An elderly couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, their 50th. For this occasion, a fancy hall was rented, and the entire extended family was invited. In the middle of the celebration the “bride,” age 76 years old, lifted up a cup of l’chaim for a heartfelt toast.
Parshas Acharei contains the commandment and warning that there should not be a “ratzo – a yearning to cleave to G-d through spirituality” without a “shov – a return to the mission of perfecting the physical world, making it a dwelling place for G-d through Torah and Mitzvos.”
We have discussed on many occasions the importance of learning the Sichos of the D’var Malchus (Nissan 5751 – Adar 5752), which are filled with the Rebbe’s instructions to us about living with Geula and Moshiach.
The Talmudic Sages (Sanhedrin 74a) derive from this verse that the Mitzvos were given for the sake of life, not death. With the exception of three cardinal sins (idolatry, forbidden relations and murder) the preservation of life takes precedence over the performance of a Mitzvah. For example, one whose life may be at risk by fasting on Yom Kippur does not have to fast, and indeed, is forbidden to fast.
One of the fundamental aspects of Bitachon is recognizing and internalizing that everything that happens in our life is ordained by Hashem. Parshas Acharei Mos provides for us an opportunity to internalize this message. To preface this message we will first discuss a component which is integral to seeing Hashem’s relevance in practical life
The “mere” desire to be there places us there in consonance with what the Baal Shem Tov taught: “A person is where his will is.” If we truly want to be with Moshiach—and express that desire sincerely by attempting to live our lives in harmony with the ideals of Moshiach—we are there!
May 2, 2019