Vaeschanan

Vaeschanan

(Deuteronomy 3.23 – 7.11)

Av 12 & 13, 5773   July 19 & 20, 2013

The word for ‘Courage’ or ‘Strength’ in Hebrew is אֹמֶץ (Amaztz),and also means to ‘adopt’; Joshua had to be strong and to adopt to other measures if his first ones did not work. He should not just sit and wallow in his own despair.  He needed to understand and comprehend that there are more than one solution to the same issue of problem; if one did not work, another just may!  The important thing is not to give up, and have true belief in self and the power of your belief in G-d, and that will help in giving you the strength to overcome a problem or issue at hand.  True belief!!!

In this Parsha (Torah Portion) we learn, “And you who cling to G-d, all have a life today!”  Many, many times, we as people take the easy and immediate way out and give up.  They just don’t want to try anymore, and at times, become depressed even.  Vaeschanan is about not giving up, and having strength.  G-d promises us and urges, “And if from there you will seek The Lord your G-d, you will find him with all of your heart and all of your soul!”  What does this mean!?  It simply means…..Adopt a positive attitude in all aspects, have strength in your beliefs, and allow G-d into your soul and belief system, as it will give you a helping hand and guidance.

An example:  You can say, “I love Shabbat, and I want to celebrate it and it is so beautiful!”  Those are words that sound beautiful, but as my mom used to say, “Actions speak louder than words!”  Thank you Mom!  You say, “So what; It is indeed beautiful, and I want to celebrate!?”  What I am sharing is have the belief deep in your soul, feel it with in your heart, and really get down to the nitty gritty and don’t just say it, but go thru the deep and meaningful actions that make Shabbat so beautiful….and have ‘some’ understanding, or at least a start.  Practice makes perfect!  What a Mitzvah!

Another example of having a deep belief and soulful feeling and trust is wearing Tefillin.  We can all see the physical aspect obviously, although it is such an emotional experience.  It is a Mitzvah ‘Shebaliv’ a Mitzvah of the heart…and it is implicit in the contents of the tefillin, as it is felt and  the words are NOT seen, as they are in the box.  Part of the content is the Shema and has to do with loving G-d with ALL of YOUR heart and ALL of YOUR soul, and with ALL of YOUR might!  This refers to YOU, as an individual.   Again, pure faith and adapting one’s strengths in true belief.

Does true belief come easy? Absolutely NOT!  Problems do indeed, and we must accept the fact to adapt at times, have inner strength, as well as outer, and have IT within your heart, and within your soul.  Challenges always happen, but G-d has granted us courage, and that is why so many people pray.  They feel a sense of rejuvenation.  As one prays, they feel G-d’s gift, that of COURAGE surging within them!  It is true belief and they feel they can now bear some if not all their burdens and or problems.

Let us ALL pray that in spite of our everyday issues at hand, we will always emerge triumphant, maintaining our spirits high because WE do indeed have both outward strength and inner courage to overcome them.

-Amen-