"וידעת היום והשבות אל לבבך ..." [דברים ד : לט]
"And you shall know today, and you shall answer it to your heart …"
This famous passuk that we say during Aleinu commands us to perform a task vital to our service of Hashem. While it is a given that we must 'know' that Hashem is the only One Above, what exactly is the passuk adding by instructing us to 'answer it' or 'return it' into our hearts ?
On a simple level, we can understand that there is a difference between academic knowledge and the kind of intrinsic deep down feeling. The former may be a conversation point – the latter, will bring one to action. It is not enough that we 'know' that Hashem runs the world – we have to internalize the knowledge in a way that will yield results.
On a deeper level, however, the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh elaborates on these concepts. Our innate belief in hashgacha pratis should not be something ill defined and vague – like the nighttime – but rather clear and bright – like the day.
And as far as 'answering' or 'returning' to our hearts – perhaps this is an allusion to our inborn belief. Our hearts may be swept away by desires, emotions and winds of change – but in the end – we must return our hearts to the pristine state of emunah with which we received them. While this may be difficult, we definitely have it in us !
Hatzlacha !!
No comments:
Post a Comment