Ki Seitzei Torah Thoughts

Ki Seitzei  Torah Thoughts

Elul 10 &11, 5773    August 16 & 17, 2013

Be Sensitive and Show Gratitude

In this Parsha (Torah portion), we read about many mitzvahs, 74 to be exact, and that is more than any other parsha!  In Hebrew, this is Ayin Dalet, which also stands for ‘ed’ (not pronounced like Mr. Ed).  The two letters in the Hebrew alphabet, Ayin and Dalet are enlarged in the first sentence of the Shema, and together these two letters form the word ‘ed’, which means ‘witness’ or ‘forever’, strongly suggesting that the Shema has the utmost influence on us, day in and day out, and is a true and since testament of the sovereignty of G-d and OUR primary duty to love G-d with our entire and whole being.   We should be reminded that these and all mitzvahs should last forever, and the actions associated with each one. 

The 1^st sentence of the Shema really shows our declaration that the Lord Our G-d is one!  Interestingly, the word ‘echad’ in Hebrew can imply a unity in diversity.  For example, Exodus 26:6 when speaking of the Tabernacle (Mishkan) is to be built so that “it shall be built, so it will be one (echad) tabernacle”.  Moses also references ‘echad’ in Genesis 2:24, “and they (that of man and his wife) shall become one flesh (basar echad) …….”. ONENESS!

Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.

Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.

The mitzvahs/commandments that have been given us show, or should show us, and be our daily guide or road map on how we SHOULD live; be sensitive to other people’s needs, show sincere gratitude, have respect for all human kind, be kind and understanding to those that may differ from you, and show an understanding of unity and oneness.

-Amen-