By Y.Y. Hodakov
The so-called “Nazi gold train” is in the news again, as actual
excavation was begun at the site where some believe the train is buried.
What’s in it for me (the news story, not the gold)?
* * *
First, a quote from “Hayom Yom”, 2 Elul: The Jewish people are
called “a cherished land,”
(Malachi 3:12) for they possess many precious qualities… But like treasures
buried in the earth, the revelation of these positive qualities depends solely
upon the person who evokes them. It is obvious that springs of fresh water
exist in all parts of the earth. The difference lies only in how close or far
they are from the surface. If so, everything depends on the digger and his
patience and deliberateness.
* * *
Secondly, a quote from this week’s Torah portion, the paragraph
of Shema (Vo’eschanan, 6:6): “These words, which I command you on this day,
shall be upon your heart”.
Rashi explains that the approach to Torah and its Mitzvos must
be as something that G-d gives us “on this day”, today, the day on which you
are reading this. They should not appear to you as an antiquated edict, but as
a new one, which everyone hastens to read!
The Talmud (Eruvin 22a) expounds, “This day” you are to do them,
but you cannot postpone doing them for tomorrow; this day you are in a position
to do them, and “tomorrow” is reserved for receiving reward for doing them.
* * *
Every day, G-d presents us with opportunities to connect with
Him, and with our deepest, truest self. We should know that this treasure
exists, and it is real. We should do the work it takes to discover, uncover,
and utilize the treasures buried within us and in His world (deep, though, they
might seem to be). And, we should do it today.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
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