Relate -

Communication is very important. We often get into unneeded squabbles
because we don't understand what somebody else wants or needs. Too
many friendships and relationships are broken due to the inability
for our messages to get across. What is even more disturbing is when
we understand the wishes of those who we are connected with, but fail
to come through with their requests. We all know that even a slight
variation of what they want will not satisfy them; it's clear what
they want and nothing else.

Abraham lived his life dedicated to G-d. He spread the news that
there was a G-d who created the world, contrary to the public opinion
that the idols were in charge. However he never did what G-d wanted
or asked him to do (aside for some of his journeys and the Brit
Milah). He did whatever he felt was right. There was no "relating" to
another "being",it was all one sided. This is not to his discredit
since G-d never let him know what He wanted.

What took place in this week's Torah portion, during the giving of
the Torah on Mt. Sinai, was that G-d made this a two-way
relationship. All of a sudden there was another entity that the
Jewish people had to take into account. They could no longer create
their own spiritual connections and reach G-d only on their own
terms. To satisfy G-d they now needed to do as requested. There were
specific guidelines set forth which would explain exactly what G-d
wanted to be done. Fulfilling the mitzvah in that specific way would
bring about the connection with G-d; any other way might be a nice
gesture but it wasn't what G-d "needed" at the time.

Imagine a builder who asks his assistant for a drill and instead gets
a wrench. Yes, it's a tool and yes it may even work, but it's not
what's needed to get the job done.

This week we get the Torah again. This week all of G-d's needs and
requests are spelled out for us and we have the ability to enjoy a
unique relationship with G-d throughout our entire day. As with any
relationship it's give and take so by doing what He asks of us (even
if we think something else or another way is more appropriate at the
time) leads to the reciprocation we all ask for.

May the coming week be one where we are all able to relate to G-d
thereby allowing us to receive and enjoy G-d's reciprocation.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mendy Hecht