Understanding our Relationship with G-d, a true consolation

 

            In this week’s prasha, V’etchanan, Moshe gives a striking compliment to the laws of the Torah.

 

"Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the midst of the land whither ye go in to possess it. Observe therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that, when they hear all these statutes, shall say: 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'  For what great nation is there, that hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is whensoever we call upon Him?  And what great nation is there, that hath statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?[1]"

 

            It is striking because it seems out of place.  Why would Moshe see it important to talk about the great wisdom of the commandments of the Torah when trying build up confidence for conquering the land?  Will it really scare the nations by knowing how wise are the laws we keep?

 

            Ibn Ezra and Ramban both mention that perhaps it is referring to the mitzvoth of Eretz Yisrael.  Moshe is trying to build up Bnei Yisrael’s desire to conquer Eretz Yisrael in glorifying the commandments that can only be done in the land of Israel.  Ibn Ezra also adds that this will show the nations our glory.

 

What seems to be the underlying message in the second explanation of the Ibn Ezra which is also mentioned by Seforno is that the wisdom of the Torah elevates us among the nations.  It is that elevation that allows us to stake claim to the Land of Israel as the people of Hashem.

 

The Torah also explains that understanding the wisdom we have within us gives understanding to the close relationship we have with Hashem.

 

We also find that a lack of understanding of the relationship we have with Hashem causes us to lose our claim to Israel and go into exile.  When prophesizing the destruction of the temple the prophets us the term "איכה" pronounced eicha which means "how".  This is in reference to how did we get to such a bad situation.  The Midrash compares it with the word "איכה" pronounced eiyecka which is referring to when Hashem looks for Adam after he sins by eating from the tree of knowledge.   The meaning in that verse is "where are you".   The comparison is teaching us that the cry of despair stems from a distance from Hashem.

 

Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan, explains that when the Holy Temple was built the miracles that happened everyday served as a reminder of the relationship we have with Hashem.  It was that zchut that protected the people of Israel and helped them win the wars fought in Israel.  Today that job is given to our Rabbis who teach us Torah, reminding us of our constant connection with Hashem. 

 

His words can be explained with the Midrash that we state everyday in prayers that our sages are extending peace in the world.  This refers to ultimate peace between people and their creator which in turn brings peace between each other as our parsha seems to indicate.  It indicates that once they realize how wise the Torah is they will give up and play their role in the history of the world.

 

Rabbi Ariel said these words in reference to why people studying Torah should not leave Israel during the gulf war.  Although, they could learn outside of Israel but there is a special need to create this feeling of connection on the battle field as we see throughout Tanach that the Holy Ark always went out to battle with the people of Israel reminding them and their enemies of our constant and awesome connection we have with our creator.

 

            We  continued this feeling when we studied  in the bomb shelters in Nahariya during the Second lebanon War (2006) along with students from other yeshivot who joined to help continue a strong center of Torah in the midst of danger.  It has happened on many visits to other shelters where people just wanted us to give them some faith and some explanation how they can connect their current experience to Hashem.  We pray that our steadfast presence along with other yeshivot on the border helped extend the feeling of the connection we have with Hashem that will be noticeable by the entire world sanctifying Hashem's name and helping bring about our redemption. 

 

Shabbat Shalom,

Reb Yitz