Parshas Vaeschanan (Nachamu) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
שמע ישראל ה' אלקינו ה' אחד... (ו-ד)
MASHAL: During the horrific years of the Holocaust, R’ Yaakov Yosef Weiss zt”l and a close friend were deported to a concentration camp. In a place where all hope seemed lost, R’ Yaakov Yosef constantly encouraged his friend with one unshakable message of emunah: “The Aibishter is in charge. If He wants to save us, He will save us - come what may!”
Their ultimate test arrived when SS soldiers marched their group directly toward the gas chambers. Completely broken, his friend turned to him and cried, “Yaakov Yosef, what can you say now? It’s over! There’s nothing more were done for!”
Without a shred of doubt, R’ Yaakov Yosef looked at him and responded, “The Ribbono shel Olam can turn everything around, even at the very last second.”
Moments later, because the chamber was so packed, an SS officer randomly pointed at R’ Yaakov Yosef and barked, “You! Get out!” He was pulled to safety before the heavy doors were sealed forever! When he recounted this story while sitting peacefully Pesach night at his Seder table, he would tell his family that it was this exact faith, learned in his father’s home, that physically saved his life at the final second.
NIMSHAL: The parsha of Shema in this week’s sedrah is not just a prayer; it reminds us that Hashem is the only real power in the world. The Parsha also tells us, “You shall not test Hashem.” Instead of doubting Hashem when things get difficult, we must learn to trust Him completely. Especially after Tisha B’Av, this lesson rings loud and clear; we must remember that Hashem is always in control and can turn everything and anything around in a single moment.