VOLUME 110 NUMBER 8
Iyar 9, 5784
May 17, 2024
PARSHAS EMOR
Candlelighting Time 7:52 PM
We are obliged to guard the Torah. Rashi understands this to mean that we must be informed and know the sources of the mitzvos. Malbim expounds upon Rashi clarifying that genuine preserving is in the heart, the storage facility of our knowledge. Certainly, we must study and realize this but it would seem that guarding has a much more profound intent. Furthermore, the very next verse discusses the mitzvah of sacrificing one’s life for the sake of Hashem. There seems to be a disjointed connection between these two themes with no apparent correlation. Although Alschich does explain that the matter of guarding mitzvos means to observe the negative commandments which will then insure that we will keep the positive commandments but the next verse still remains unrelated.
Chasam Sofer presents an extraordinary interpretation of these two verses which is extremely inspiring and stimulating. When the Torah exhorts us to guard the mitzvos the objective is not a reference to the mitzvah itself rather a declaration that we must guard our time with a primary goal of utilization of that resource to make ourselves available at a moment’s notice to perform a mitzvah! And actually, the obligation is truly much more. We must strive to anticipate the opportunity to perform a mitzvah. Just as Rabbi Akiva was awaiting the prospect of when he would be able to sanctify his life for the sake of Heaven which he eventually merited to do, so too we must look forward to the possibility of when a mitzvah will come our way! That’s really guarding the mitzvos with an intent to facilitate their performance at the first chance available.
This theme is carried further that when this thought is uppermost in the mind of the individual, then he is indeed truly sanctifying Hashem’s Name. The Talmud states that one who resists the proclivity to transgress, it is considered as though he fulfilled a mitzvah. In this instance where the person is actively awaiting the opportunity to perform a mitzvah, such a stance is to be viewed as an actual sanctification of Hashem’s Name due to his mindset and enthusiasm. So, although in reality a mitzvah was not present to perform, nonetheless we deem it as though indeed a mitzvah was extant to accomplish.
This mandate continues with the next verse referring to our exodus from Egypt mentioning that Hashem is our “Elokim” strengthening the above message stating that He is our Master. That connection fosters the concept that we are Hashem’s servants concluding with the name of Hashem connoting His attributes of mercy and kindness. Hashem’s ongoing compassion and benevolence definitely connote an expectation to fulfill His will and continuously remain alert to opportunities to do a mitzvah.
Another point to add to this message is the theme of the Counting of the Omer. The span of time between the meal offering brought immediately after the first day of Pesach until the Yom Tov of Shavuos, a time when we anticipate the reenactment of the Receiving of the Torah. This time of the year is one of great joy as we prepare ourselves for that momentous occasion!
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
We are exhorted to honor Hashem thereby guarding His Name from desecration. If in any way we show disrespect in our conduct towards Hashem then we transgress this injunction.
CHOFETZ CHAIM
GOOD SHABBOS
THE ARMS EMBARGO AGAINST ISRAEL THAT BIDEN IS PROMOTING IS ANOTHER WAY THAT HASHEM IS DEMANDING THAT WE REALIZE UPON WHOM WE CAN TRUST. PERHAPS FOR TOO LONG WE HAVE RELIED UPON AMERICA’S FIREPOWER AS OUR SAVIOR AGAINST THE ENEMY’S AGGRESSION. WHETHER BIDEN’S DECISION IS DUE TO POLITICAL PRESSURE FROM HIS INSIDERS OR HIS OWN CORRUPT VIEW OF THE SITUATION IT IS PERHAPS A TRMENDOUS WAKE UP CALL FOR ALL OF US TO REALIZE THAT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS ONLY HASHEM WILL PROTECT US FROM THOSE BENT ON OUR DESTRUCTION. AS WE PROCEDE IN COUNTING THE OMER COMING CLOSER TO SHAVUOS WHEN WE RECEIVED THE TORAH LET US FOCUS ON WHAT HAS SUSTAINED OUR NATION IN GOOD FAITH FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, TORAH.
