My parents taught me the importance of keeping my word. So it was very hurtful for Chavie and I, when, earlier this week, someone we trusted reneged on a firm commitment. Naturally, I was questioning my faith in humanity. Yet, twenty-four hours later we were dealing with another issue, wondering how we would pay for the new Mikvah heater, after our current one died, and lo and behold, a group of 30+ committed souls on Facebook came together to make that a reality, giving us a glimpse of humanity at its best. The eternal words of King David, that I’ve prayed thousands of times, were ringing in my head all week long, “Do not trust in princes, in the son of men, who has no salvation”.
Believe in humanity but trust only in G-d.
In this week’s Torah portion, Beshalach, we read about the Manna, a heavenly bread delivered to the door step of every Jewish family in the Sinai desert. For almost forty years they received their primary sustenance through this Divine food and instead of getting a weekly ration, they received it every morning anew. G-d was using the Manna as a teaching tool, instilling within His people trust. “I believe in G-d”, “I am religious”, even the mighty dollar bill screams out “In God we trust”. Yet, us so called believers, often times lack the trust, that indeed G-d will be our provider. We say in Grace after Meals “Who, in His goodness, provides sustenance for the entire world with grace, with kindness, and with mercy. He gives food to all flesh, for His kindness is everlasting”. Yet, when we are done the melodious singing, do we actually believe it?
I admit that this is hard to internalize, but if G-d can provide Manna from heaven, he can certainly ensure that we won’t go hungry. He doesn’t want us to sit back and rely on him without working hard; we must make a vessel for His light, His countenance, His blessings, but to think that our survival is dependent on this one or that one, this investor and that banker, even if they’ve committed and signed on the dotted line, is silly. Those who are unethical will have to answer to the Almighty, as for me, I must walk the walk and remember that Hashem is always in charge and if you think He isn’t, that’s probably why you’re anxious.
Through the fire, through the hell!
May G-d guard our brethren in Israel and the world over from harm and send us Moshiach speedily. May He protect the armed forces of Israel and the United States wherever they may be. Shabbat Shalom! Chazak!!! L'Chaim!!!