Relate – Parshat Yitro
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
February 6, 2015 | From the Rabbi's Desk | 0