True Partners – Parshas Yisro 5772
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Loading ...- Life-view – Parshas Bereishis 5772
- The Rainbow Approach – Parshas Noach 5772
- Respectful Greatness – Parshas Lech Lecha 5772
- True Self – Parshas Vayeira 5772
- Internal World – Parshas Chayei Sarah 5772
- True Care – Parshas Toldos 5772
- Timeless Torah – Parshas Vayeirzei 5772
- To Have it All – Parshas Vayishlach 5772
- Behind The Mask – Parshas Vayeishev 5772
- The Light From Within – Chanukah 5772
- Why Like Efraim and Menasheh? – Parshas Vayigash 5772
- Holiness on Earth – Parshas Vayechi 5772
- I Plus You Equals Us – Parshas Shemos 5772
- True Partners – Parshas Yisro 5772
- World’s Greatest Doctor – Parshas Mishpatim 5772
- Cedars of Hope – Parshas Terumah 5772
- From Inside to Outside – Parshas Tetzaveh 5772
- To Give Of Oneself – Parshas Vayakhel / Pekudei 5772
- Derech Eretz First – Parshas Vayikra 5772
- The Choice is Yours – Pesach 5772
- You Are What You Eat- Parshas Shemini 5772
- The Real Birth – Parshas Tazria – Metzora 5772
- A Shining Example – Parshas Acharei Mos – Kedoshim 5772
- True Joy – Parshas Emor 5772
- Inside and Outside – Parshas Behar – Bechukosai 5772
- What The World Revolves Around: Shavuos and Torah Study – Parshas Bamidbar and Shavuos 5772
- Counting Our Blessings – Parshas Nasso 5772
- First Class Second Chance – Parshas Beha’aloscha 5772
- Double Vision – Parshas Shelach 5772
- Importance of Peace – Parshas Korach 5772
- Three Great Leaders – Parshas Chukas 5772
- Who Calls the Shots – Parshas Balak 5772
- Moment of Truth – Parshas Pinchas 5772
- Where Are We Headed? – Parshas Mattos- Masei 5772
- Staying Focused – Parshas Devarim 5772
- What’s Your Script? Parshas Va’eschanan 5772
- Priorities – Parshas Eikev 5772
- True Blessing – Parshas Re’eh 5772
- Jewish Birth Order – Parshas Shoftim 5772
- Mind Body and Soul – Parshas Ki Seitzei 5772
- Uplifting Fruit – Parshas Ki Savo 5772
- Three Goals of Elul – Parshas Nitzavim 5772
- Extra Merits – Parshas Vayeilech 5772
- Jewish History – Parshas Haazinu 5772
- Full Circle – Parshas Vezos Haberachah 5773
It is well known that the Aseres HaDibros, Ten Commandments, which appear in this week’s Parsha, are divided into two tablets (Luchos) which represent the two aspects of man’s service. The first tablet which contained the command to believe in Hashem Who took us out of Egypt, represents one’s service and obligations between man and God. The second tablet which begins with “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal…” represents man’s obligations between him and his fellow man. Each of the tablets contained 5 of the 10 commandments and were in line with this theme. All except for one commandment which seems out of place. The command to “honor your father and your mother” would seem to be relating to man and his fellow man and not between man and God, however, it appears on the tablet of God related commands. This commandment is found on the first tablet following Hashem’s commandments about believing in God, not serving other gods, not using Hashem’s name in vain and keeping the Shabbos (which signifies that Hashem created the world). What is it doing there? The Talmud (Kiddushin 31a) itself asks this question!
What is Kibuv Av V’aim doing on the side of the Luchos that represents the relationship between man and God? The short answer is that: One’s parents set the tone for one’s spiritual connection to God. The longer explanation is as follows. David states in Tehillim (116:16), “Please help me Hashem for I am your servant, the son of your maidservant, please free me!” Why does David mention his mother in this request? David is expressing the fact that his mother taught him what it means to be a devoted servant of Hashem.
The Chovos HaLevavos explains that when a child is born he or she thinks that the parents are the ones that provide all of his or her physical and emotional needs. The baby cries and get what it wants. As the baby grows older the parents teach the child that there is a Hashem Who is the Master of the world. This idea is very abstract to the child, but the parents serve as a physical parable for Hashem Who is the True Provider. As the child develops and matures he begins to recognize that Hashem is the Only Provider for both him and even his parents. This is the meaning of what David proclaimed (Tehillim 37:10), “for my father and mother have forsaken me and Hashem has taken me under His care.” David recognized that only Hashem was his True Provider.
The Mitzvah of honoring one’s parents trains the child to recognize and grow closer to someone outside of him or herself that is supporting and providing him with all his needs. Parents have a profound impact on building one’s spiritual focus and in training children to follow in the Way of Hashem. This is why the commandment to respect parents is found on the side of the Luchos that represents the service of God. May we all merit to share our emunah and desire to get closer to Hashem with our loved ones.
Categories: Parshas Yisro
