Parshas Bahaloscha 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
על כן ידעת חנתנו במדבר והיית לנו לעינים. והיה הטוב ההוא אשר ייטיב ה' עמנו והטבנו לך (י-לא,לב)
After spending time with Klal Yisroel, Yisro attempted to return to his homeland. Moshe Rabbeinu protested, promising that his father-in-law would share in the blessings Hashem would bestow upon the nation. He further described him as "והיית לנו לעינים", which Rashi explains as being a source of guidance and insight. However, now that there Urim V’Tumim, and the Ananei Hakavod leading the way, what advice would Yisro provide? Additionally, the continuation of the pasuk "והיה כי תלך עמנו והיה הטוב ההוא אשר ייטיב ה' עמנו והטבנו לך" - implies a connection between the two things. What is it?
The Noam Elimelech quotes a Zohar, that for Tzadikim to bring yeshuos in this world, they must first create “movement” in the upper world. How is this accomplished? When a person looks heavenward and recognizes the abundant goodness Hashem constantly bestows upon him, it generates profound Hakaras Hatov. This immense closeness with Hashem becomes a conduit for even greater blessing. Rather than focusing solely on pleading for a yeshuah, one should reflect and internalize how much gratitude is owed to Hashem; that itself becomes a tremendous source of salvation. Yonah offered a lengthy tefillah from the belly of the fish, but only when he declared, "ואני בקול תודה אזבחה לך" was he immediately released. The source of Shefa during the Shalosh Regalim is recognizing the gifts, Yetzias Mitzrayim, the Torah, and the Ananei Hakavod Hashem gave during those times. R’ Meilich Biderman shlita related a story about a man who came seeking a beracha after being childless for many years. Rav Meilich advised him to join the Ne’ilas Hachag, and truly rejoice. Although it was difficult at first, the man immersed himself fully in the simchah. A year later, he returned to share the joyous news that he had been blessed with a child!
Yisro embodied this quality. He recognized all the good Hashem had done and joined Klal Yisroel because of it. Moshe told him: "והיית לנו לעינים", your ability to focus on Hashem’s הטבה and be filled with gratitude will itself become a source of blessing for Klal Yisroel, and in turn, for you as well.