Asher Sendrovic
31033560
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” This well known idea sums up the essence of the Jewish people. No single nation has ever experienced so many episodes of near complete annihilation. No nation has been pushed to the brinks of defeat on so many different occasions. The Jewish people through it all managed to survive. Not only did they bounce back and regroup, they used it as a spring board to achieve absolute unity. They channeled their success to become stronger and better people. The Jewish people are referred to as a strong-necked nation. Their stubbornness and fierce determination, so deeply ingrained, will ensure the survival the Jewish nation forever.
In order to understand the origins of the steely determination …show more content…
In fact it actually proved to be a catalyst for the birth of the Jewish nation. They went down to Egypt with 70 people and emerged some 200 years later as the Jewish nation. Under Egyptian tyranny the Jews were forced to overcome difficult obstacles. When they managed to attain their goals, under the most difficult of circumstances, they ingrained in their descendants the ability to persevere. Rabbi Becher (2005) writes “…the fledgling nation had to undergo experiences that would enable them to develop the characteristics of a people capable of carrying out G-d’s mission throughout the centuries” (p. 190). The tough sacrifices they made, emboldened their descendants years later. It allowed the Spanish Jews to risk their lives to cling to their faith. Rabbi Schloss (2004) writes that “…the inquisition became known for its terrifying tactics and barbarous punishments” (p.136). Even in the face of frightening consequences, their craving for spirituality wouldn’t be tamed. In France and Germany as well, …show more content…
“Behind every great nation is a great leader,” and the Jews were no different. Without the guidance and support of their sages the Jewish nation would certainly have perished. The myopic vision of the Jewish leaders and their ability to foresee the future helped them make crucial decisions. These decisions would prove to be instrumental in protecting the Jewish nation’s continued survival. The Talmud (as cited in R’ Schloss, 2004, p.3) quotes a story in which Vespasian becomes emperor of Rome. Upon his appointment Vespasian granted R’ Yochanan three requests. To the common observer, the requests made by R’ Yochanan seemed simple and insignificant. However deeper understanding showed that they were the core and focal point of Jewish survival. R Schloss (2004) writes “… in 1242, twenty- four cartloads of books, including every known copy of the Gemara” were burned in a giant bon fire. This would have been the end of the Talmud if not for the wisdom and foresight of the Ri of Dampierre. In his great wisdom he anticipated such a scenario and ensured that the Talmud be memorized by some three hundred scholars (ibid). It was through the vital actions of these great leaders that Judaism continues to