Final Words
In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters of Klal Israel, the journey we are on is a challenging but deeply rewarding one. It is a journey that connects us to our ancestors, to our tradition, and to HaShem. As we navigate these complex issues, let us do so with faith, with courage, and with an unyielding commitment to truth and righteousness. May our discussions be blessed with sincerity and insight, and may they lead to a greater understanding and observance of the Torah. And may we soon see the fulfillment of our deepest hopes and prayers for redemption and peace.
This letter marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, a journey of discovery and understanding that we must acknowledge and undertake together as a community.
With the deepest respect, in pursuit of truth and unity,
– Dovid
[A Torah-Emet Seeking Individual from Klal Israel]
Thank once again. I have no word for this but i hope and pray for the progress of better understanding to the words of Hashem the torah by His beloved people yisrael. Thank you once again and more power.