By Liraz Ohayon and Arielle Bouhadana
Managing Editor/VP Marketing and Censorship Editor
וַיַּקְהֵ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֶֽת־כׇּל־עֲדַ֛ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אֵ֚לֶּה הַדְּבָרִ֔ים”
“אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לַעֲשֹׂ֥ת אֹתָֽם
“Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community and said to them: These are the things that יהוה has commanded you to do”:
The very first opening of this Parasha clearly illustrates the importance of congregation. Moshe intentionally makes the effort to gather Bnei Israel when informing them about the Commandment of Shabbat. Coming from a moment of clear division during Chet HaEgel (the sin of the golden calf), it seems like a sudden transition to be made on such short notice, especially to announce an extensive amount of laws regarding Shmirat HaShabbat (observing Shabbat). So why was it so crucial to gather all of them together for this occasion?
On a technical level, in terms of ensuring that the laws are properly understood and observed, it is more practical to have the message delivered once, in unison to all that were present. Many miscommunications can be avoided in this manner. However, there must be a deeper reason as to this sudden gathering, as it is the opening statement of our entire Parasha.
Shabbat is a central component of our Jewish identities and the way in which we connect to our Creator. Shabbat brings a special kedusha (holiness) into the rest of our week, inspiring us to maintain a constant connection with Hashem, essentially elevating our mundane, daily routines. Another key aspect contributing to our lives as the Chosen Nation is the concept of Achdut (unity). This can be seen in many of our practices. For instance, prayer cannot take place without a Minyan, a group of 10 men coming together to speak with Hashem. Achdut is a unique feature of Judaism that is difficult to find in other worldly religions. The fact that nine men require just one more tenth highlights the important role of the individual within the group. The Jewish Nation is a mosaic of individual pieces coming together towards one common goal; connecting to Hashem, to each other, and using this light to shine upon the Nations.
The sense of community is not only beneficial to us, but it is a prerequisite to ensure our survival through all of our trials and tribulations. It is clear that there has been an unprecedented amount of hate and intolerance targeting Jewish centers in Montreal. Synagogues, community centers, and Jewish schools have been vandalized, threatened, and blockaded in recent times. This darkness they intend to cast over us cannot extinguish our everlasting flame. We burn with passion for our Land and nation as a whole, and this unwavering faith can never be shaken. On Tuesday, March 5th, the Jewish community gathered outside the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, where a massive anti-Israel protest was being held. In the face of adversity and hate, we responded with love, pride, and most importantly, Achdut!
The fact that Moshe emphasized the importance of gathering when presenting the laws of Shabbat to us is no coincidence nor an issue of convenience. Rather, it is to teach that Shabbat is a symbol of our unity as a people. Whether it be gathering with our community at Shul, or coming together within our individual family units, every week, we emanate that same Achdut that Moshe presented us with over 3000 years ago, and this is something to be proud of!
May we be zoche (merit) to feel the unity of our people act as a light to dispel the darkness we are surrounded with in every generation, until we are all reunited with the third Beit Hamikdash.
Shabbat Shalom!
Comments