torah portion
United As One
E
Parshat Vayera:
Exodus 6:2-9:35;
(Shabbat Rosh
Chodesh) Numbers
28:9-15; Isaiah
66:1-66:24.
very successful nation, organi-
zation or country usually has
only one leader. In the Tanach,
we find that every generation had
one leader: Joshua, King Saul, King
David, etc. In the United States, it’s
the president, in Israel the prime
minister; they make the final deci-
sions. Any entity with two partners
often experiences conflict.
In the exodus from Egypt, we find
something unusual. At first Moses
was appointed, but nearly
immediately God appointed
English, plural and singu-
Aaron to speak for him. “I
lar are the same verbs; but
have made you a master over
in Hebrew, this is almost
Pharoah, and Aaron your
always different, which is
brother shall be your speaker.”
often lost in translation).
(Vayera 7:1) If only a transla-
This pattern of gram-
tor were needed, for $20 an
mar continues for the
hour someone could have
next 40 years. When the
Rabbi Schneur
been hired. Why was someone Greenberg
Torah talks about Moses
with the magnitude of Aaron
and Aaron, they are often
needed?
addressed in the singular.
Looking at the text, we see
Moses and Aaron never
that before Aaron and Moses
had a division of opinion
went to Pharaoh, God said, “I will
even though their natures were
be with your mouth and with his
opposite.
mouth, and I will show you what you
This is as in the case of a long-
will do.” Both of them were to take
married couple; after living together
the Jewish people out of Egypt. What for years, they know each other so
is the reason for God choosing to
well they can predict how the other
change the usual pattern of a single
half will react, what pleases them,
angers them and even what words
leader?
they will use. Aaron and Moses had
The late Lubavitcher Rebbe
such a connection; they knew intui-
explains that the cause of the
tively what the other wanted.
Egyptian exile was the “hatred of
Our present exile, too, was caused
brothers.” Joseph and his broth-
by unjustifiable hatred. Today we
ers’ conflict was baseless, and this
caused the Egyptian exile. Therefore, still see so much baseless hatred
toward Jews and amongst ourselves.
in order to bring the redemption,
We also don’t get along as we should.
the opposite had to happen. Two
Let’s combat this division by show-
brothers together had to become so
ing gratuitous love to our fellow
united they turned into one entity,
Jews.
and only then would they be able to
When we focus on what connects
take the nation out of exile.
us and disregard our differences, we
We find that the Torah relates to
will become united as one. •
Moses and Aaron as one person. In
Shemot 4:29, it says “And Moshe and
Rabbi Schneur Greenberg is the rabbi of the
Aaron went…” It is not written “and
Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce/Walled
they went” in the plural, but in the
Lake; rabbi@jewishcommerce.org.
singular. (In the majority of cases in
Enjoy a stroll down Bourbon Street in New
Orleans as we share in the festivities of
the world’s most noted carnival. We won’t
have quite the debaucherZ but we will have
a festive offering of traditional Mardi Gras
food and libations. And if you get the urge,
don a mask or costume, form a parade
around the dining room, twirl your umbrella
and do a little jig. After all…you’re not only
here to dine, you’re here to have some fun!
Complimentary Lunch
Present this certificate to your server upon ordering one or more of our Mardi Gras specials
and receive a complimentary luncheon main course (value not to exceed $10). Offer valid
Monday through Saturday, January 18th through February 28, 2017. Offer not valid on
Valentine’s Day or in conjunction with other promotional offers.
ROCKY’S 41122 West 7 Mile Northville 248-349-4434 rockysnorthville.com
Complimentary Dinner
Present this certificate to you server upon ordering one or more of our Mardi Gras
specials and receive a complimentary dinner main course (value not to exceed $15).
Offer valid seven days a week, January 18th through February 28, 2017. Offer not valid on
Valentine’s Day or in conjunction with other promotional offers.
ROCKY’S
41122 West 7 Mile Northville 248-349-4434
rockysnorthville.com
Lunch Mon - Sat : 11am to 4pm
Dinner Mon - Thurs : 4pm 9pm
Fri & Sat : 4pm to 10pm
Sun : 1pm to 9pm
2154940
jn
January 26 • 2017
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