בס”ד
This week’s reading starts with G-d appearing in front of Avraham after having circumcised himself. A cute story by the Rebbe Rashab and his grandfather, the Rebbe Tzemach Tzedek, gives us two perspectives on how to deal with our service to G-d. Based on Likutey Sichot, vol. 1, p. 23
This week’s reading begins with the phrase Vaya’era (וַיֵּרָא), meaning “He appeared.” It describes how G-d appeared to Abraham after the events of the previous portion, where Abraham had undergone circumcision. This can be seen as Abraham’s “reward,” as G-d revealed Himself to him following this significant act. The portion also introduces other profound themes and ideas.
A story is told about the fourth Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Shalom DovBer (known as the Rebbe Rashab), when he was a young child of around five or six years old. One day, he approached his grandfather, the third Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Menachem Mendel (the Tzemach Tzedek), in tears. His grandfather, concerned, asked him why he was crying. The child replied, “Why did G-d show Himself to Abraham but does not show Himself to me? I want to see G-d!”
The grandfather responded with a teaching. He said, “When a person is 99 years old and decides to circumcise himself, it is fitting that G-d should reveal Himself to him.”
While this story is charming, it also carries deep lessons for us. If the story has been passed down, it is because it offers teachings that are relevant and meaningful. These teachings can be understood from two perspectives: the child’s perspective and the grandfather’s response.
The Child’s Perspective
The Rebbe Rashab cried because he felt anguish that G-d had not revealed Himself to him. This teaches us that it does not matter one’s age, spiritual level, or level of knowledge. Every person has the right—and the potential—to yearn for a connection with G-d. The child’s tears reflect a deep longing: I want to see G-d. I want to feel connected. I want to enjoy and be inspired in my observance of the commandments, whether they are the 613 mitzvot for Jews or the seven Noahide laws for all humanity. I want to feel a tangible relationship with the Divine.
This yearning and desire are lessons for us all. Regardless of where we stand spiritually, it is important to awaken within ourselves this longing for a deeper connection with G-d.
The Grandfather’s Perspective
The Tzemach Tzedek’s response was significant: “When a person is 99 years old and decides to circumcise himself, it is fitting that G-d should reveal Himself to him.” What does this mean?
In Chassidic thought, a person possesses ten fundamental powers—intellectual and emotional—that together form the structure of the soul. These ten powers are interrelated, with each one containing ten subcomponents, making a total of 100 elements within the soul. When a person has worked on and refined 99% of these powers, reaching an incredibly high level of personal growth, and still recognizes that there is more to be done—that they have not yet “arrived” but must continue striving—this humility and commitment make them worthy of Divine revelation.
Judaism teaches that the goal is not to “reach” a final destination, but to continuously work on oneself, always striving for improvement and refinement.
Applying the Lesson
From the child, we learn the importance of crying out and yearning for G-d, expressing a heartfelt desire to feel connected to the Divine. From the grandfather, we learn that the path to this connection lies in the ongoing effort to refine ourselves, even when we feel we have already achieved much.
By combining these two perspectives—intense yearning and relentless self-improvement—we create a path toward Godliness in our lives. And without a doubt, through this collective effort, we will merit the coming of Moshiach (the Messiah), when Godliness will be revealed to all.
Parshat Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
The above is a representation of the spoken text converted to written text.
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