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Parashat VaEtchanan
Beyond Borders: Unveiling the Universal Message of Unity in Ancient Wisdom

Parashat VaEtchanan gives us one of the most important verses in the entire Torah - the famous verse:
"Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One".

What is the meaning of this verse, which is apparently talking about the people of Israel - Shema Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One?

Apparently, the wording "Adonai is our God" does not necessarily imply a monotheistic statement. As if saying that Adonai is the God of Israel but what about the rest of the world? Who is their god?

Hence the greatest commentator, Rashi, interpreted the words somewhat paradoxically, but this is how he explains: "Adonai is our God and not (yet) the God of the nations". I add ‘yet’ in parentheses to emphasize that in the future all of mankind will accept Adonai as the One God.

This means that the expression "One" is not there to declare that God is the only God. We knew this even without this verse. The innovation is that the mission of the People of Israel, and the historical dynamics of the People of Israel are expressed at the first stage of its existence.

Israel is charged with advancing the entire world. Israel’s goal is to affect all of humanity to recognize Adonai’s dominion and to bask in its light. Consequently, the phrase "Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is one" is not a declaration of faith but rather a work plan.

In our times we are working together, the children of Israel and the children of Noah, to complete the great vision that God, who for the time being is the God of Israel, will become the God of one, for the entire world and for all human beings.


פרשות נוספות

Divine Guidance & Human Voices: Weaving the Tapestry of Law

In Parshat Pinhas, the daughters of Zelophehad prompt a pivotal change in Jewish inheritance laws, leading to a new directive that allows daughters to inherit when there are no sons. This narrative illustrates the dynamic interaction between divine guidance and the people's initiative. Moshe, initially unsure, receives instructions from HaShem only after the daughters raise their concern. This story, along with similar cases, underscores the importance of the people's role in the evolution of Jewish law and Divine revelation through communal inquiry and response.

Admiration & Jealousy: The Duality of Balaam's Prophecy

In Parshat Balak, Balaam, a renowned prophet among nations, embodies the complex mix of admiration and jealousy towards Israel. Though intending to curse Israel, he ultimately blesses them, illustrating Divine inspiration and prophecy's influence. This paradoxical attitude reflects broader themes of anti-Semitism and the favored child's psychoanalytic response. The Torah emphasizes hope, as prophecy in the synagogue signifies potential Divine influence on all humanity, supported by the Midrash Tanna D'bei Eliyahu's assertion of the Holy Spirit's universal accessibility.

Mortality EterniFrom Mortality to Eternity: The Red Cow’s Path to Purificationty Purification

In Parshat Hukat, the red cow (para aduma) ritual symbolizes purification from the impurity of death, rooted in the sin of the Tree of Knowledge. The ritual involves mixing ashes with living water, representing the body and soul, illustrating life's restoration through resurrection. This process, despite its symbolic clarity, underscores a Divine mystery — the transition between life and death remains beyond human comprehension. The Midrash highlights the red cow's secret, emphasizing the profound and unfathomable nature of resurrection and Divine Will

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