Click here for a printable version.
This week’s Torah portion, Ki Savo, tells us that the Jewish people are Hashem’s treasured Nation; as it states in our Parshah[1], “Hashem has selected you today to be His treasured people as He spoke to you ….” Where do we find that the Almighty said this? Rashi answers this question. He cites the words, “He spoke to you,” and goes on to tell us that He said this to the Jewish people at the time of the giving of the Torah. He said that[2] “you shall be to Me a treasure out of all peoples.”
There Rashi explains what is meant by “a treasure[3].” He writes that the word “treasure” means “a beloved treasure, as it says[4] “and the treasures of the kings.” This refers to costly vessels and precious stones, which kings store away. So too will you be more of a treasure to Me than the other nations.”
It is clear enough that Rashi equates the Jew’s status as a treasure with a royal treasure of precious stones. However, everything in the Torah has an even deeper meaning. The same applies here.
There are various categories of precious, royal stones. The monarch holds these in trust for his successors and the Nation. Some gems are affixed to the royal crown to add to its beauty. There is another category of glory which the king uses purely for the benefit of the Nation. Finally, some gems serve no use whatsoever. They are a part of the king’s treasury, but he makes no use of them. Their only purpose is to bring pleasure to the ruler.
The same is true of Hashem, the true king, and His precious stones, the Jewish people. The service of the Jews here in this world indeed serves a great purpose. Through learning Torah and performing Mitzvos, Jews reveal G-dliness in the world!
However, there is an aspect of Jewish service which is more significant than this. Every Jew, without exception, is Hashem’s precious gem. This is so because he is an actual part of Hashem above! G-d derives pleasure from the existence of every single Jew, even without his performance of Torah and Mitzvos. He does not need an excuse or a reason to enjoy His treasured Nation. Every single member of the Jewish Nation must be aware of his exalted status and realize the potential this gives him.
I wish one and all a good Shabbos. May we all be inscribed and sealed for a good, sweet year!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 24, Pages 161-164
DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
מוקדש לזכות כ”ק אדמו”ר נשיא דורנו מליובאוויטש
IN HONOR OF
The Soldiers of Tzivos Hashem Chaim and Aiden Oded שיחיו Morris
DEDICATED BY THEIR PARENTS
Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem M. and Chaya Mushka שיחיו Morris
לזכות
חיילי “צבאות השם” חיים ועדן עודד שיחיו מאריס
נדפס ע”י הוריהם
הרה”ת ר’ מנחם מענדל וזוגתו מרת חי’ מושקא שיחיו מאריס
[1]. Our Parshah, Devorim 26:18.
[2]. Parshas Yisro, Shemos 19:5.
[3]. See ibid., Rashi’s comments.
[4]. Koheles (Ecclesiastes) 2:8.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 