“You are children of G-d, your Master. You should not cut yourselves nor make a baldness between your eyes for the dead” (Deut. 14:1, Portion of Re’eh). No doubt that knowing we are children of G-d, that we can relate to Him as a child relates to a father, is fundamental to our service of G-d. What’s odd is that G-d informs us of this intimate relationship as part of His lesson about excessive mourning for the deceased. What’s the message there?
When faced with a tragic loss, especially of someone or something that we had grown to depend on, it’s natural to think “What’s going to be? How will life go on?” There’s a loss of security, a deep sense of loneliness. G-d says, “You are my children. I am your Father. The one who is closest to you is still here and He’s not going anywhere.” What a comforting thought! But it doesn’t end there. If you really think about what this means you can live life as a different person. Life with the All Powerful at your side, with you through EVERY challenge, is a life infused with the strength of the Divine; where there are no limits (Based on Nesivos Shalom & Seforno Deut 14:1)
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Mordechai Dixler
Program Director, Project Genesis/Torah.org
2 comments
deborah merz says:
August 6, 2010 at 12:35 pm (UTC -4 )
I find comfort in knowing that regardless what the loss or transition in life is, we are never alone. Thank You! I needed to be reminded of this today.
Victoria says:
August 6, 2010 at 5:45 pm (UTC -4 )
Thank you, Rabbi for this wonderful message. I need messages like this to remind me of G-d’s love and care.