A Friend in Need

August 28-29, 2015 / 14 Elul 5775

Shabbat Ki Teitzei

Torah: Deuteronomy 21:10 - 25:19 / Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1 - 54:10

“A Friend in Need”

Dear Friends,

As ISIS spread across Syria and threatened to spill into neighboring Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom turned to Israel for help. Last month, Israel quietly agreed to help its neighbor as it, “donated retired American-made Cobra attack helicopters to Jordan’s air force in order to help the country defend itself against the Islamic State terror group,” the Algemeiner Journal reported. The helicopters, which had been decommissioned by the Jewish state in favor of modern Apache helicopters, will go a long way toward helping Jordan secure its border against an influx of Islamic extremists.

While Israel is certainly interested in combatting the spread of ISIS, the desire to help a neighbor is also firmly rooted in two commandments in this week’s Torah portion, Ki Teitzei. In the commandment to return lost objects Moses teaches, “You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep driven away and hide yourself from them; you shall surely bring them back to your brother…” (22:1) Moses also relays a similar commandment to assist an animal failing under a crushing burden. “You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him to lift them up again.” (22:4) Both commandments obligate us to help a neighbor in need, who either has suffered, or is in danger of suffering a loss.

Recently, Israel’s assistance to Jordan has expanded beyond the transfer of the Cobra helicopters, and seems to indicate a new level of partnership and cooperation between the two countries. According to local media reports, a new agreement with Jordan “will include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP strategic and Elbit Systems Skylark tactical drones.” In addition, “Israel is ready to meet any Jordanian request to help fight off Islamist insurgents who have overrun part of neighboring Iraq. [Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister, Yuval] Steinitz said potential Israeli assistance could include sending troops or arms, though he saw that as unlikely. ‘If, God forbid, there is a need, if such a request comes, if there is an emergency situation, then of course Israel will extend all help required. Israel will not allow groups like ISIS to take over Jordan.’”

Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994 and maintain close government-to-government ties. As Israel, with America’s encouragement, shares intelligence and quietly aids Jordan’s military, hopefully the efforts to help a neighbor in need will continue to strengthen the bond between the two nations.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow