Daniel Pearl, James Foley, Steven Sotloff all shared a gruesome death that has become the signature murder carried out by Islamic fanatics. It is the kind of killing that Isis and its followers promise to inflict upon Americans and all other infidels around the world.
And it is the kind of butchery that creates perhaps the most primal visceral response of disgust, of fear, and of horror.
Murder by any means is a crime beyond compare. Yet beheading seems to comprise a category all of its own. We shudder as we contemplate it. Our mind cannot absorb its reality. In the most powerful sense of all we cannot grasp a divide between the self-awareness of our heads as distinct from the responsiveness and wholeness of our bodies.
The very thought of beheading is in an ironic way almost enough to make us lose our minds.
Yet that has become the preferred method of execution by the contemporary enemies of civilization. And I believe there is a profound subconscious motive, aside from the obvious desire to create dread, which guides today’s terrorists to choose decapitation.
Human beings, we are told in the Bible, are created in the image of God. It is not in our physical appearance that we share a likeness to our Creator. It is in our minds that we share of his wisdom, intuit his greatness, and sense his sanctity. That is why our heads are given the task to direct messages to the rest of our bodies. From there come the signals that oversee all of our actions.
No wonder that Jews are commanded to daily bind tefillin – phylacteries - “for a sign upon their hands and for frontlets between their eyes.” There are two components to this mitzvah, two symbolic boxes to serve as reminders of our link with God and our need to live lives of holiness. One box is placed on our hand to symbolize that we dedicate our deeds to God. The other is on our head, over the seat of our intellectual activity. Its message is to make clear that we understand ultimate sovereignty of our actions comes from the free willed decisions of our minds, keys to our shared image with our Creator.
Head and body linked define our spiritual identity.
There is a fascinating story in the Talmud which at first glance seems almost incomprehensible. It tells us of a beheading that took place in biblical times at the time of the burial of our patriarch Jacob.
Jacob’s body was brought to Hebron, to the Cave of the Patriarchs, Me'arat Ha'machpelah. There were eight burial plots in the cave; Adam, Eve, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca and Leah were already buried there, leaving only a single available grave. Esau, Jacob’s twin and older brother, acknowledged that he had sold his birthright to Jacob but maintained that he hadn’t given up his right to be buried in the Cave and with armed force prevented his brother’s burial from proceeding. Jacob’s children sent fleet-footed Naphtali back to Egypt to bring the proof of ownership.
While all this was going on, Chushim, the deaf son of Dan, asked what the commotion was all about, and was incensed to learn that Esau had halted the funeral of his revered grandfather. With a mighty blow of his sword, Chushim severed Esau’s head, which rolled into the Cave of Machpelah and came to rest in Isaac’s lap, where it remains to this day. Thus it came to pass that “Esau’s head lies in the bosom of Isaac.”
So ends the story. And so we are told that to this day the holiest tomb of our people contains not just the remains of eight holy ancestors but the head of one other, held close to the bosom of his father.
What is the meaning of this strange tale?
Esau was a villain. Of course he knew better. He was the son of Isaac. As Jacob’s twin, he assuredly had the same potential for spiritual greatness. But Esau followed a different path. His life was that of a hunter and hedonist. Between head and body, he chose the latter as guide for his behavior.
His body did not deserve to be buried in a place of holiness. It would not be accorded this honor. But his head, his link with the image of God and blessed with the potential for greatness, was granted the gift of internment together with his father who loved him not for what he was but for all that he might have become.
Head and body together unite us in thought and deed. Separating them conveys a statement of profound meaning; its intent is to reject the power of mind. It seeks to destroy the influence of the one divine gift that is the distinctive feature of civilized mankind. Its mission is literally to make human beings mindless, barbarians motivated solely by bodily desires.
That is why today’s battle against the Islamic savages videotaping their murders by decapitation is a war that must be waged if civilization is to survive.
(27) laura, September 12, 2014 12:11 AM
This goes for you too, Aish
The language of evil, lashon ha ra. People often forget that words can heal, and words can destroy. It feels like David, zt'l wrote healing and loving words which healed others.
I often think of the families of our precious young soldiers who lost their loved ones in defense of evil, and how heartbreaking it must be to see their images used for advertising and to gain readership for stories etc. I beg the media to cease and desist from using images of loved ones to drive home points or to get someone to open a link. Even for the sake of a mitzvah, it is just not moral behavior. My heart goes out to David may his neshama have an aliyah and to his entire family and friends.
(26) Rachel, September 9, 2014 11:21 PM
What about death penalty of ancient Jewish courts
while I (and I hope everyone reading this) is well aware that there is no death penalty today from Jewish court, nor in Israel, on Yom Kippur we ask forgiveness for sins for which the ancient court would have required the death penalty, one form of which was beheading. Can you provide any answer to why this was a method of execution in ancient times?
