2021/5781
Familial bonds are the core of Judaism’s success. The word “Mesorah” denotes the passing of the torch of Torah from one generation to the next. Every day in Shema we read, “VeShinantam LeVanecha,” “and you shall teach your son” (Devarim 6:7). Shema is meant to remind us of the obligation we have to the Torah, Mitzvot and most importantly, Hashem. In the mix of Judaic essentials, we must mention the obligation of not only doing the Mitzvot ourselves, but inspiring our children and in turn our grandchildren, great grandchildren, and on. One cannot stress the importance that the familial relationship plays in Judaism enough.
In Parashat BeMidbar, the Pasuk says, “VaYityaldu Al Mishpechotam LeVeit Avotam” (BeMidbar 1:18). Rashi on that Pasuk states that when Bnei Yisrael were counted, they would bring their Sifrei Yichusim, genealogical and other forms of records in order to trace which Sheivet they were from. Many Mefarshim ask, Why was it necessary to do this? Imagine if the American census required a DNA tracing done before: then even more people wouldn’t do it!
Based on a Pasuk in Yirmiyahu, the Tzeidah LaDerech explains that when Hashem rests his Shechinah upon Bnei Yisrael, he only does it upon families with genealogical proof of being part of Bnei Yisrael. Bnei Yisrael were entering the period where Hashem’s Shechinah would rest upon the Mishkan, and they now need to be counted along with their family records. Another instance when Hashem’s Shechinah rested upon us was at Har Sinai. The nations of the world came to Hashem and said, what makes Bnei Yisrael deserving of this great honor? Hashem quieted them down by saying they bring me their Sifrei Yichusim. Rabbi George Silfen connects these two points and says that right before Shavu’ot, we read sefer BeMidbar, where we each bring our own Sefer Yichusim in order to be fit to accept the Torah and have Hashem come even closer to us. However, one is still left with an urgent question: What is so special about Bnei Yisrael’s Sefer Yichusin?
The Sefat Emet on the phrase “LeVeit Avotam” (ad. loc.) asks, What does this phrase mean and what is it coming to teach us? He answers that even though Bnei Yisrael grew from a mere seventy people to over six hundred thousand, familial connections still remained intact. There is a phrase that a person should always ask himself: When will my actions reach those of the forefathers? How can one demand of himself, though, that he reach the level of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov? The Chidushei HaRim explains that it isn’t that one must reach the level of the great forefathers, rather that one should feel a connection to their ways and actions. Rav Chaim Volozhin explains the well known concept Maaseh Avot Siman LaBanim, the ways of the father affect the future of the next generation.
Hashem’s message to us is that what makes you, Bnei Yisrael, so special and deserving of my Shechinah is not merely which Sheivet you are from, but the Mesorah you received. The Sefer Ta’am VeDa’at says that when one generation makes the ultimate sacrifice for Hashem and his Torah, inevitably it has a profound effect on the next generation. Hashem wants to see the connection we have to the older generation even as far back as our forefathers. Rabbi Michael Hoenig’s grandfather served as a loyal US soldier in WWII. Despite the horrid conditions of warfare and the scarce food, he refused to eat non-kosher meats. His diet was extremely impacted, but so was his spirituality, since he was able to sacrifice his diet in order to be Shomer Mitzvot. His diet was a temporary issue, however, whereas his spirituality has had an effect on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rabbi Hoenig is an extremely successful Rav loved and appreciated by many. The sacrifice his grandfather made is the epitome of bringing the Sefer Yichusim in front of Hashem and showing how we are fit to receive the Torah this Shavuot.