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PARASHAT BEHAR
TO EARN HER LOVE Why does it state "the land which I give you" in present tense? Had G-d not already promised the children of Israel the gift of the land repeatedly? The present tense alludes to the fact that we can never take our ownership of the land of Israel for granted. Whereas, the land of the other nations belongs to them because they were born there, the children of Israel constantly have to earn the right to their land. The land can be compared to a bride whose love must be won by the worthy suitor, as she will only yield her fruits to a deserving groom. This is different than the relationship of the other nations to their land, which they call their "father-land." Just as a child can expect the love of his parents without having to deserve it by his deeds, so is the relationship between the nations and their land automatic and taken for granted. No special love and dedication is needed to prove the right to their land. TENDING THE GARDEN OF MARRIAGE A man comes from his parents, but goes out towards his wife, as
it states, "That is why a man leaves his father and his mother,
and cleaves to his wife." (Bereishit 2:24) Avraham was told:
"Go from your country, from your birthplace, and from the house
of your father, to the land..." (Bereishit 12:1) He had to
leave his native country and go towards the land, which G-d would
show him just as one leaves his parents to be with his wife. I believe
that one important reason why it is so hard to stay married in our
time is because we don't realize the difference between the relationship
of children to their parents and husbands to their wives. While
dating, the young suitor endeavors to sweep away his sweetheart
with clever wit and gentlemanly demeanor. Once he has won her over,
he no longer feels it necessary to prove his love for her. She resents
being taken for granted, and withholds some of her efforts on his
behalf. This starts the vicious circle of mutual withdrawal that
has broken so many homes. The Torah teaches us what every gardener
already knows. It is not enough to plant the seed and then expect
the tree to grow by itself. Without constantly tending it by watering
and weeding, one cannot expect that the tree will bear fruit. *******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******~~~~~******* |
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