I am not going to rehash the whole story here, but, in short, there have been stories going around the country that Rachel Imeinu appeared to soldiers in Gaza during the recent operation and steered them clear of booby traps.
Yes, I admit I am a HUGE skeptic and would not readily accept miracles like the believing crowd would. However, I just have one question for those that believe it without questioning it at all:
Would you believe the same story if it was told about US soldiers and that it was Jesus that saved them? Of course, most believers in Judaism would say no without thinking twice. And I think this points out the err in their ways. They are so anxious to believe ANYTHING that puts God in a good light that they don't stop to think that maybe the story isn't true.
I was not in Gaza and have no idea if this happened or not. But to automatically accept it wholeheartedly or discount the opposite scenario of US soldiers and Jesus immediately is ridiculous.
I just wish EVERYONE (myself included) would actually take the time to look at the issues, listen to what others have to say, realize we may be wrong in our thinking, and then come to a conclusion. To jump to immediate conclusions in either direction doesn't help any of us.
btw, for some further reading, DovBear had 2 good posts on this as well:
http://dovbear.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-rochel-imaynu-fable.html
http://dovbear.blogspot.com/2009/01/did-rachel-imeinu-appear-or-not.html
**Update
2 additional posts on this topic, both from Rav Aviner
http://www.ravaviner.com/2009/01/rachel-imenu-our-foremother-rachel-in.html
http://www.ravaviner.com/2009/01/more-on-rachel-imenu.html
In short, he basically says that without better proof, we should assume it is not true.
Monday, January 26, 2009
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