The Phantom Menace

Copyright Rabbi Eli Hecht
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A strange menace has attacked our citizens.  Thousands of people all across America have called in sick.  It has been reported that hundreds of millions of dollars have been lost in the work sector.  Telephones, answering machines, beepers are not answered, fax messages are not returned.  Sleepless nights and large amounts of money are being spent in a buying frenzy. Talk shows and major magazines are doing in depth stories.  Religious leaders are concerned and have issued explanations.  What is the cause of all this? 

A George Lucas Star Wars movie called "The Phantom Menace." 

World events, the NATO war in Kosovo, recent elections in Israel, and school shootings are all on hold.  Americans take time off from work and view this space fantasy as the most important deed for the country.  What in the world is happening to us? 

The movie opened on limited screens and became a weekend sellout. Yes, attention should be given to the film.  A $100 million is a very high amount of money spent on Yoda and Luke Skywalker.  What attraction and message are out there in space for us earth people?

  The old story of a father, Darth Vader, who falls to evil, the dark side, and is challenged by his son, Luke Skywalker, is extraordinary. The concept of "the force," an energy field created by all living things is almost mystical. The names Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, Hans Solo and C-3PO are definitely not from this world.

In almost all the George Lucas films  we are told of a wicked father, Darth Vader, an evil leader, the emperor who wishes to capture and kill his son Luke.  The battle between good and evil is a sell out.  The attendance been of mixed ages, from four-year-olds to senior citizens, defies the imagination.

I have a theory about the modern day Darth Vader.  He symbolizes corrupt government leaders.  To many of us it's as if the dark side is winning.

The leaders of countries are corrupted and evil.  What we would like is a Skywalker.  To banish the dark side, vanquish the Empire and save the world. 

We dream of such a time when NATO will be a Jedi force, with the good guys winning.  Peace between all people and their countries would co-exist!

In truth this is a great fantasy and a menace to sane living.  

We shouldn't think for a moment that by running to a theater and seeing the dark side lose we will be reformed and redeemed. 

Better that we all stay home and look at ourselves!  What can we do now in this world to set things right?  How can we bring up good kids and sane families? 

I believe that we must look to "the force", and that is G‑d.  It is to Him that we may pray. We need G‑d's power to banish evil, the dark side. 

Each of us has a chance to beat the dark side we may all possess.  We are  living Skywalkers answering the call to uplift our lives to a higher cause, a meaningful life by making the world a safe and G‑dly abode. 

Choices between movies called "The Mummy", "Black Mask" and "Entrapment" show me that the real menace is avoiding the reality on earth.  May the G‑dly force be with you.