THE POWER OF GOD IS IN YOUR HANDS

Parashat Naso

Sivan 9, 5784 / June 14-15, 2024
Torah: Numbers 4:21 – 7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25

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This d’var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Sarah Raizel bat Elisheva, Elie Ya'akov ben Pesha Leah, and Yaffa bat Blimah.

This d’var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah and a speedy and safe return of all the hostages being held by Hamas.

This d’var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for all who have been wounded in the terrorist attacks and in fighting against the terrorists, as well as innocent non-combatants caught in the crossfire

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Lunch and Learn meets Mondays at 12:30 PM on Zoom and Facebook Live. On June 17, we'll be at BT Shabbat 152b, page 212 of Ein Ya'akov (Glick edition) Volume 1: 

'... הנוהו קפולאי'  

"There were gravediggers ..."

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Please pass this on to a friend - and please cite the source.

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THE POWER OF GOD IS IN YOUR HANDS

"And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: So shall you bless the children of Israel, saying to them: 'May the Lord bless you and guard you. May the Lord cause the Lord’s countenance to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift the Lord’s countenance to you and grant you peace.' And they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them." Numbers 6:22-27.

Many years ago, when I was at the earliest stage of my renewed interest in Judaism, I read about a most intriguing custom - the parental blessing of children on Shabbat evening. Years later, I searched everywhere for the story and incredibly, when I really, really needed to find it, I finally did:

'Sadly, in recent times, blessing the children has become generally unobserved outside the Orthodox community. Herbert Wiener, an American Reform rabbi who witnessed an elderly Jew dispensing Sabbath blessings in Safed, Israel, was moved to write: "I could not help but think of successful suburban fathers who had made comfortable provisions for their children yet would never receive the honor and respect that had fallen to the lot of the old North African Jew who could offer only blessings."' (Jewish Literacy, by Joseph Telushkin)

Only blessings! The significance of blessings is borne out in the story of Jacob's deception of Isaac, and Esau's anguished cry: "Bless me father, even me!" (Genesis 27) The idea that God permits us to give blessings in God's name stunned me – and it still does. To have such authority, such power! To be God's agent, even God's partner!

I promised myself that, if I should ever be fortunate enough to become a father, I would bless my child every Shabbat and Yom Tov. In December 1994, it came to pass, and when Robert was one day old, in the neo-natal intensive care unit, Lynn and I donned gowns and gloves and masks, laid our hands on his tiny head, and began: “May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe.” (The beginning for a daughter is: “May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah”). Then, in keeping with the tradition, we continued with the priestly blessing above. We felt God there, blessing and guarding our son. It was awesome, and we have not missed an opportunity to bless him since.

                                  

              Jewish parents blessing child on Friday night - 1740 illumination from a mohel's notebook

You should not miss this experience either (even if your children are now adults or out of the home – you can do this by phone, Zoom, FaceTime, etc., as well). Your children's memories of receiving your blessing every Friday night will stay with them much longer than those of receiving the latest video game or toy. More than that, the idea that you become God's partner in blessing your children will stay with them and you, and empower you. When you recite the blessing, and put God's name on your children, God blesses them. Your action leads to God's action. You have the power of God in your hands.

Have a wonderful Shabbat, full of God's blessings.

Rabbi Richard A. Flom

הַלּוֹמֵד מִכָּל אָדָם ?אֵיזֶהוּ חָכָם

Who is wise? The one who learns from every person.

Ben Zoma - Pirkei Avot 4:1

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