No Fear of the Big Bomb
Amidst all the current talk about the nuclear threat posed by Iran the need for taking every measure to prevent that terrorist nation from possessing such a dangerous weapon should not be a source of panic for Jews in Eretz Yisrael.
In this week's Torah portion we learn about an ancient enemy who hired a sorcerer who had the power to wreak nuclear-level destruction upon our ancestors by cursing them at the precise moment of the day when Heavenly anger towards His creatures' shortcomings could make such a malediction deadly effective. Why this did not happen is hinted at in the words of the Prophet Micha which are part of this week's Haftarah: "Remember, my people, what Balak, king of Moab, planned and how Bilam (the sorcerer) responded… that you may know the kindness of G-d." (Micha 6:5)
This kindness, say our Talmudic Sages, consisted of G-d completely withholding His anger during the days that Bilam attempted to curse them.
This historical precedent for Heavenly intervention in preventing an enemy from wreaking massive destruction should be a source of comfort for us that we can rely on the kindness of G-d to secure Israel forever.
