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Welcome to the Weekly Dvar. Please forward it forward...
In Parshat Ekev Moshe reiterates G-d’s assurances and perils based on His people doing what’s required and expected of them. Moshe declares that “G-d, your G-d is the G-d of gods and Lord of lords, the great mighty and awesome G-d…”, and the next Passuk (verse) asserts that “He executes judgment of the orphan and widow, loves the stranger, to give him bread and clothing” (10:17-18). Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wonders why such a grand statement is followed by a very specific statement in seemingly striking contrast.
Rabbi Sacks explains that G-d’s greatness is followed by His humility to teach us that these two traits must go hand in hand. You can’t be great without being humble, without thinking of those less fortunate or those that are forgotten.
With a careful reading of the Pessukim (verses), one can take this lesson a step further: In order to love, feed and clothe a stranger one is required to not simply be aware of their predicament, but to understand their need, appreciate their situation and empathize with their plight. Greatness requires appreciating the circumstances of strangers among us and even more empathy for the non-strangers in our lives.
Quotation of the week:
“If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you."
** Join DailyGiving.org - donate $1 a day and make a huge difference for so many amazing charities! **
Welcome to the Weekly Dvar. Please forward it forward...
_______________________________________________
In Parshat Ekev Moshe reiterates G-d’s assurances and perils based on His people doing what’s required and expected of them. Moshe declares that “G-d, your G-d is the G-d of gods and Lord of lords, the great mighty and awesome G-d…”, and the next Passuk (verse) asserts that “He executes judgment of the orphan and widow, loves the stranger, to give him bread and clothing” (10:17-18). Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wonders why such a grand statement is followed by a very specific statement in seemingly striking contrast.
Rabbi Sacks explains that G-d’s greatness is followed by His humility to teach us that these two traits must go hand in hand. You can’t be great without being humble, without thinking of those less fortunate or those that are forgotten.
With a careful reading of the Pessukim (verses), one can take this lesson a step further: In order to love, feed and clothe a stranger one is required to not simply be aware of their predicament, but to understand their need, appreciate their situation and empathize with their plight. Greatness requires appreciating the circumstances of strangers among us and even more empathy for the non-strangers in our lives.
_______________________________________________
Quotation of the week:
“If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you."
