Photo courtesy of Chabad.org
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY
Here we are this week, back at another double portion with Behar and Bechukotai. Behar means, “On the mountain,” referring to Mount Sinai where G-d revealed the Torah to the Jewish nation; the timing is perfect since we are about a week away from the holiday of Shavuot which commemorates this pivotal event. There is a well known commentary that discusses how Sinai was chosen as this meritorious mountain. It was said to be a very small mountain – almost indistinguishable from its fellow mountains, which is why we don’t know where it is today. What’s the significance of its smallness? It serves as a lesson in humility. This is especially true at this auspicious time when the Jewish people are receiving the Torah—chosen, yes, haughty, never. And so the question is then asked, why choose a mountain at all? Perhaps a plain or valley would serve as a finer example of humility?
The answer is a meaningful one. Because while humility is important, we need to value our existence, to believe in ourselves, to have confidence. Yes, avoid haughtiness, but if we truly know we are here in this world on a mission, we must be confident in ourselves and in our ability to succeed, even it means, well, moving mountains. As Shavuot approaches, we are recharged as G-d’s ambassadors of goodness and kindness, humbly yet confidently transforming the world. Together, with His help, we will be blessed to usher in a new era when the world will be filled with only goodness and kindness. It can’t happen soon enough! Good Shabbos!