The dramatic image of the Burning Bush representing Divine intervention launched Moses’ mission to redeem the Jewish people and establish Israel as a nation.

But was this miraculous vision meant only to attract and to draw Moses’ attention? Couldn’t he just have followed his sheep a little further to reach that holy spot?

There surely is more to this spectacular revelation than meets the eye. The perplexing paradox of living branches flourishing in the midst of a fiery blaze reflects a profound message that reflects Israel’s destiny.

Indeed, our people have endured many a conflagration throughout our long history, and have lived to tell the story. We have survived the hottest infernos of inquisitors, tormentors and oppressors, outlasting mighty empires determined to destroy us. As the oldest surviving people on earth, our mere existence is testimony to the eternity of Israel.

As the oldest surviving people on earth, our mere existence is testimony to the eternity of Israel

We are not talking about a harmless little fire on an isolated bush in a distant desert. It is a rather fiery storm swirling around our little land of Israel that is literally under fire from Hizbollah in the north to Kassams to its south. Surrounded by a sea of sworn enemies from Iran in the east to the complicity of the west, Israel’s existence in such a highly charged and explosive climate is truly incredible.

Besides its external struggles, Israel must also deal with internal terrorist threats, in addition to many other crises and challenges within.

The Haggadah certainly meant what it states: “The Divine Promise has sustained our ancestors and us. For not only one has arisen to annihilate us, for in each and every generation they rise up, yet G-d spares us from them.”

This combustion isn’t restricted to the Middle East. It is a full blown global conflagration swept by the media and driven by Islamic jihad across borders and continents. The issue of Jews and Israel is a raging international debate broadcast in the news and commentary, challenging and confronting each of us daily, at home and in the office.

Despite it all, wonder of wonders, Israel and Jewish communities do much more than merely exist, thank G-d. Rather than feeling all burnt out, Israel’s positive light and energy has made it a world leader in the sciences, medicine and high technology.

Despite the all-consuming worry and anxiety, Jewish life continues on, with growing numbers that glow with the warmth and enthusiasm of Torah and Mitzvot.

The situation seems impossible, yet we are an absolute reality. We have been enslaved, yet we are free; been through fire, but are not consumed. And we are Eternal even as we march through Time, approaching the ultimate Redemption with the righteous Moshiach, when Israel will truly be a “Light unto the nations.”

Republished from Jewish-Holiday.com with permission from the author.