10^th of Kislev, November 27, 2009

Just as the directive to praise Hashem applies to all strata of society and all classes, so too does the need to trust in G-D alone.  The psalmist teaches: “O Israel, trust in Hashem, their help and their shield is He! House of Aaron, trust in Hashem, their help and their shield is He! You who fear Hashem, trust in Hashem; their help and their shield is He (Psalm 115:9-11).”   What are the obstacles to trust?  Our inability to trust is predicated on our belief that not all people can equally benefit from another’s protection.  If I am being helped, another must not be.  But G-D is limitless, with infinite capacity to help and protect us all.   He provides the help and protection each of us needs, relative to our position and our function.   The children of Israel require G-D’s basic assistance and protection to endure.  Their need fuels their trust; without G-D, they are adrift.  The House of Aaron, charged with serving G-D in the Beit HaMikdash, must trust that their efforts are worthy and will be successful.   Those that fear G-D, recognizing His awesome might and power, must trust that such awesomeness does not preclude His kindness.  The psalmist assures us that irrespective of our needs, G-D is always our help and our shield.

11^th of Kislev, November 28, 2009

“Hashem Who has remembered us will bless- He will bless the House of Israel, He will bless the House of Aaron; He will bless those who fear Hashem, the small as well as the great (Psalm 115:12-13).”    These verses follow the ones that instruct us to place our trust firmly in G-D.   When we trust in Hashem, blessings ensue.   Relationships are built on trust and respect.  Our relationship with G-D is no different.  If we trust in G-D, then He in turn acknowledges our trust and devotion.  And He blesses us in keeping with our unique role and function.   The House of Israel and the House of Aaron are blessed, relative to their particular needs and wants. Those that fear G-D are blessed to witness and experience His kindness.  Both the small and the great of stature benefit.  Hashem’s blessings, like He Himself, are infinite in number.  All may be blessed to the detriment of none.

Shabbat Shalom. 

Copyright, 2009 Rachel Lerner