The words "command" and "connect" are related in that they both have roots in the Latin word "com-" which means "together" or "with," and "mandare" which means "to entrust" or "to order."
"Command" refers to the act of giving orders or directions, often with the expectation that they will be followed. A person in a position of authority, may command others to do specific tasks or follow certain procedures.
"Connect," on the other hand, refers to the act of joining or linking things together.
This could be a physical connection, such as connecting two pieces of machinery, or a more abstract connection, such as connecting with someone on a personal level.
While in English the two words have different meanings, they share the idea of bringing things together in some way.
In Hebrew “Tzav” means to command while “Tzavta” means to connect.
In this week’s Torah portion Moses is told to “Tzav” (command/Connect) the Jewish people by instructing in a particular Mitzvah.
When we are given a command by G-d – A Mitzvah – it is an opportunity to connect. Connect to each other and to G-d.
When a group of people follow orders, guidelines, rules and regulations, it enables them to work together in harmony and achieve a higher goal because it connects them and they become stronger together.
This is one of the secrets to Jewish survival, we operate as one, following the same set of guidelines and Mitzvahs which connects us to each other and to the Almighty.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Mendel & Elke Zaltzman
Directors
Shabbos Times
Friday, March 31 Candle Lighting: 7:02pm
Evening service: 7:03pm
Saturday, April 1 Morning service: 10:00am
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in memory of Yuriy Mother Bella bas Shneur OB"M
May her memory be a blessing.
Four Catholic mothers and a Jewish woman were having coffee.
The first Catholic woman tells her friends, “My son is a priest. When he walks into a room, everyone calls him Father.”
The second Catholic mother chirps, “My son is a Bishop. When he walks into a room people call him Your Grace.”
The third Catholic mom says, “My son is a Cardinal. When he enters a room, everyone says Your Eminence.”
The fourth Catholic woman declares, “My son is the Pope. When he walks into a room people call him Your Holiness.”
They all turn to the Jewish woman, and give her a subtle, “Well?”
She replies, “I have a son. He’s argumentative, confrontational, self-centered, narcissistic, impulsive, impossible and irrational. When he walks into a room, people say, Oh My G-d!”
WEEKLY eTORAH
The title word of this week's Parshah, Tzav, means "Command." It introduces G‑d's call to Moses to instruct the Kohanim (priests) about the laws of the burnt offerings in the Sanctuary. Rashi points out that the word Tzav, "Command" - rather than the more familiar and softer "Speak" or "Tell" - is generally reserved for instructions which require a sense of zealousness. These are things which need to be performed "immediately as well as for posterity."
Would G‑d have doubted the commitment of Aaron and his sons? Was there concern that they would do anything other than what they were instructed to regarding the sacred services? After all, they were the most saintly and dedicated of men. Was there really anything to worry about? Why employ a word implying such urgency?
Says Rashi: it's not only the need for immediacy but also the insistence that the services carry on throughout the generations in the very same way. It is one thing to be committed and excited now when the mitzvah is still fresh and new, but what will happen in future? Will that same commitment still be there down the line, or will the enthusiasm have waned?
In the sporting arena there are athletes, and even teams, who make wonderful starts but then fade before the finish. Others go great guns throughout a contest, but then "choke" at the very end. One cannot achieve greatness by erratic bursts of energy. Concentration and consistency are needed to carry us through until the final moment of the match.
King David in Psalm 24 asks, "Who may ascend the mountain of G‑d, and who may stand in His holy place?" It is one thing to climb the mountain but quite another to be able to stay on the summit. There are outstanding trailblazers who struggle with the everyday maintenance of the very programs they themselves initiated. In an ideal world pioneers would do the initiating and ordinary folk would carry on the routine. But it doesn't always work that way. We cannot necessarily afford the luxury of focusing only on the parts of life we enjoy and are stimulated by. More often than not life is a grind. Moments of excitement and discovery are rare. Charting new courses are not everyday experiences. And our creations need long term, consistent maintenance, otherwise they collapse.
The command to the Kohanim echoes down the ages to each of us. If it is important, do it now. And if it is sacred, carry on doing it forever.
