In 1945, the armies of the Soviet Union had finally managed to turn the tide of World War 2. They were covering ground quickly, firstly driving the Nazis out of Russia, then moving into Poland and finally into Germany. In Anthony Beever’s “Berlin – The Downfall 1945”, the author describes the fierce feelings of vengeance felt by the Soviet soldiers towards the Germans. They felt justified in robbing, pillaging and using extreme violence against the German soldiers and civilians. The German women in particular suffered, as the Russians took advantage of their Prisoner-Of-War status, and committed horrific and unspeakable acts against them. The Soviet High Command took a lax view of this, saying that their soldiers deserved some fun after 4 years of war; the Soviet soldiers were allowed to do as they pleased.
Contrast this to the Torah approach, detailed in this week’s Sedra, of the concept of the female POW, the “Eishet Yefat To’ar”. G-d, the author of the Torah, recognises man’s difficulty in keeping his desires within the confines of his marriage while away from home and fighting a war. Instead of allowing the soldier to do anything he wants, The Torah provides humane and sensible laws to govern a relationship between the soldier and the POW. If the soldier enters into a relationship with her, he must give her the option of marriage. Violence under any circumstance is not tolerated.
G-d knows that marriage is difficult, He knows that it requires hard work, and He has therefore given us in His “product manual” for the world, the Torah, specific guidelines on how to make this most sublime relationship flourish.
Judaism is a religion in which so many Mitzvot work as a protection and support to the sanctity of marriage. The laws of Nida, the laws of male-female seclusion (Yichud) and the contractual agreement of marital obligations (Ketuba) are just three other fundamental laws which, if followed, can enhance a marriage immeasurably.
One Mitzva which is a huge help to developing a happy marriage is Shabbos. Once a week, Judaism prescribes a fixed date night. A time for family. A time to, in the popular expression, “switch off to switch on” – to switch off our electronic devices which rule us during the week and switch on our relationships with our spouses, children and other family members. It would be fascinating to conduct a study on the link between Shabbos observers – at whatever level – and happy marriages. Shabbos can enhance a marriage in a unique and beautiful way.
Here in Whitefield, we have two fantastic opportunities to connect with this marriage saving device called Shabbos. On the Sunday 20th September, our community will be pioneering something called “Whitefield 250”. In many host houses all over Whitefield, covering an age range from teens to the senior members, we will be conducting simultaneous discussions on the relevance of Shabbat in the 21st Century, as a prelude to Shabbat UK (23-24 October). Look out around the shul for more information, or speak to the organisers of this event, Mychiel Balshine and myself.
And a couple of weeks before that, on Sunday 6th September, why not come to a meeting where you can hear about, contribute to and help with our amazing plans for this special international event, ranging from our guest speaker American rapper Nissim Black to our variety show on Saturday night. All are welcome at the Rabbi’s home, 1 Park Hill Drive, at 8.30 pm.
There is so much happening about Shabbat. Will you be part of it?
Good Shabbos, Dovi
