D’var Torah for the month of Teveth 5770‎

In last year’s D’var Torah for Teveth we discussed the Greek translation of the Torah, which was completed on the eighth of ‎Teveth, whereupon darkness descended on the world for three days

The Hellenistic idea of a united empire, united through cultural exchange, and the acceptance of the Greek language and ‎culture was at the root of this translation.‎

Our Sages, while expressing appreciation for the beauty of the Greek language, were aware of the danger of assimilation ‎that the Hellenistic culture posed to the Jewish way of life and to Judaism itself.‎

When we did not accept the blandishment, the lure of the beauty and the brilliance of the Hellenistic culture, and the ‎membership in this cultural union, the “friendly” hand took up the sword against us, and edicts of coercion, ‎against Jewish observance were legislated and enforced.‎

In our history this was not an isolated case of friendly overtures metamorphosing into enmity and hatred.  Indeed there have ‎been so many cases of bitter disappointment on record that we cannot help but be suspicious of declarations of friendship ‎and promises of support.‎

Speaking about friendship; it is interesting to note that the word 'HAVER' - friend, has many nuances.  Rabbi Yehoshua Ben ‎Perachya, in Avot‎ advises; accept a Rav, a teacher for yourself and acquire a ‎friend. A friend, ideally, is a person who understands you, empathizes with you, somebody who relieves your loneliness, ‎your isolation and your pain.  A friend shares your joy and is ready and willing to help when needed.‎

On the other hand in ‎the blessings of the morning we say; ‎

Distance us from an evil person and an evil companion.‎

The word ‎'HAVER' is not translated as friend.  If he is a ‎'HAVER RA' he is merely a companion.  The connection is not based on ‎mutual understanding or love.  It is rather a test of wills; the intention to control and subordinate the other.‎

And again we pray:‎

May it be Your will HaShem my God and the God of my forefathers, that You rescue me today and every day from… an evil ‎man, an evil companion…”‎

This prayer asking to be saved from the influence of evil companion is the prayer of many parents, who know that a child is eager ‎to accept the norms of behavior he sees practised by his friends and is likely to ignore the example of the parents.  This ‎prayer should be the prayer of businessmen; not to fall prey to scheming associates and partners.  This should be a prayer ‎of leaders of the community and of the country to be able to stand firm when dealing with enemies and even with friends.‎

May we conclude with the prayer for speedy redemption and ingathering of the exiles;‎

All Israel becoming true friends.‎

Miriam Hauer