Friends of Itamar

Leah’s Blog – Parashat Ki Tetzeh

Leah’s Blog – Ki Tetzeh -August 2026-

The Torah was given in ancient times when the uncivilized world learned about G-d and loving kindness from Abraham. Generations later the Torah was given and the journey began for Israel to return to their Land. A guide for morality and guidance, the Torah applies to us like then – now. Valid more than ever as Israel again has returned to the place Abraham was promised- Eretz Yisrael. The mitzvot come to manifest in our daily lives and reality as redemption unfolds. Ki Tizeh has more mitzvot than any other portion: an accentuated commandment stands out in the many lessons about life, education, being kind to animals, caring for the dead, etc. and that is- “remember what Amalek did to you on the road on the way out of Egypt.” Interestingly also about erecting a safe fence around the roof of your house.” These two commandments stand out in the plethora of life events. What happens to Israel is a sign of what happens to the world. First take care to have a safe border, be ready for the enemy – it can and will infiltrate if you do not secure yourselves. As I write this blog 500,000 illegal migrants are about to receive legal status in Europe, thanks to Spain.  Crime is soaring. The roof of Europe has no fence. Open borders have also deeply affected the United States as well as many countries in the world. Jews have always been the forerunners of civil rights, welcomed the oppressed and have been liberal towards humanity. But Amalek, unprovoked hit with surprise. They remind us we cannot and should not be surprised. It will come to bite you as even for those that looked away from the cruelty of October 7 2023. Choosing silence in the face of lawlessness and barbarism will not earn you a ticket to peace love and music. It came to the Central Synagogue, a place that donated to Gaza and not Jewish victims of rape kidnapping murder and the worst brutal savage assault that happened since the holocaust. Before we care about hurting the feelings of the minorities and fighting for their rights, we need to remember to build a fence that will keep us safe from the tsunami about to hit our shores.

Blessings for a beautiful Shabbat dear friends coxoxoxo Leah