Vatechi - Young Israel of Kendall
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Young Israel of Kendall
Rabbi Becker's Message - January 6
VAYECHI DONKEY “Yissachar is a strong-bodied donkey…he bent his shoulder to bear and he became an indentured laborer.”Each of the twelve tribes had its specialty and a symbol that captured its unique identity. Donkey in Hebrew is chamor which comes from the word chomer, which means physical substance. A donkey is not known as a particularly intelligent animal. Indeed, that is why his Hebrew name is the equivalent of physical essence. Yet, Yissachar was the one associated with the study of Torah. That being the case, we would have imagined a different symbol would have been appropriate. What is the connection between the study of Torah and a donkey? People think that for success in acquiring Torah knowledge, the most important factor is brilliance. That is not the case. The most critical element needed is diligence and toil. There have always been individuals of great intellect who many were sure would soar to great heights, who did not become great achievers. On the other hand, some who people were certain did not have great mental capacities rose to become great scholars and leaders. Thus, Rav Yitzchak said: If a person tells you, “I labored and did not succeed in the study of Torah,” do not believe him. If he says, “I did not labor in the study of Torah, yet I have succeeded,” do not believe him. If he says, “I have labored and I have succeeded,” believe him. If we think of a beast of burden that carries a heavy load, it is a donkey. The choice of using this animal to represent Yissachar, is to demonstrate that achievement does not come naturally. It takes a lot of work. The key is not the intellect. It is the drive and determination that makes all the difference. The task is not easy. In order to overcome frustration and a feeling of hopelessness it takes another element - the stubbornness of a donkey. Do we give up in the face of challenge because we assume it should be easy or do we understand that our readiness to exert ourselves is the key to acquire Torah knowledge? Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Hershel D. Becker
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