VOLUME 112 NUMBER 2
Av 12, 5784
August 16, 2024
PARSHAS VA’ESCHANAN
Candlelighting Time 7:36 PM

The well-known declaration that we have used for generations voicing our undying passion and love for Hashem is found in this parsha. Shema, which many of our nation have cried out before sacrificing their lives to sanctify Hashem encompasses a tremendous commitment and devotion accepting Hashem as the omnipotent king of the entire universe. The Aramaic translation of the Chumash authored by Yonasan ben Uziel and the Jerusalem version cite the Talmud that upon his deathbed Yaakov summoned his children to apprise them of Moshiach’s coming. At that moment, the Divine Presence departed from him and he was concerned that one of his sons was not as fully connected to Hashem and therefore his connection also was severed. He revealed this to them and they responded in unison Hark Israel, their term for their father Yaakov, Hashem is our source of sustenance and He is one. Certainly a very inspiring instance that encourages us to seek to attain such incredible levels of recognition of Hashem. The only question that perhaps remains is why did these two translations find it necessary to divulge this Talmudic passage for their exposition of this verse?

The depth of insight that we attain reciting Shema is very profound and that acuity necessitates a tremendous focus that is all-encompassing and manifestly displayed. Meshech Chochma alludes to a Midrash that concentrates on the name Yisroel applicable to Avrohom and Yitzchok as well. He emphasizes that the importance is our forebears, as demonstrated by Yaakov, strove to publicize Hashem’s omnipotent presence in the world! That was clearly obvious when Yaakov yearned to reveal when Hashem’s presence would be unveiled in its supreme majestic representation. That ‘trait’ was embedded in the very psyche of our construction as a nation and brought to fruition with Yaakov’s encounter with his sons. Therefore, we can understand the Aramaic translations’ conveyance of that episode as a directional illumination of the responsibility that is incumbent upon us as we strive to spread the banner of Hashem’s inimitability to the world at large.

Chasam Sofer elevates the innermost working of our minds during the recital of Shema to another level. Although presently each nation has its source of perpetuation protecting and promoting its existence, when Hashem’s presence will be globally recognized and accepted then, as the verse states, Hashem’s Name will be One and He will preside over the entire essence of creation without any intermediate conveyance of His ongoing beneficence. Seemingly, at that juncture the entire world, including our nation, will be on an equivalent status with the rest of the world. However, the Shema dispels that notion because we declare Hashem is our source and He is one unto His people. Even at that point, we will rise above the prominence of the other nations who will have themselves exalted their assessment and reverence of Hashem to the highest level. We are a special nation unto Hashem and even in the darkest times that we confront, our realization is that we will always have Hashem’s protection and His constant monitoring of our needs and His intervention to save us when we are at risk!

A BYTE FOR SHABBOS

When we recite in the Shema that we must love Hashem, that expression of deep faith and conviction ‘inspires’ the Heavenly Court to shower us with Hashem’s compassion and empathy.        

S’FAS EMES 

GOOD SHABBOS

ALTHOUGH WE DID NOT WITNESS OUTRIGHT MIRACLES TO CONTAIN THE IRANIAN THREAT, WE DID CLEARLY SEE THE HAND OF HASHEM. THE U.S. SENT NUMEROUS WARSHIPS AND TREMENDOUS AIR POWER TO PROTECT US IN THE MIDDLE EAST. IN AN UNPRECENDENTED SHOW OF POWER HASHEM ‘CONVINCED’ THE POWERS TO BE OF OUR GOVERNMENT THAT THEY SHOULD DO THIS. AS IT IS STATED THE HEARTS OF KINGS ARE IN THE HANDS OF HASHEM. EVEN THOUGH THIS TISHA B’AV STILL REMAINED A DAY OF MOURNING AND SADNESS AS WE HAVE NOT YET MERITED THE REBUILDING OF THE BEIS HAMIKDASH, WE SHOULDN’T THINK FOR A MOMENT THAT IT WILL HAPPEN SOONAND IN OUR DAYS.