Virus reminds us G‑d's in charge
With terrorist threats being reported daily we wonder about the safety of our great country. From New York to California unprecedented precautions are taken. The costs are staggering, running into the billions of dollars. Ironically, with all the newest scientific advances in security we still find ourselves inundated with terrorist threats. We fear and wonder where the next attack will take place?
Ona national and local level, our political leaders run hot and cold. One day the Department of Homeland Security raises the danger level code and the day after they lower it. The system used is a mystery to the public. Homeland Security leadership uses old and new reports in making the decisions, making it haphazard. But the most glaring and frightening fact is there is no way to protect ourselves from terrorists.
Modern man thinks that he can protect himself. He uses smart bombs, night vision goggles, metal detectors, X-ray machines, and thermal-heat detectors, but as is said in Yiddish folklore, "Mentch tracht – Gott lacht - Man thinks and G‑d laughs." G‑d shows the frailty and limitations of humans by producing a special weapon that truly humbles us.
It is called the West Nile Virus. A tiny mosquito that regularly infects birds spreads the virus. When the mosquito stings a person it spreads a flu-like symptom, often weakness, fever, headaches, vomiting, rash, even meningitis and encephalitis. From coast to coast there have been reported deaths. For some the visitation of this this tiny mosquito causes more fear than al-Qaida or the Chechen rebels. There is no safety net or homeland security for this alarming malady.
What lesson can we learn from this phenomenon?
We live in enlightened times. Scientific knowledge has achieved goals of unprecedented levels. Unbelievably we sent the Cassini Saturn space probe some 2.2 billion miles at a speed of 54,000 miles per hour! Super computers have been likened to human beings with the powers of artificial intelligence.
In the medical field, we have wiped out many diseases such as smallpox, polio, typhoid and many infectious diseases once thought incurable. Major fertility problems are now almost a thing of the past. There are monumental breakthroughs in stem cell research and cloning. For humans, longevity is on the horizon.
Yet, imagine, with all that unprecedented knowledge it is still difficult to be protected from a tiny mosquito!
The Almighty’s message is we are not in full control.
We cannot completely control our earthly environment. We may think we are in control, but when the mosquito comes around, or the horrific hurricanes on the Florida coast, we ought to get the message.
It's been said that in ancient times G‑d cursed the Nile River. It produced the plagues of blood and frogs. Now we may have a new Nile plague, the West Nile Virus. This reminds us of the greatness of G‑d and the puniness of man.
I say don’t worry about terrorists, al-Qaida, or the West Nile Virus. It doesn’t help. If you want to worry, then worry about the things you can change. Care for those that have less then you. Show compassion for your fellow human beings. If you haven't until now, then make amends. Have a positive attitude and ask G‑d for forgiveness.
Being positive and happy is the only way to deal with the worries of danger.
Wednesday night is the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. It marks the creation of the world. As the holiday also marks the birth of mankind, it can be anybody’s holiday. There is no Jewish monopoly.
May I suggest celebrating the new year by having a festive meal with friends and neighbors. Pray for the safety of our men and woman overseas. Pray for the welfare of our country and elected officials. Adopt the Jewish custom of dipping an apple or challah in honey with the vision of happiness and a sweet new year.
Best wishes for a sweet new year to all of you.
On a national and local level, our political leaders run hot and cold. One day the Department of Homeland Security raises the danger level code and the day after they lower it. The system used is a mystery to the public. Homeland Security leadership uses old and new reports in making the decisions, making it haphazard. But the most glaring and frightening fact is there is no way to protect ourselves from terrorists.
Modern man thinks that he can protect himself. He uses smart bombs, night vision goggles, metal detectors, X-ray machines, and thermal-heat detectors, but as is said in Yiddish folklore, "Mentch tracht – Gott lacht - Man thinks and G‑d laughs." G‑d shows the frailty and limitations of humans by producing a special weapon that truly humbles us.
It is called the West Nile Virus. A tiny mosquito that regularly infects birds spreads the virus. When the mosquito stings a person it spreads a flu-like symptom, often weakness, fever, headaches, vomiting, rash, even meningitis and encephalitis. From coast to coast there have been reported deaths. For some the visitation of this this tiny mosquito causes more fear than al-Qaida or the Chechen rebels. There is no safety net or homeland security for this alarming malady.
What lesson can we learn from this phenomenon?
We live in enlightened times. Scientific knowledge has achieved goals of unprecedented levels. Unbelievably we sent the Cassini Saturn space probe some 2.2 billion miles at a speed of 54,000 miles per hour! Super computers have been likened to human beings with the powers of artificial intelligence.
In the medical field, we have wiped out many diseases such as smallpox, polio, typhoid and many infectious diseases once thought incurable. Major fertility problems are now almost a thing of the past. There are monumental breakthroughs in stem cell research and cloning. For humans, longevity is on the horizon.
Yet, imagine, with all that unprecedented knowledge it is still difficult to be protected from a tiny mosquito!
The Almighty’s message is we are not in full control.
We cannot completely control our earthly environment. We may think we are in control, but when the mosquito comes around, or the horrific hurricanes on the Florida coast, we ought to get the message.
It's been said that in ancient times G‑d cursed the Nile River. It produced the plagues of blood and frogs. Now we may have a new Nile plague, the West Nile Virus. This reminds us of the greatness of G‑d and the puniness of man.
I say don’t worry about terrorists, al-Qaida, or the West Nile Virus. It doesn’t help. If you want to worry, then worry about the things you can change. Care for those that have less then you. Show compassion for your fellow human beings. If you haven't until now, then make amends. Have a positive attitude and ask G‑d for forgiveness.
Being positive and happy is the only way to deal with the worries of danger.
Wednesday night is the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. It marks the creation of the world. As the holiday also marks the birth of mankind, it can be anybody’s holiday. There is no Jewish monopoly.
May I suggest celebrating the new year by having a festive meal with friends and neighbors. Pray for the safety of our men and woman overseas. Pray for the welfare of our country and elected officials. Adopt the Jewish custom of dipping an apple or challah in honey with the vision of happiness and a sweet new year.
Best wishes for a sweet new year to all of you.