From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat September 20, 21, 2024/17,18 Elul 5784
The Torah Portion this Sabbath contains agriculture laws and the laws of first fruits, and the formulation of the covenant between G-d and Israel. This is the Third discourse of Moses.
Since the High Holidays are just a few weeks from now, my Torah drash will be on the mitzvah of “Walking in G-d’s Way.” The Church Fathers used a popular phrase in Latin, “Imitatio Dei”/imitation of G-d) during the Middle Ages. Jewish people, the concept of trying to imitate G-d’s attributes dates back to the Torah, which states, “and walk in His ways” (Deuteronomy 28:9). This has meant that just as G-d is compassionate, so should human beings ought to be compassionate. Just as G-d is righteous and just, so should we be. The list continues.
So, How do you walk in G-d’s way?
While the Haftarah by the prophet Isaiah speaks to the exiled Babylonian Judeans, offering them an optimistic vision of their future lives. Isaiah provided them with a unique mission when he states that “nations shall walk in your light” (Isaiah 60:3). That is interpreted to mean that our work is to shine like a beacon of light for other nations less enlightened to follow moral and ethical behavior.
So, did you figure out the way G-d wants us to walk?
It is the very essence of the Jewish people to be role models. The Jewish people strive to continually amaze the world with their achievements that better humanity. If one wants a list it would include, medicines, technology, poetry, books, and every type of work from agricultural to rocketing to the moon and back to earth!
Yes, even in the darkest moments of Jewish history, we survived and thrived afterwards. Whether conquers, empires, dictators, disease, famine, pogroms, the Holocaust, and October 7th, 2023!
Am Ysrael Chai! “WE WILL DANCE AGAIN!” (Israelis’ new slogan that life will return with joy and triumph!)
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