(25) ingrid, September 9, 2014 7:06 PM
esau does not apply to our bloodshed now
wonderful reading but i do not see a connection with esau here. esau was not killed by a savage or for righteousness. his body would have desecrated the tomb of his ancestors...this here is not a burial or honor issue, an innocent man is savagely slaughtered by murderers, the prime enemies of Israel out of blood thirst and hatred!
(24) Rebecca Kushner, September 9, 2014 1:51 PM
Talmud not the source for this
This is indeed a fascinating and puzzling story, but I am not convinced that the source is indeed Talmudic. I believe that it is from Targum Yonatan.
(23) Mary, September 8, 2014 10:03 PM
savagery
There can be no doubt that these people are savages and wish only to perpetuate thier own kind by the desctruction of anyone who does not hold their view.
(22) Burik, September 8, 2014 5:21 PM
According to the Chuddushei Ha Rim
Eisuvs haed was the only part of his body which deserved to be buried in the cave of Machpelah . The words of Torah was used only as a mental exercise by Eisuv , and the Torah never entered his veins and neshomah . So since it was only a mental exercise , only his head was elligible for burial in the cave , and not his body .
(21) amitai, September 8, 2014 4:28 PM
spirit of amalek
evil all the way
(20) Anonymous, September 8, 2014 1:29 PM
Monsters
One thing is for sure, these beheadings are scaring the daylights out of people. The world is waking up to find that things are not the same way they were when they went into their coma.
(19) cathy, September 8, 2014 4:47 AM
barbaric action in modern world
When a photo of an American pilot being beheaded by a Japanese officer circulated the globe in WWII it served as outrage to the barbaric nature of the enemy. It proved to be a unification point among the allies. However we are extremely politically correct now and this black clothed murderer is excised out of Islam as an extremist. We are on the cusp of the 13th anniversary if 9/11 here in the US. I read the Koran on 9/12/01. The basic premise I derived was convert the infidel or kill the infidel if he did not convert. Seems rather extreme to me. But we must not feel that way because we can't offend anyone. Especially a guy with a 6 inch knife who saws off heads.
(18) TMay, September 8, 2014 2:59 AM
Nick Berg
They left out Nick Berg who was American and Jewish.
(17) Rivka, September 8, 2014 1:55 AM
well said, Rabbi
Thank you Rabbi for another excellent piece of writing. Didn't know that Esau's head was buried in the Cave of Machpelah.
(16) asher zelig, September 8, 2014 12:16 AM
They might be Amalek ym"s
It is very possible that these barbarians are Amalek ym"s. One of the characteristics of amalek is to be unusually gruesome, as the medrash tells us that the name amalek comes from the horrible practice of licking the blood of their enemies. Another characteristic is that they blatantly reject Hashem c"v.
Could it be that we're seeing the face of amalek in our times?
(15) Anonymous, September 7, 2014 11:43 PM
Amalek aka evil
What is so scary is how fast this all proliferates. Of course, today with social networking and the internet, we know these things in nano-seconds. In the same way, these (it is hard to call them people) murderers spew their horror, and do not want to keep it a secret. The Nazi's on the other hand, were just as bad, if not worse, but very few people knew of their brutality because they were so secretive. Which is why it is easy for there to be Holocaust deniers. But with these beasts every horrific act they do is televised all over the world. The problem is, although I hope this never happens, that people will ultimately become desensitized to them, if something is not done soon to rip them out by the root, and to make sure they cannot rise again. As we read in this last week's Parsha, "stamp out the memory of Amalek under the sky." They are pure Amalek, aka evil.
(14) Anonymous, September 7, 2014 11:31 PM
Left out
At least 10 years ago, another Jewish American, Nicholas Berg was also beheaded by terrorists. He should be remembered as well. May he rest in peace.
(13) Yochi, September 7, 2014 9:45 PM
Thank You for this meaningful explaination
This cruel form of punishment definitely is asking for a why. I always am wondering why these fanatics can do this, and even justify it with that what they think is their "law". I think now it should be clear why it was done: It is an attack on every thinking human being and therefore an attack on mankind itself.
(12) Gloria Schroeder, September 7, 2014 6:28 PM
truth of beheading
This author makes it appear these violent people have a reason for brutality. Beheading does not require being brave, courageous, or smart. It is an act of shame.
Alan S., September 7, 2014 9:27 PM
You are ascribing ideas that do not exist in this article
I disagree. Obviously these violent people believe they have a reason -- as sick and horrifying as it is -- to inflict brutality. I am not speaking for Rabbi Blech, but his article is simply explaining why beheading is generally thought to be the most gruesome of deaths. No where does he write that beheading requires being brave, courageous or smart. Subconsciously, he believes the terrorists understand this.
(11) Anonymous, September 7, 2014 5:49 PM
No more social media for the Isis savage terrorists
The Isis savage terrorists with their access to social media need to be denied access to social media outlets, and even it is their own, there is bound to be people who could dismantle or scramble the message/videos so that those could not be shared Where are the Hackers to do this? This is one time when the cyberspace hackers could really do a public services.. by some effective means, cut off their savage videos from being shown.. Someone knows how to do that.. and if that actiong can be doen, it might be the end of this horrible reign of terror. (I know.,I"m naive and i'm hoipeful because I don't know how this all works...)
