Torah Thoughts - Vaeschanan

Av 12 & 13, 5774

August 8 & 9, 2014

The Hebrew word for ‘Courage’ or ‘Strength’  is אֹמֶץ (Amaztz),and also means to ‘adopt’; Joshua had to be strong and to adopt 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 any  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 indeed will help in giving you the strength to overcome a problem or issue at hand.  True ,deep, and honest belief!!!
In this Parsha (Torah Portion) we read, “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  honestly, just give up or give in! That’s NOT a solution and most definitely does NOT show INNER strength and courage.   Sometimes we find ourselves that we don’t want to try anymore, and at times, become depressed even.  Vaeschanan is about not giving up; it’s about 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 true guidance.
 As humans, we do say, and at times believe, “I wish I could do this or that, but………………. “  And we then allow our own limitations to hinder us, and we stop our action(s).  What if the State of Israel and the IDF did that?We can take a look at Israel and The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) right now and literally observe, and learn!   There is such a true love (Ahava – אהבה) ,  a deep belief  and trust in G-D, and a sincere courage….DAY IN AND DAY OUT, as they know NO other way!    אֹמֶץ (Amaztz),True Courage, and  honest belief is so very embedded into their souls and social make up, and there is NO doubt or questioning.  IT IS THE WAY OF LIFE!   I saw a picture and posting on Facebook this last week that had me in tears, a group of IDF soldiers with a Torah and make shift- portable Ark to house it.   Courage and sincere faith!   In the very midst of war, they show others how belief in G-D and taking that true leap of faith and courage aides them.  G-d Bless ALL of them.
Does true belief come easy? Absolutely NOT!  Issues or doubts may occur in the beginning, 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 to be accepting.  Challenges always happen, but G-d has granted us courage, that has allowed so many people to pray, even in the most of remote and dangerous of places.  They feel a sense of rejuvenation and true strength!  As one prays, they feel G-d’s gift, that of COURAGE surging within them!  It is THIS sincere belief that gives those persons an advantage; Courage and having G-d‘s strength  right beside you.
Let us ALL pray that in spite of our everyday issues at hand, we will always emerge triumphant, maintaining our beliefs, because WE do indeed have both outward strength and inner courage to overcome them, and have G-d always with us. 
 -Amen-