Parshas Acharei Mos-Kedoshim 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
הלוא כבני כשיים אתם לי בני ישראל (עמוס ט-ז)
While the Parsha warns Klal Yisroel not to engage in abhorrent behavior, the Haftorah discusses the punishments for one who does indeed commit these sins. Through Amos HaNavi, Hashem declares, “To Me, you (Klal Yisroel) are just like the Ethiopians.” The Navi explains that Hashem brought many nations out of peril, including the Pelishtim from Kaftor and the Arameans from Kir; therefore, if Klal Yisroel were to act no different than those nations, for what reason should Hashem not move on and find another nation to be his chosen people? Such statements are shocking and completely unflattering for the nation of Hashem. As such, how is it that despite the many sins Klal Yisroel have indeed committed over the years, rachmana litzlan, Hashem still holds us near and dear to him?
R’ Baruch HaLevi Epstein zt”l (Torah Temima) explains in his commentary on Shir HaShirim (1:5) that the difference between a Jew and a gentile is not what appears on the outside, but what really lies deep within his heart. Shlomo Hamelech writes "שחורה אני ונאוה" - “I (Klal Yisroel) am dark, but comely,” which illustrates this point beautifully. Since although Klal Yisroel may (at times) be tainted with the darkness of sin, their inherent beauty is still there.
Therefore, Amos is careful to use the word "כבני כשיים" to show that Klal Yisroel were only acting like the gentiles, but that their very essence is good, and they are in fact nothing similar to any other nation in the world.