Parashat Zachor & Vayikra: Finding Joy and Purpose in Life's Coincidences (2019)

Good morning, everyone! As we approach Shabbat, I wanted to share some thoughts, especially dedicated to our grandson Moishe for his Bar Mitzvah, as we begin Sefer Vayikra. This will be a moment of Simcha (joy) as we nourish our souls. (I will send a separate message after Shabbat about our dear friend Shoshana bas Rav Dov, who recently left this world.)

The Small Aleph: Moshe's Humility and Hashem's Design

As you know, Sefer Vayikra is the book young children begin studying Chumash in school. Interestingly, the word "Vayikra" is written with a small Aleph at the end. Why? When the Sanctuary was set up, only Moshe was called into the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). Moshe felt embarrassed by this singular honor, believing everyone had participated in the building. He asked Hashem to write "Vayikar" (meaning "it happened to be"), not specifically highlighting his unique calling. Hashem, however, insisted on the "Aleph" to acknowledge Moshe's special merit, but allowed it to be small, honoring his humility. This teaches us that even when we feel undeserving, Hashem recognizes our unique contributions.

Parashat Zachor: Remembering and Trusting

This week is also Parashat Zachor, which commands us to remember what Amalek did to us. This is a unique mitzvah (commandment):

• D'Oraita Obligation: Attending the Torah reading of Parashat Zachor is a mitzvah M'De'oraita (Torah obligation) for men and women, unlike other weekly Torah readings which are M'Derabanan (rabbinic).

• Never Forget: We must never forget Amalek's treachery. The Torah describes it as "Asher Korcha BaDerech" – "that which happened to you on the way." It came out of the blue, unexpected, when Bnei Yisrael were tired and exhausted after the miracles of Kriyat Yam Suf.

• No Coincidences in Hashem's Plan: To us, it seemed a coincidence – suddenly attacked in the desert. But the Torah teaches us: "Asher Korcha" – that which happens unexpectedly is never a coincidence. It is always part of Hashem's greater plan.

  • Even the smallest things in life – a street crossing, a conversation, a phone call – are guided by divine Providence.

    
    

  • When we are "tired and exhausted" (Ata Ayef VeYagea), our Emunah (faith) can weaken. We might forget that Hashem is guiding every detail.

  • Just as Bnei Yisrael grumbled when they lacked water, questioning "Is Hashem among us or not?" – we too can sometimes complain instead of crying out to Hashem. This is a wake-up call to deepen our trust.

Emunah in Action: The Business Deal

This week, I heard the story of a young businessman flying from New York to Detroit for a life-changing $300,000 deal. He insisted on davening Mincha with a minyan (prayer quorum) first, believing it was his source of success. He found a synagogue, but only a few people arrived. At 4:20 PM, nervous about being late for his 4:30 PM meeting, a chazan with a yahrzeit asked him to stay for Kaddish (prayer for the departed). He agreed, putting helping a fellow Jew first.

He arrived 10 minutes late, only to find the secretary saying her boss wasn't in yet. Moments later, the very man who had asked him to complete the minyan walked in – his business client! The client, impressed by his sincerity, immediately signed the deal, which proved even more lucrative than expected. This teaches us there's no mikre (coincidence). Hashem orchestrated the meeting for his ultimate good, challenging his impatience only to reveal a deeper blessing.

• Moshe's Hands of Faith: When fighting Amalek, Moshe Rabbeinu's raised hands on the mountain were "Yadav Emunah" – hands of faith. The soldiers, seeing him in prayer, remembered that victory came through Emunah and prayer to Hashem.

• Esther and Mordechai: When Esther asked Mordechai about Haman's decree, he told her, "This is an attack of Amalek," implying a karahu (coincidental-seeming) event, a divine wake-up call. He assured her that with Emunah and unity (achdut), they would be victorious.

Korbanot and Connection: Thoughts, Speech, Action

Parashat Vayikra speaks about Korbanot (offerings), which represent connecting to Hashem through all our senses: thoughts, speech, and actions. The slaughtering and burning of offerings symbolized this profound connection. Even without a Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) and Korbanot today, we can translate our Emunah into daily life by ensuring our thoughts, words, and deeds are constantly connected to Hashem.

Emunah, Simcha, and Tzaddikim's Blessings

• Reb Chaim Kanievsky and the Sefer Torah: A young man asked Reb Chaim Kanievsky where to buy an apartment in Bnei Brak with his 200,000 shekels. Reb Chaim, with his characteristic brevity, simply said, "Buy a Sefer Torah." Though puzzled, the young man bought a Sefer Torah for exactly that amount. Two days later, his father called with news: his uncle had passed away, leaving him 1.5 million shekels! This true story, a contemporary example of "Emunah Rekhamim" (merciful faith), shows that we never lose out when we trust Hashem.

• Happiness as a Weapon: As we navigate times of uncertainty, let us remember: Emunah in Hashem, Emunah in Torah, Emunah in our Talmidei Chachamim (Torah scholars), and adding the ingredient of Simcha (happiness). Joy removes doubts and strengthens trust. When a person is full of Simchat Chaim (joy of life), it's very hard to attack them. Remember when Esther saw Haman full of joy after the first feast, she knew he was strong. Only when his mood soured did she act.

Push away tiredness (Yagea), push away the notion of coincidence (Mikre). Everything that happens, even if we don't understand, is for the best. With a life of Emunah and an added dose of Simcha, may we be privileged to experience the full redemption soon.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Shabbos to all of you, and may you be able to add more and more joy into your life!