That’s the feeling I get when I read about Hanamel and his desperate attempts to save Jerusalem.
Hanamel, the uncle of the prophet Jeremiah, wasn't content to sit idly by as the Chaldeans threatened the city. Oh no. He took matters into his own hands. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, Hanamel was determined. He was going to use his knowledge of the mystical arts to protect Jerusalem.
So, what did he do? He conjured angels! Not just any angels, mind you. He armed them, stationed them on the city walls, ready to defend Jerusalem from the invading Chaldeans. Can you imagine the sight? A heavenly host standing guard!
And for a moment, it worked! The Chaldeans, terrified by the sight of these celestial warriors, retreated. Victory seemed within reach.
But here’s where the story takes a heartbreaking turn. God, in His infinite wisdom (or perhaps, His inscrutable plan), intervened. According to the narrative, God changed the names of the angels and recalled them to heaven. Poof! Just like that, Hanamel’s angelic army vanished.
Why would God do that? It's a question that echoes through the ages. Perhaps it was a test. Perhaps it was a decree that couldn't be avoided. Whatever the reason, Hanamel was back to square one.
But he didn’t give up. Not yet. He tried his hand at exorcisms, calling upon the angels by name. But even this failed. When he called the Angel of the Water, for instance, the Angel of Fire answered, bearing the water angel’s former name. It was as if the very fabric of reality was working against him. Imagine the frustration!
In a final, desperate act, Hanamel resorted to summoning the Prince of the World. This was serious stuff. This powerful being actually lifted Jerusalem high into the air. A breathtaking, almost unbelievable sight!
But alas, even this wasn't enough. God, in an act of finality, thrust the city back down. The enemy, no longer hindered, poured in. Jerusalem fell.
What are we to make of Hanamel’s efforts? Was he foolish to try and defy what seemed like destiny? Or was he a hero, willing to fight to the very end, even when the odds were stacked against him?
Perhaps the story of Hanamel isn't just about the fall of Jerusalem. Maybe it’s a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, even when our best efforts seem to fail, there’s value in standing up for what we believe in. Even if the ending isn't the one we hoped for. It's a powerful, poignant image, isn't it?