VOLUME 109 NUMBER 3
Shevat 9, 5784
January 19, 2024
PARSHAS BO
Candlelighting Time 4:46 PM
Certainly, everyone has heard this adage at one point. And, of course, it seems to be a secular saying that people use to promote conversation and sharing of different ideas. However, truly we may assert that this saying is rooted in the words of Nachmonides although in somewhat a different vogue. As we all know, these parshios in the Torah convey important lessons that we must learn and adapt to fortify our faith in Hashem, especially in these difficult times when we are under assault not only in Eretz Yisroel but actually worldwide. The combative situation in Eretz Yisroel has taken its toll in human lives but we are witnessing a global attack against our nation in such a manner never before in world history. There have been demonstrations in virtually every civilized and sophisticated country throughout the world and verbal battering has become vitriolic. We, however, remain strong in our belief and trust in Hashem that all that occurs requires that we demonstrate our strength of character by serving Hashem and acknowledging that He has our best interests in store for us.
Nachmonides writes that we must forever remember the events that transpired in Egypt and convey that message to our children. He emphasizes that the purpose of all mitzvos is to exhort us to acknowledge and firmly believe that Hashem created the world and all that is within. And that is the purpose of the entire creation that we should realize that significant and genuine message and steadfastly believe in it. Then he makes an incredibly strong point. One who acquires a mezuzah for a zuz, ( a small amount of money) affixes it to his doorpost and is focused on the theme of faith that is expounded upon in its parchments contained within it has confirmed and verified that Hashem created the world essentially affirming that there is a Creator and His ongoing surveillance of the events in this world. Additionally, he also is attesting to the existence of prophecy in our nation. Very important and fundamental principles and convictions that we need to subscribe to. All of this just for the price of a penny or a zuz. So, even though Nachmonides’ ‘thoughts’ are much more central and deep-seated, all this can be bought at your local Judaical store for a ‘few pennies.’
Nachmonides concludes his dissertation with a truly penetrating point. When we accept that the open miracles were effected by Hashem, then the next step is to realize that everything is really a miracle just in a concealed fashion. After all, if we analyze for just a moment our five senses that we constantly utilize, then we will marvel at the ‘hidden’ miracles that abound. Each part of our body is so complex and intricate that to clone their properties and create another eye, tooth, ear or any other organ that we thrive with is not only next to impossible but actually is unattainable.
And therefore, we return to our original title a penny for your thoughts, because our thoughts need to be directed and engaged in understanding our future and realizing that even when the present looks bleak, there is nothing like the future of our nation which is bright and dazzling.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
GOOD SHABBOS
