B"H

Friday, Iyar 26, 5779 / May 30, 2019 (41st day of the Omer)

In this week's Parsha (in the Diaspora), Bechukotei, G-d promises the Jewish people that if they observe the commandments, they will merit His many blessings: "I will give your rains in their season... and you will dwell in your land safely.  And I will give peace in the land... And I will walk among you, and I will be your G-d and you shall be My people."

"And I will walk among you, and I will be your G-d and you shall be My people." This is indeed a special blessing to recognize that G-d walks among us and that He is our G-d and we His people.

A king and his entourage went out hunting in the forest.  All day they chased after the animals. The king was so engrossed in the sport that he didn't notice as he became separated from the rest.

Toward evening he realized that he was alone in the forest and he didn't know the way out.  Just then a farmer came by carrying a pile of wood on his shoulder.

The king asked him for the way out of the forest.  The farmer said, "I will show you the way out of here, but I want to ask you for a favor.  I heard that the king is in the area hunting.  I never saw the king and you must be one of his entourage.  When I lead you to the main road, could you show me the king."

The king said, "Sure I will show you the king."

"But how will I know he is the king? Will he be wearing different clothes than everyone else?"

"No. He won't be wearing different clothes. But here is how you will know who he is.  When we get to the road, you will see that everyone will remove their hats and bow their heads. The person who doesn't take of his hat and doesn't bow, is the king!"

In a little while they reached the edge of the forest and everyone took off their hats and bowed.

"Now can you identify who is the king?" asked the king of the farmer.

The farmer looked around and finally replied, "I'm not sure. According to the sign you gave me, the two of us are wearing our hats and didn't bow, so it's either you or me!"

Many times, we too find ourselves in the shoes of the foolish farmer.  Often we don't recognize that it is G-d who is "walking amongst us" and fail to give Him the credit for everything we have.

"And I will walk among you, and I will be your G-d and you shall be My people" - Recognizing that G-d is amongst us and that He is our G-d and that we are His people, is indeed a great blessing and security.

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 8:16 / Shabbat ends: 9:32