From The Rabbi’s Study… Shabbat, August 15, 16, 2025/21, 22 Av 5785
The Torah continues with the second discourse of Moses, which contains the rewards of obedience, the lessons of past history, and warning about arrogance.
There are numerous Judaic concepts and values presented, such as the reverence and awe of G-d, blessing G-d for one’s food, and warning against arrogance. The Mitzvot found for this Sabbath are loving the stranger and serving G-d.
What is it to revere and be in awe of G-d? The Torah states that “you shall fear the Lord your G-d” (Deuteronomy 10:20). In Proverbs 1:7 we are told that “the fear of G-d is the beginning of wisdom”. Reverence for G-d is an acknowledgment of G-d’s infinite power and righteousness and is one of the keys to human wisdom.
However, when one recites the Sh’ma, the prayer starts with the command “You shall love Adonai your G-d with all your mind, soul, and might” (Deuteronomy 6:4). From children to adults, when worshiping G-d, each individual is praying with kavanah/focus and strives to obtain that closeness to G-d, without fear but with love.
Humans do not live on bread alone. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Rabbi Ysrael Meir ha- Kohen of Radin, Poland (1838-1933) was famous for writing the book CHafetz CHayim that has a unique interpretation of this verse. The Torah does not say (by), but (on) bread. So he questioned “Why?”. There is a Hebrew expression, AL M’Nat/for the sake of bread. We do not work for the sake of eating, nor do we eat for the sake of working.
Rabbi Yisrael Meir ha-Kohen points out that many people lose sight of their priorities. They concentrate on materialistic possessions, making them the priority in their lives. Sometimes one’s profession and the excitement of work takes the individual away from their family. Working and making a living is important, but are really the means toward the goal of living a meaningful and caring life, connected deeply to family, friends, community and to the higher spiritual goals of human existence. “No one,” he says, “should confuse work, job or money with life itself.”
Since the High Holidays are nearing, I thought it important to mention this famous rabbi who points us back to the path of righteous behavior. I believe when we pray with Kavanah, we will recite the Motzi in a new and more meaningful way. Maybe that is why the Challah tastes so good!
May this Shabbat bring our hostages home and peace will be obtained in Gaza and the world. This Sabbath will mark 678, 679 days since October 7, 2023.
Am Ysrael Chai! Long Live Israel!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
