Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna Niguel – A word from the Rabbi

Dear friend,

Last week, former Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzchak Shamir, passed away
at the age of 96. Prime Minister Shamir was a paragon of strength and consistency. Escaping to Israel before the holocaust, in which he lost his entire family, he dedicated his life to Jewish peoplehood and our right to the land of Israel.

From his pre-state days as a freedom fighter against the British, to his
central role in the Mosad, to his success as a business man, and of course as a head of state, Shamir was a model of consistency and strength. Even the family name he chose, Shamir, indicated strength. The Shamir was the famous tool King Solomon used in the building of the Temple – “a rock that can cut every stone.”

I would like to share one example of Shamir’s character that left an impression on me. Throughout 1989-90, James baker and the United States’ State Department held up Israel’s loan guarantees and financial aid, in order to pressure Israel to make concessions at the Madrid conference when the whole world would be watching.

The conference opened on a Friday morning, with the participation of Prime Minister Shamir and the Israeli delegation. At lunch time on Friday, Prime Minister Shamir notified the conference organizers and the Baker State Department that he and his entire delegation would be heading back to Israel so they could be home on Friday before sundown. He assured them that they would return at the conclusion of Shabbat.

Shamir’s private level of religious observance, and the personal practice of his delegation was one thing. As the leader of the Jewish state, Shamir took a stand by adhering to the Jewish standards with pride.

This display of Jewish priorities and principles left an impact on Jewish people everywhere. It became clear to the organizers of the conference, whose goal was to pressure the prime minister into concessions, that Shamir could not be pressured, for he was answering to a higher authority.

May I suggest that in Shamir’s merit we strengthen one aspect of our
Shabbat observance this week. Some suggestions: Light Shabbat candles before sundown, celebrate Friday night dinner as a family, or even turn off the phone/TV/Computer. May Hashem bless Yitzchak Shamir’s soul and may his memory be an eternal inspiration.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mendy Paltiel

P.S. Interestingly enough, this week Israeli President Shimon Peres canceled his planned trip to the London Olympics which will take place on a Friday evening. Being that there are no hotels within walking distance of the ceremonies, the president didn’t want to publicly desecrate the shabbos. Click here to see the Jerusalem Post article.