Yisro 5770
When the Aseres HaDibros are repeated in Devarim, Hashem responds to the request of B’nai Yisrael that He not communicate directly with them lest they be killed by the experience, saying: “They have done well in all that they have spoken. Would that their hearts be like this, to fear Me and to keep all My commandments all the days, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!” (Devarim 5:25-26). The Sfas Emes comments that there is a need to create a balance in our relationships with G-d. On the one hand a person must have the fear of Heaven upon him so that he does not come to sin. On the other hand it is also incumbent on a person to strengthen himself to serve G-d with love – even when he knows that through his sins he has distanced himself from Him! How could Hashem express satisfaction with B’nai Yisrael’s decision to remain safely distanced from him? The answer is that “they [had] done well” in their accurate assessment of themselves; they were far from a level at which they, like Moshe, could communicate directly with Hashem. Nonetheless, Hashem recognized the sincerity of their desire to come closer to Him, and their request was granted.
VaEira 5770
Hashem commands Moshe to tell B’nai Yisrael of their upcoming redemption, despite knowing that His words would be disregarded by them – “but they did not hearken to Moshe because of [their] shortness of breath and because of [their] hard labor” (Shemos 6:9). The Sfas Emes questions Hashem’s insistence in delivering a message that would not be heeded. He concludes that these words must have left an impression which would become clear following the redemption; this prophecy would be heard.
We are often unable to hear Hashem’s messages to us through his Torah, due to our own “shortness of breath” – the pressures and tribulations of everyday life. All the Torah that we learn leaves on us an indelible impression, but unfortunately there are many times when it seems out of reach and unable to light the way. We can take comfort in knowing that this Torah remains with us, ready to be tapped into – “very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it” (Devarim 30:9). Sometimes it will become clear only later, if at all, and we will discover that we had it in us all along. With Hashem’s help, through our efforts and prayers, may we merit the redemptions necessary to always walk in His ways.
Good Shabbos!