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Let’s add to this another question: The Torah later says that we should do that which is "Good & Right, ha-tov v’ha-yashar," in the eyes of G-d. What differentiates "good" & "right?" And why davka does it reference the eyes of G-d?
Rashi enlightens us: "Tov" means good in the eyes of Heaven, while "Yashar" means right in the eyes of humanity. We have been given two eyes, rather than one, for a good reason: We must constantly look up to the Heavens for approval, checking that we are conducting ourselves in the way Hashem would want us to act. Yet it is not enough to seek approval for our actions solely in the Heavenly court. The way we act must also be palatable & pleasant to those around us; how others look upon our behavior is of no less importance than how G-d sees us.
This requires us to constantly check our actions. G-d may love it when we exuberantly sing out in prayer & loudly praise Hashem’s name, but how do the people davening next to us feel about it?! Are we perhaps impinging on their ability to pray with kavana - concentration? And while it is incumbent upon me (and all Jews!) to learn Torah, do I have the right to make others pay my expenses in order to do so? In other words, it may be "tov" in G-d’s eyes, but is it "yashar" in people’s?
And yes, it’s a very noble thing to speak out or march in support of a cause that we believe benefits the greater community. But if that march is on Shabbat, have we brought honor to Hashem’s name?! It may be Yashar, but is it Tov?!
Perhaps we can now answer our initial question about the unusual combination of the singular & the plural in the opening sentence of our sedra. Each of us has a personal, unique relationship with Hashem, a "one-on-one" that accompanies us every moment of our lives. And we have to be true to that singular dynamic, & appreciate just how special that makes each & every one of us to G-d.
But we must also recognize that we are not alone in this world; we are part of a greater whole, a community, a worldwide family. What we do affects not only ourselves; it extends far & wide. Because not only are we connected to G-d; we are joined at the Neshama with every other Jew. So we must look carefully in both directions, & be "right" and "good" at the same time.
The gematriya of Tov V’Yashar (533) equals "she’lo l’fached klal." If we follow this advice, we will have nothing whatsoever to fear from G-d - or Man.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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)
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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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
