The Weekly Reflection

By the Rov

For most of the duration of our current Galus the Jewish people have suffered immeasurably from the antagonism of the nation of Edom [Eisav]. The Romans, the Crusaders, the Spanish Inquisition, the Cossacks, and the Nazis were all descendants and successors of Edom. It is fascinating to note that as of late things have changed drastically. Today, the Jewish people, is not under attack at all from Edom. On the contrary from amongst all the nations of the world, our greatest support, particularly regarding the yishuv in Eretz Yisroel seems to come from America and Christianity, who are considered to be the spiritual heirs of Edom. This development is unique in the annals of Jewish history. I would like to point out that this phenomenon has actually been predicted by the Medrash Tanchuma in parshas Shmini according to the understanding of Rabeinu B’chaya.

וז”ל רבינו בחיי (ויקרא יא,ד) אבל הבית השלישי עתידה אומה זו [אדום שנמשלה לחזיר] לבנותו, וזהו שאמרו עתיד להחזיר העטרה ליושנה, לפי שהוא החריבו. ובמדרש תנחומא למה נמשלה מלכות אדום לחזיר, שעתיד הקב”ה להחזירו לנו.. באור הענין על הכח שלו שהוא מצר לישראל, ולעתיד ישוב עם שאר כל הכחות לעזור ולתמוך לישראל כי ירבה השלום בעולם” עכ”ל.

We see from these words that Edom is destined to change its antagonistic attitude towards us and play an integral role in the support of Klal Yisroel and in the eventual rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash. May Hashem complete this process speedily in our days!