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This week we will read the Torah portion Acharei. Near the end of the Parshah, the Torah teaches us prohibited relationships. The Parshah concludes with[1], “you shall observe My charge, not to commit any of the terrible practices that were done before you, and not become defiled by them. I am the Hashem, your G-d.“
Rashi cites the words from the verse “and not become defiled by them. I am the Hashem your G-d,” and explains as follows. “But if you do become defiled, says Hashem, ‘I am not your G-d, and you will be cut off from Me. What benefit will I have from you? Moreover, you will deserve annihilation.’ Therefore, the verse says, ‘I am the Lord, your G-d.'”
We know how particular and precise Rashi is with his language. Writing “I have no benefit from you ” would have been much clearer.” Why does he express this seemingly round-about manner, “what benefit will I have from you?”
King Shlomo (Solomon) tells us[2] that “Hashem has made everything for His sake; even the wicked for the day of evil.” How can we say that Hashem created the wicked for His sake? Chassidic thought explains this[3]. The purpose of the wicked’s creation is to “should repent of his evil, and turn his evil into “day” and light above.”
How is it possible for one to reach this level? How can one repent and turn his evil into light? The answer is that this is a result of contemplating that Hashem (so to speak) asks him, “what benefit will I have from you?”
Hashem has pleasure from each of us. The proof is that He created us! At times this benefit is hidden; it can temporarily become concealed by dirt. The way to reveal the inherent goodness in each of us is by deep thought into what he can do to benefit (so to speak) Hashem.
We will undoubtedly attain complete and true redemption through our combined thoughts on bringing pleasure to G-d and our collective actions.
I wish one and all a good Shabbos and healthy summer!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 22, Page 101
DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DR. MINDEL RIVKA (MURIEL) BAS REB MENACHEM MENDEL SHLOMO ע”ה STITT
PASSED AWAY ON SHABBAT PARSHAS LECH LECHA, 10 MAR-CHESHVAN, 5782
MAY HER SOUL BE BOUND IN THE ETERNAL BOND OF LIFE
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
[1]. Our Parshah, Vayikroh 18:30.
[2]. Mishlei 16:4.
[3]. See Tanya Chapter 27.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 