9.30.2009

Parshat Haazinu

In last week's parsha we read

"They provoke his jealousy with strangers;
they would anger Him with abominations.
They would slaughter to demons without power, gods whom they knew not,
newcomers recently arrived, whom your ancestors did not dread."
(Dvarim 32:16,17, Stone Edition)

According to the commentary this refers to Israel's worshipping strange gods and performing acts of sodomy. The commentary goes on to say, "Israel's provocations will not go unrequited. If the people use God's blessings to anger Him, He will remove the blessings and cast them to the mercies of their enemies."

You would think that with the threat from Iran, Gaza, Lebanon etc., we wouldn't want a parade, "The feast of tabernacles", that glorifies idolatry on the streets of Yerushalayim. It is interesting that the other major yearly parade through the streets of Yerushalayim, the Pride Parade, glorifies sodomy.