Gaea's

The most famous verse in the entire Torah was first said in this week’s Parsha (Shema Yisroel). As Yaakov prepared to die he gathered his sons around him wishing to reveal to them the date of the final redemption. However, as Rashi references from the Talmud in Pesachim 56a and the Midrash, G-d’s presence departed from Yaakov and he was unable to continue with the prophecy. Yaakov was understandably distraught at “losing” the prophecy and suspected that one or more of his sons had become unworthy of sharing the revelation. Seventeen years had already passed during which the “family” had grown geometrically. Was it possible that during that time the brothers had been negatively influenced by the Egyptian culture? Yaakov confronted his sons and asked them if this was so. They all responded, “Hear O’ Israel (Yaakov),” No! We are worthy of your trust. “The Lord our G-d, The Lord is one!” What is the relationship between revealing the time of the final redemption and the declaration of Shema Yisroel?Rav Aron Tendler explains that the basic job of the Jewish nation is to sanctify G-d’s Name at all times. As the “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” Jews must reflect the truths of Torah in all our actions.
However, it is as a nation that we are supposed to accomplish our mission, not as individuals. Of course, the individual is still responsible to sanctify G-d’s Name; however, the job of spreading G-d’s Name to the other nations is far greater than any one person can do alone. We can only do it as a nation. According to the Rambam, Mashiach (Messiah) will bring the mission of the Jews to fruition. But G-d knew that each and every Jew would have to believe that they were responsible for bringing the final redemption. “Every day I wait for his arrival.” If the actual date of his arrival were known beforehand, many would abdicate their personal obligation of sanctifying G-d’s name. Regardless of the ultimate accomplishment of the final redemption, each of us must do our part in our lifetime to proclaim the majesty of G-d’s Name through prayer (towards G-d), and acts of lovingkindness (towards one another).
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Quotation of the Week (thanks to Tova):
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

Related posts:

1. Dvar for Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)
2. Dvar for Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9)
3. Dvar for Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10-32:1)
4. Dvar for Chukat-Balak (Numbers 19:1-25:9)
5. Dvar for Netzavim-Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30)
6. Dvar for Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)
7. Dvar for Chaye Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)
8. Dvar for Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24)
9. Dvar for Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)
10. Dvar for Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)
11. Dvar for Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)
12. Dvar for Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)
13. Dvar for Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)
14. Dvar for Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
15. Dvar for Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)
16. Dvar for Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:34)
17. Dvar for Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35)
18. Dvar for Acharei Mot/Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1-20:27)
19. Dvar for Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
20. Dvar for Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:17)