Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech - Our Distress in Exile
by Rabbi Lobel

G-d tells Moses that, in the future, the Jewish people will rise and go astray. When that happens, He (G-d) will forsake the Children of Israel and “conceal his face from them”. The Jewish people will “become prey, suffer affliction and distress.” (Deuteronomy 31: 16-17)

The Daas Zekeinim explains that the double wording that Israel will “suffer affliction and distress”, means Israel's afflictions will be their distress.

The Daas Zekeinim further elaborates based on the Talmud (Avodah Zara 28b). “Warm things are good for a scorpion bite and cold things for a wasp bite; the reverse is dangerous.” If one was to receive a bite from a scorpion and wasp in the same area he would have no remedy. If the wasp bite is treated with cold, the scorpion bite will worsen and visa versa. So too the Jewish people, during exile, when they are afflicted by their enemies. If Israel protests, they risk enraging their enemies. If Israel remains silent, they risk inviting more attacks.

This is the plight of our Exile. G-d has “concealed his face”, He has distanced himself, and we have “become prey”. We can neither confront nor ignore our enemies and we have no place to hide. Our only salvation lies with Hashem.

Living in America and witnessing the rebirth of Israel, we sometimes forget how precarious our existence has been during the past two thousand years. And we forget how quickly our comfort and security can vanish. “Don’t place your trust in princes, in the son of man, for he does not have salvation.” (Psalms 146:3)

We live in Exile. However, as the Torah exclaims, “If you search for Him (G-d) you will find Him...When you are in anguish and all things have befallen you... you will return to G-d...and G-d will not ignore you.” (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

May G-d help us merit through Torah, mitzvoth, and unity that this year be the year of our redemption.