This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated in
memory of Elka bas Zisel OBM
And
in memory of Leah bas Rochel OBM
Any abrupt change of font size in a written work attracts
attention. Surely so in the Torah, where every detail and nuance is of great
importance.
In this week's Torah portion, which begins the
third Book of the Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus - 1:1-5:26), there
is a particular change of font. The letter Alef, as it is written in
the Torah in the opening verse of this week’s portion “Vayikra
el Moshe” ("And G-d called
to Moses"), is tiny. Noticeably smaller than the usual
sized Alef or the other letters in that passage, it excites
comment and query from synagogue audiences every year.
Chasidic thought explains that this change is to give an
indication of Moshe’s (Moses') unparalleled humility. Though he was unique
amongst men in his communicating directly with G-d, despite the fact
that he was the leader who had defeated the Egyptians and freed the Jews and
brought the Torah down to the world at Sinai, he nonetheless remained the most
humble man ever to exist on this earth (Numbers 12:3).
Interestingly, the small Alef of our Parsha is
contrasted by another font change elsewhere in the Bible. The name 'Adam', the
first man and the personal handiwork of G-d, is written once with an
oversized Alef, (Divrei Hayamim [Chronicles] 1:1) to denote his
grandeur and, by extension, the potential greatness of all humans--the ultimate
purpose of creation,
To exist is to have a purpose. G-d created nothing without
reason. One needs to constantly bear in mind one's responsibilities and to live
up to the large Alef.
Recognition of one's worth, however, should never lead to
hubris and conceit. Moses, the most accomplished person ever to live, was also
the most humble. The small Alef reflected his awareness that his
talent and ability were gifts from G-d. He constantly asked himself, "Have
I truly utilized my full capabilities?"
Humility does not mean self-delusion, but rather an
awareness of one's talents, tempered by the acknowledgement of where they come
from. Moshe was aware of his qualities but he did not take any credit for it.
In fact, he would say: "Were somebody else to be granted these qualities,
they would surely do even better."
This dual perspective of the dueling Alefs -- an
uplifting recognition of one's achievements tempered by the deflating sense of
accomplishment -- invokes a humility, yet with a drive to accomplish in
religion and life and thus justify one's very existence.
(Excerpts from chabad.org - Rabbi Elisha
Greenbaum)
May you have a meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!
If you would like to dedicate the weekly Parsha
Perspective in honor or memory of a person or occasion, please contact Rabbi Shusterman
at yshusterman@chedermonsey.org
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