VOLUME 102 NUMBER 8
Elul 27, 5782
September 23, 2022
PARSHAS NITZAVIM
Candlelighting Time 6:37 PM
Last week’s parsha and this week’s as well describe in great detail the horrific punishments that await those who transgress the Torah. And we discussed last week that these retributions were due to our lack of true joy and happiness in serving Hashem. The parsha continues this week and proclaims that when we will repent for our sins and fulfill the Torah, then we will merit return to our land and have the opportunity to observe the Torah in its fullest manner.
However, it is noteworthy how the Torah portrays our return to Hashem after the devastating circumstances that have befallen us. When we will ‘harken to the voice of Hashem’ and begin to obey and respect the mitzvos and study Torah, then we will regain our initial connection to Hashem. Seemingly, it would have been sufficient to have stated that when we will again fulfill the mitzvos, then we will reclaim our intimate relationship with Hashem. Rather, there apparently is an additional factor that is essential to finalize our return to Hashem, we must first ‘harken to the voice of Hashem.’
Meshech Chochma has a lengthy dissertation explaining what the Torah’s intent is in stating that we must heed the voice of Hashem. We were created with certain innate themes that govern our ability to function on a level that far surpasses any other creation that exists on this planet. Clearly, our ability to discern right from wrong is inborn and unless we corrupt that distinctive capacity we ultimately understand how to select and conduct ourselves in a civilized fashion. Undoubtedly, it is obvious to any thinking individual, that the world did not come into existence through evolution. The complexity of our planet in every facet is a testimony that a Creator of enormous dimension and intelligence is the source of all that we witness. Indeed, the entire universe declares the existence of a Creator incredibly capable and of massive power.
Just examining the intricacies of our body from the smallest body part to the largest and more noticeable, we are fascinated with the tremendous wisdom and networking visibly noticeable in our amazingly elaborate and sophisticated bodies. Even a superficial examination of our structure depicts an acumen and sagacity far beyond our feeble understanding of how we function so efficiently and adeptly.
Therefore, Meshech Chochma explains that our very existence and the existence of the universe at large shout and proclaim loudly just view what is around you, within you and above you, and you will clearly appreciate the tremendous intellect that brought all this into being and that will facilitate one’s desire to realize that we are here to serve Hashem who has given us an environment and paraphernalia with which to observe the mitzvos. That is what is meant when the Torah requires to heed the voice of Hashem. It is the messaging apparent in the world at every step that we take and every breath that we intake. It is a signal that we must not permit external distractions such as our physical pursuits of hedonistic values to deter us from our goal. As we approach the last few hours until the Day of Judgement, take these words to heart and let Hashem’s wonderfully inspiring message guide us.
BYTE FOR SHABBOS
The Torah discusses that if we will be dispersed to the edges of Heaven, then Hashem will eventually bring us back when we repent. It should have stated when we are scattered to the edges of the earth, not the heavens. However, the Torah is intimating that when we are exiled the entire universe is in turmoil and unrest until we return to our land. S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABBOS AND GOOD YOM TOV
WE SHOULD ALL MERIT TO BE INSCRIBED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WITH THE BLESSINGS OF GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY
