Rabbi Sruli Guttentag Presents… Learn… To Appreciate

As we read through the Parshiyot, we re-experience the events of the Torah. Having left Egypt en mass, crossed the red sea and most recently sung the Shira, we now relive the Revelation at Sinai. The scene itself was a frightening one and its message reverberates with us still today. The survival of mankind hinges on your accepting of these Mitzvot.
Our preparation for this world changing event took place on multiple levels. Each individual, stepped away from his regular life to focus on the spiritual. As a nation, a strict hierarchy was enforced, with areas of Mount Sinai to be exclusively accessed by the Cohen and Levi. Moshe is singled out as the prophet of all prophets and is entrusted with conveying the oral teachings he has received. He will elaborate where G-d’s written word was brief and elucidate when the teachings were unclear. The tension is palpable as the nations of the world stand still – curious – will they accept the Torah or will they turn it down?
We read all of this as a reminder of how vital a part of our own lives Torah – its study and observance are. Indeed, the scene with its accompanying Shofar blasts, the healing of the sick and much else are so much a part of the Torah we have today that we are instructed to remember and never forget that which your eyes saw.
This message, religiously imparted to our children and families preserves the unbroken chain of commitment to a national heritage and responsibility.
Yet, at times, we find that the Mitzvot of the Torah don’t inspire us in the way we may want. Maybe it is formal prayer that we feel doesn’t speak to us. Is the set of laws a cumbersome load – an onerous set of responsibilities? This may particularly strike a cord with those of us who struggle with Hebrew reading – a somewhat foreign language, the siddur may estrange us from a more natural connection to our heritage. Is it only me?
In the view of the sages, this is in fact a phenomena inherent in the human condition. Created by G-d with a mission to recognise and find Him in our lives, we ought to feel a sense of connection. However, G-d, intentionally hid Himself, did not make Himself apparent and then said “Find me anyway”. How are we to do this?
I created a “Yetzer HoRa”. G-d himself designed and crafted man’s delicate situation. I challenged you with a set of circumstances which don’t naturally lend themselves to inspiration and spirituality. But, “I created Torah as a spice”. Learn the Torah, engage in its intricacies, delve into the story of the week’s parsha aided by the now vast resource of English reading material available on the market. A spice – it sweetens and reveals the intrinsic meaning behind the Mitzvot in which we engage.
The siddur begins with a set of Brachot to be set at the outset of the day. The blessings on the Torah are worth a look at. ”והערב נא ה’ אלקינו את דברי תורתך בפינו“ Two translations are offered; first – “please Hashem, mix words of Torah into my daily talk”. May my regular speech move beyond the sphere of the mundane and into the world of spirituality.
As someone who has spent some time with Torah scholars of a high calibre, I can attest to the thrill of this illuminating experience. In the most unexpected of contexts, they draw on Torah wisdom – displaying both academic ingenuity, wit and amazing insight. The advice they offer will often inspire others to strengthen their commitment to Torah study. “VeHaarev” – mix in.
Secondly, “VeHa’arev” and sweeten the words of Torah. At times, the words of Torah are distant from us. According to this second interpretation we pray that Hashem shows us the sweetness of Torah study.
So the Torah is the spice; the rich wealth of Torah wisdom shines a bright illuminating light on our entire spiritual life, and all of our Mitzvot. Even the study experience requires the input of G-d’s kindness to ensure that it is both “sweet” and “mixed in”. So where does it begin – do I just pray for G-d to make me enjoy it?
Let me share my own personal experience of the great Rabbi Shteinman – the contemporary Torah giant. Now somewhere around the 100 year old mark, young Torah students have long looked to him for inspiration, guidance and blessing. As a 16 year old, I found myself outside his house looking to meet him. Nervous, and primarily looking to experience a conversation with him, I anxiously waited my turn in the queue for an audience in his sparsely furnished front room. When my turn arrived, I mumbled a sentence to the effect that I sought his blessing for success in Torah study. “Success in learning…?” he looked at me simultaneously addressing others in the room … “just learn.”
How do we build ourselves a stronger connection with Shul and Jewish life? I answer “come and learn”.
Good Shabbos, Sruli