The seventh Torah portion of the Book of Genesis begins with the third patriarch, Jacob. He leaves Canaan to find a wife in Aram. He marries there and fathers a large family. After 20 years, he secretly flees Aram, aiming for the land of Israel, fearful that his father-in-law, Laban, will try to prevent him from leaving. But after Laban tries many tricks to fight him, they make peace, and Jacob, full of gratitude, arrives in the Holy Land.
G‑d has enabled the Jewish people to live as sovereigns in the Holy Land, the place of our forefathers—the land promised to the Jews by G‑d. Jewish law sets forth the criteria necessary for Israel's peace and safety; these can only be achieved from a position of military strength and secure borders. Any sign of willingness to even speak about relinquishing land to the enemy is sure to encourage terrorism in Israel and abroad.
This is true for Gentiles as well; any willingness to speak and demand giving up territories in the land of Israel to terrorists encourages terrorism in their local countries. This is in addition to the Noahide prohibition of theft involved in such an act. The rise in anti-Semitism is an expression of ripping up all the masks. The divine truth of the Messianic era is about to be revealed; therefore, the dark forces represented by terrorism, anti-Semitism, and violence around the globe are trying to oppose this process.
Darkness is not a thing or force; it is merely the absence of light. So small light will therefore banish a roomful of darkness. The same is true of good and evil: evil is not a thing or force, but merely the absence or concealment of good. Adding light by observing the 7 Noahide commandments, which negate murder, kidnapping, and stealing of human beings, could eliminate the dark forces that glorify murder and kidnapping.
G-d is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and therefore it is appropriate to express gratitude for the blessings and gifts one receives in life. Furthermore, it is a logical obligation of any Noahide to develop an attitude of gratitude in his daily life. Gratitude can also help reduce stress and anxiety. We know that everything is under the supervision of God and that He is the source of the highest good. Those who observe the 7 Noahide laws will be part of a much better world soon.
*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.
