If the Maya thought the world was going to end in 2012, some Jews seem to have a different opinion for the next few years ahead of us. One kabbalist rabbi says that G-d will “erase China from the world this year.” Why China, rather than Israel’s traditional antagonists? Possibly because China is an emergent global superpower, competing on the international stage with Israel’s traditional supporter, America. If China overtakes the U.S.’s position as the “most powerful nation in the world,” then will America still be able to advocate for Israel? What does the New Year have in store for us as Jews?
That same rabbi prophesies that Europe and America will “fall apart” because of their sins. That point just contradicts my entire previous argument. If he’s predicting what he actually thinks may happen, this rabbi is foreseeing a hard time ahead for Israel. However, he predicts that Israel “will grow as we push Syria and Jordan aside. Israel will be the richest country in the world in money and in spirit.”
To me, this prediction seems a bit of wishful thinking. Even if Israel manages to subdue anti-Zionist forces in Syria and Jordan, there are still many other powers out there wishing the country ill: Palestinians, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, just to name a few. In addition, I’m not sure that it would be good if Israel was the “richest country in the world.” Look at how much trouble that designation has brought America: financial collapse. With the most money comes the most financial responsibility. I’m not saying Israel couldn’t handle its money, but it’s a lot for that small of a country to take on, not to mention unrealistic.
Another rabbi named Mordechai Ganot uses astronomy to foresee what the coming year brings for Israel. Though he never took an academic course on astronomy, Ganot sees himself as fit to predict this year’s events. In the month of Tammuz, for example, he predicts that a “giant jellyfish” will attack Israel’s shores and put swimmers at risk. Whether that statement is meant as a literal prediction or a metaphor for some other sort of threat is unknown. In other months, he recommends avoiding killing geese because of an avenging “angel of geese.”
As silly as some of these predictions may sound, I think the values at the heart of the statements remain true. We all hope Israel will prosper in the New Year—whether spiritually, financially, or in power. Indeed, the west has declined in its financial power, but the anti-Zionism of some states remains just as fervent as ever. I, for one, have no idea if a large jellyfish will attack Israel or if geese are to be regarded this year.
However, I do know that the New Year offers a chance for us to make our own predictions: predictions about how we will behave and how we will better our lives and those of others. As one article remarked , we can’t control what may happen religiously or politically in the coming year. We can, however, control the way in which we act and influence our Jewish community. Teaching our children to act morally, helping the needy, and doing the right thing are small ways in which we can help ourselves and those around us. With the New Year in full swing, keep your eyes not on the big picture as much as the smaller prizes.
