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Yirat shamayim (fear of Heaven) is the main thing that is not in Hashem’s Hands, but in our own (ibid.). One can then ask: how we can ask in Birkat Hachodesh, "Give us life that contains fear of Heaven and fear of sin" if it is not up to Him?
Before Moshe got up to our pasuk that captures the essence of Judaism, he reviewed Bnei Yisrael’s recent history, with its miracles and crises, along with commandments to remember and not to forget what they had seen (see Devarim 7:18; ibid. 8:18). These commands to remember come in two contexts: before the conquest of Eretz Yisrael, when the people could ask how they would succeed; after the success is realized, when people are liable to claim, "My strength and the power of my hand" were responsible. The solution in both cases is to remember. Indeed, the greatest foe of Judaism is forgetting; one who remembers believes and sees. Upon seeing Hashem’s involvement in the past, he does not fear the future and knows how to attribute the success correctly. This is true throughout history. In both times when Hashem’s face is hidden from us and in times when it shines upon us, we must consider the lessons of the past and recognize Hashem’s Providence.
Let us return to answer the questions. At the time of great success, for example, at the time Moshe was speaking, when the people had recently witnessed many miracles and were on the verge of entering the Land, it was relatively easy to fear Hashem. One can see that Hashem "makes battles, has great strength, and is the master of wonders," that He observes all, and arranges all. When terrible events occur, which make one wonder how Hashem could have allowed them to happen, it is difficult to honestly say, "All of this befell us and we did not forget You or belie Your covenant" (Tehillim 44:18).
When we ask for "life that contains fear of Heaven" we are asking for successful times when basic fear of Hashem is easier to come by. While it is always ultimately up to us, we pray that we will not be tested with times when it is harder to accomplishment it.
Chazal speak of a year that is poor in its beginning and rich at its end (Rosh Hashana 16b). This year (5708= 1947-8) was such a year. We began the year like paupers at the doorway, wondering "how will we be able to acquire [the Land]." Miraculously, we did! We received the "life that contains fear of Heaven." Now it is our responsibility to put things in perspective and remember that it is Hashem who gave us the strength to succeed, and use this outlook to reach yirat shamayim under conducive circumstances.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
