Parshat Re'eh
"Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn." Benjamin Franklin
In this week's Torah portion of Re'eh, our great leader and teacher Moshe, continues his narrative to the Jewish people. This last will and testament of sorts, spans the majority of multiple portions of Devarim (Deuteronomy), concluding with Moshe's death and the ascension of Joshua as the new leader. The theme is quite direct and on point. Stay focused, stay connected, and listen to Hashem's word. Seems simple enough, yet as history has proven, not that simple after all.
So often, when we want to impart information or values to our children, we try and communicate verbally. We explain, speak, reason, and sometimes even scream, in our efforts to get the point across. After all, we feel the responsibility and necessity to impart this knowledge or important information to our children. Hence, the urgency and frustration, especially if we don't think the message is being received.
But is there an easier and more impactful way to impart information and critical lessons?
In the second reading of our portion the Torah states (Devarim: 12:28) Shemor V'Shamata - Safeguard and hearken to all these words that I command you, in order that it be well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the eyes of Hashem your G-d".
It seems strange that the Torah uses a double verb "Shemor-safeguard" and "V'Shamarta-Hearken". Usually, a double verb is meant for emphasis as it is here as well. But there is more. According to the commentary Rashi (France 1040-1105), Moshe is teaching us the secret to spiritual fulfillment, accomplishment and education. The first step is "safeguard" which means that what we study or experience must become part of who we are. The information cannot remain on paper, rather, it must become part of our experience. The second step is "hearken". Once the information has become your own reality and part of who you are, then one can and will perform the Mitzvot in a beautiful and meaningful way and never stray from it. Personal experience and connection equals commitment.
Having just returned from leading another Taglit-Birthright trip to Israel for young Jews ages 18-22, I can attest to this very idea. One simply cannot compare studying about Israel and the Torah in a book, to experiencing the land of Israel in real time. The smells, scenery, topography, history and spirituality, becomes part of one's personal experience. As one walks the earth of our homeland, touches the ancient ruins of the city of David, or rides a donkey through the valleys of the Galilee, the history and experience becomes real and relevant.
Perhaps, Moshe was trying to impress on us that the secret to engaged and dedicated Jews is not how many books or lectures one might amass, but rather, the personal experience that will keep us lifelong engaged Jews.
“Educate the child according to his way, then when he ages he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6) is what King Solomon wrote, and how right he was.
Shabbat Shalom,
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