Netsaḥ Yisra’el (The Strength of Israel)

It has been clarified for you that the survival of Israel in their state of exile depends on their unity and their connection with each other, and their separation from the idolatrous nations. It is said in the Midrash:

[This Midrash] mentioned all of the things that belong to man: eating, which is the sustenance of man. Here, the people of Israel are set apart from the idolatrous nations, for there is no doubt that eating provides sustenance for the soul. They are further set apart in their bodies, by way of circumcision and they are also set apart from the idolatrous nations in their living quarters by way of mezuzahs in the doorways. Thus, there are differences with regard to all of the relevant aspects of man, to the point at which there is here no common ground whatsoever. It further said that Israel is judged during the day, and the idolatrous nations are judged during the night. This, too, teaches about their separateness, for Israel is judged during the day, because they are the truth of existence. For existence is compared to the day, during which everything can be found. Conversely, the idolatrous nations, which have no true existence, have their judgment at night, according to their status, which has no true existence. Thus, their judgment is at night, when nothing can be found.

We have already clarified in many places that the idolatrous nations are consistently called “water,” as it is written: He drew me out of many waters (Psalms 18:17), and: Deliver me out of many waters, out of the hand of strangers (Psalms 144:7). It is also written: Many waters cannot quench love (Song of Songs 8:7) and: Ah, the uproar of many peoples, that roar like the roaring of the seas; [and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!] (Isaiah 17:12). Israel is likened to the opposite of this, as the sages have said in tractate b. Beẓah [25b]: “At His right hand was a fiery law unto them (Deuteronomy 33:2). It is said that the religion of these mentioned is fire.” There is nothing more opposite than fire and water. Thus, the scriptures attribute water to the idolatrous nations and fire to Israel. These two substances—fire and water—if they are mixed together, then the water will put out the fire. But if the fire stands at a bit of a distance from the water and is separated from it, then the fire will dry up the water and will eradicate it to the point that nothing will be left of it, and its power will be completely weakened. The idea here is clear, and it reflects the truly unique qualities of Israel. If Israel mixes with and conjoins with the idolatrous nations, then the water—which is the idolatrous nations—will completely overpower them, just as water overpowers fire when fire is completely mixed together with water. But if fire is separated from water, then indeed the fire will have the power to nullify the water, to the point at which the latter will not exist anymore. In the same manner, if Israel is separated from the idolatrous nations and stands apart unto itself, then behold, they will overpower the idolatrous nations—which are called many waters—until they nullify them, to the point at which the latter will no longer exist.

The opposition of the thoughts of the boorish from the knowledge of the wise has thus been clarified for you, for boors will think that bringing fire and water into proximity will create peace between them. This is not the case, for the connection between them will create a situation in which the idolatrous nations will overpower and nullify those of Israel, God forbid! But if they are separated and made to stand apart, then Israel will overpower them. Certainly the nations cannot then defeat Israel. This is the capacity of fire and water, and for this reason, Israel and the idolatrous nations are likened to them. It is certainly true that it is proper for Israel to accept the yoke of their kingdom upon themselves. And as it has been said [Yalkut Shimoni on Song of Songs, ch. 2], “they should not try to revolt against the idolatrous nations.” Stating further, “If you keep the oath, then all is well and good, but if you do not, then behold, I will abandon you to the gazelles and to the hinds of the field [see Song of Songs 2:7].” However, regarding what I have said about separation alone, all those to whom the Lord has given wisdom should agree with this.

For this reason, when Israel came into exile among the idolatrous nations, it had to make a greater separation, to counter their closer proximity with the idolatrous nations. Thus Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, nor with the wine which he drank (Daniel 1:8). This is the essence of the safeguard against the nullification of separation. As we have said, the Lord swore Israel not to reveal the secret, as has been clarified. And it is fitting for Israel, now that we are at the end of our exile—which becomes more difficult for us each and every day—to safeguard this separation as much as possible.