CHILDREN OF G-D

      This morning, after services, a young man approached me with the following question; “In this week's Sedrah, Re’eh, what would you think is the most important message being told to us?” 

   The opening sentence of this weeks’ Parsha, immediately, comes to mind. It imparts to us the most valuable lesson Hashem has granted us, in Yahadut, that of, 

בחירה חפשית, Free Will. 

   However, my mind was going in a different direction, as I was reflecting on the behavior of so many people in our day and age – a behavior that enunciates the human proclivity for judging others. Too often we do so unfavorably because of our own insecurity. We are perplexed about our own effectiveness, as a parent, as a child, and as a mate. Whatever the reason behind our judgmental attitude, it exists in so many. 

   Because of these thoughts, my reply as to which statement I found to be most instructive was; 

   “ בנים אתם להי, We are all children of G-D” and I went on to discuss a fascinating discussion in Gemorah Kedushin with this young man.

  The Gemorah presents a discussion between, Rabbi Yehudah and Rabbi Meir, explaining the meaning of; ‘Being children of G-D.’ 

   Rabbi Yehuda, states that we are only referred to as children of G-D, when we actually act as G-D’schildren and when we abide by his Torah and observe His Mitzvot.  Rabbi Meir disagrees and says; “We are always His children, whether weobserve or not.” The amazing idea of this Gemorah, is that the final decision is made in favor of Rabbi Meir; “We are always G-D’s children.” 

    Who can deny the truism that a parent never gives up on their child, whatever their behavior may be?  In a like manner, Hashem always sees us as his children, with the fervor hope that we will find the proper Derech, and once more travel that road of observance. 

   Therefore, since we are all בנים להי, we have no right to ever sit in judgment of others. I sense we find it extremely easy to disparage another, rather than face ourselves, honestly, with our fears and inadequacies. 

  This is true more so with our children. We are to teach them to develop more confidence in themselves and to learn how to measure their own achievements, by their own efforts, rather than to constantly compare themselves to others. 

    By the way, this truly applies as well to parents. Most of the time our children observe our behavior, and are very quick to emulate our ways, be it positive or in an adverse negative way. 

  To begin this process of Being Children of Hashem, we must develop the quality of empathy. Remembering always the dictum subscribed to Hillelin our Mishnah. 

   אל תדין את חברך עד שתגיע למקומו "Never Judge another person until you have stood in his place". 

     The more understanding of others, the more respect we will have for them, resulting in our transformation from callousness to compassion. Only then will our lives and the lives of our family be one of appreciation and self satisfaction. 

    This week begins the month of Ellul. The Hebrew word stands for many ideas. First and foremost, “ אני לדודי ודודי לי I am my beloved and my beloved is mine” referring to our amazing relationship with Hashem, as His beloved children. 

    However it also stands for איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים, 

  “To live a life replete with compassion and empathy for our fellowman.” 

     This is our lesson from the Sedrah of Re’eh, and from Rosh Chodesh Ellul. 

   Let us pray that we will live up to the title of being Children of Hashem, and G-D will treat us as our Father, with compassion and blessings.