REBBETZIN DR. ADINA SHMIDMAN

In describing the benevolence of Hashem, Devorah uses the expression, there they will recount the righteous deeds of Hashem, the righteous deeds for His open cities of Israel. The general understanding of the pasuk is that Hashem was particularly kind to those in the most vulnerable positions. The people in the unwalled cities were sitting targets for the enemies’ fire. They were attacked mercilessly and only because of Hashem’s miracles were they able to withstand the enemy attack.

The Gemara (Pesachim 87b) interprets this pasuk in a homiletic fashion. The kindness of Hashem is evident in His dispersing of the Jewish people, לֵאָרְׂשִיְּב ֹו נֹוזְרִּפ. By spreading the Jewish people across the world, there are always Jews ready and able to help their brethren in distress. This is true not only in times of distress but also in times of joy and celebration. Knowing that you are sharing positive experiences with other Jews though divided across oceans strengthens our people is reassuring.

These words resonate for me personally as we celebrate the conclusion of Sifrei Neviim as part of the second cycle of Torat Imecha Nach Yomi. Participants across the world are connecting daily through the words of our sacred texts. Knowing that there are women in France, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Canada, America and tens of other countries listening to the same holy words binds us together. There they will recount the righteous deeds of Hashem… learning together and growing, we give praise to Hashem for all His gifts, including spreading us throughout the world so we can study and disseminate His holy Torah. We speak the same language, the language of the Torah, regardless of our native tongue. May the Torah’s words continue to inspire and uplift us no matter where in the world we find ourselves.

Editor, Torah Tidbits