In this weeks portion Moses reminds the Jewish nation that You have set apart Hashem (G-d) today to be a G-d for you, and to walk in His ways and to observe His decrees, His commandments and His statutes, and to hearken to His voice. And Hashem has set you apart today to be for him a treasured people... (26:17-18) Rashi notes the concept of setting apart refers to Israels setting itself apart from the strange, heathen gods that He should be our G-d and we have been separated from the nations of the world to be His treasured nation. The Jewish nation was chosen from amongst the nations, but the Jews had the appreciation that G-d is the one and only true force in the universe, so what was the choice? Why are the words set apart used instead? Rabbi Moshe Feinstein explains that there are two levels in the service of G-d. Basic service comes from the belief in the existence of Hashem. But greater is when ones actions manifest clearly that Hashem rules over us and then entire world constantly, while our whole being and our deeds attest vividly to a Master of the Universe. In our age of democracy we are challenged to fully grasp the concept of mastery; when we choose a leader it is one who will carry out our will, not a ruler whose wishes we must obey. Here then is the separation, that the chosen nation of Israel must realize that Hashem is the Master of the Universe and, thus, we must carry out His wishes and act accordingly. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, considering our relationship with our Creator as our King and King of the Universe, this weeks Torah portion assists our recalibration in our effort to plot a straight path for the coming year. Shabbat Shalom!
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:15:22 +0000
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