(10) Victoria, September 7, 2014 5:43 PM
Islam is a satanic cult
It is a political system bent on world dominion. It can't be made "pretty" in any way. That's all there is to it.
(9) Rafael, September 7, 2014 5:32 PM
The power of symbolism
Symbolism only has power to believers. The Islamic radicals see this as some sort of empowerment . The none believers( everyone else) see this as a reason to unite and destroy this element.
It is a lesson for all people that cultural symbolism does not work outside the culture. Any culture that licenses themselves through a cultural god to receive entitlements will be deemed arrogant and insane.
This self indulgence and adoration of itself will destroy Isis.
When the population of the world is defined in turns like Infidels, Gentiles etc... the exclusivity of this group becomes a threat to everyone. WORD TO THE MOTHER
(8) Carole Clarke, September 7, 2014 4:55 PM
Confronting Evil
In spite of the horror, we must conduct ourselves with honor, obeying Torah and fearing none but the God that led us out of the wilderness. ISIS is just another wilderness, another test. Prepare against a strong adversary and do not lower your shield nor sheath your sword until they are all defeated and dead.
Gloria Schroeder, September 7, 2014 6:16 PM
strong adversary?
Beheading is a display of great weakness, not strength. It is a bully over the helpless, a feeble effort to create a feeling of power among the ranks of an army that has NO MILITARY STRENGTH.
Carole Clarke, September 8, 2014 5:07 PM
ISIS as adversary
ISIS has acquired military hardware from the Iraqi units that ran from them. Tanks, troop carriers, big trucks, ordnance, small arms and communications equipment. Enough Sunni Iraqis joined them to operate the equipment and train others. They have shown expertise Al Qaeda did not show. They have an operational game plan and are sticking to it despite setbacks. They are flexible and do not fear death. That is a strong adversary and we would be fools to undervalue their resolve. They must be annihilated.
(7) Abraham Joseph, September 7, 2014 4:36 PM
Israel and the United states has power
I don't understand why Israel and the USA ( allies ) do not just attack these barbaric murderers.
I am frum american Jewish Man and I do not normally condone War, But when they brutally murder young innocent Yeshiva Boys, not men and brutally behead innocent reporters something serious needs to be done to stop these ridiculous ENEMIES
C.B.Wells, September 9, 2014 8:04 PM
Agreed !
.........to stop these ridiculous ENEMIES (FOREVER)
(6) Anonymous, September 7, 2014 3:15 PM
Thank you Rabbi; we must speak up!
We must respond vocally in every arena possible: in print and in the political and cultural areas; everywhere and hold the world accountable for their pompous and bogus assumptions about themselves as cultured human beings. The world must answer if they believe or not that as long as one person; one creature; anything that lives and is Hashem's creation, is suffering; then we all suffer and will continue to do so until we bring goodness and light into the darkness. That's all there is to it. We need to all stand together and speak up. Tell these evil things they can't and won't get away with their horrible desires and do something about it.
(5) Anonymous, September 7, 2014 3:11 PM
Meaning of Word 'Infidel'
Infidel comes from Latin - 'not faithful', (to Catholic creed),
now battle slogan of Muslim extremists, who wish to catapult the world into another "Dark Ages"
(4) Yehudit, September 7, 2014 2:57 PM
Interesting yet disturbing
It is in our nature and soul to want to find meaning in the seemingly incomprehensible. This article is certainly a valiant and admirable attempt to find some sanity and measure in a world gone mad. Still, somehow I feel uncomfortable reading this. While you may be right, any attempt to understand Hashems will or otherwise does not bring comfort nor peace of mind, in my case at least. It's an interesting theory, certainly something to ponder and discuss, but at this juncture when the murders are so fresh: some stones are perhaps better left unturned for now.
Anonymous, September 7, 2014 9:30 PM
The age old question: is trying to understand brutality equating it with this being Hashem's will?
I prefer to think that with free will, even Hashem cries at the death of these innocent men.
(3) Ian Marshall, September 7, 2014 2:51 PM
Beheading is Islamic
Also not forgetting the instruction manual known as the Holy Koran (8:12), which is probably what these devout Muslims were thinking about.
"I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip."
XX
(2) Charis, September 7, 2014 2:46 PM
Profound
This is a very profound comment on a particularly barbaric act.
(1) Sootys mum, September 7, 2014 2:43 PM
This is part of Islam
Sadly, the author of this article does not know that beheading is part of Islam, from the Koran:
8:12 I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger.
47:4 Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens.
I suspect that the beheading is easy to do with a sharp sword whilst still in battle and lifting up the head would demoralise the enemy. I think that the revulsion to Jews is that we are buried whole and the loss of your head is appalling to all involved.
Anonymous, September 7, 2014 9:33 PM
What's difference does it make to this article if Rabbi Blech knows or does not know of your reference? Or included it if he did.
The article stands on its own merit.