Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
As Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation) journeyed toward Eretz Yisrael (Israel), they planned to pass through the land of Edom. Moshe Rabbeinu (our leader Moses) instructed them not to provoke the Edomites. Instead, they were to request permission to pass peacefully and purchase their provisions, as the Torah states:
“You shall purchase food from them for money so that you may eat, and you shall also buy water from them for money so that you may drink… For Hashem your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands… these forty years Hashem your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.”
Devarim 2:6–7
At first glance, Moshe’s instructions seem puzzling. Why was he so insistent that the nation purchase food and water from Edom? They certainly did not need it. They had the Mann (Manna), the miraculous food that descended daily from heaven, and the well of Miriam that supplied them with water throughout their journey. Even in the heart of a barren wilderness, they lacked nothing. Why, then, was it necessary to buy food and drink from the Edomites?
Furthermore, why does the Torah immediately explain, “For Hashem your God has blessed you… you have lacked nothing“? What does Hashem’s blessing have to do with purchasing provisions?
Rashi offers a fascinating explanation. Had the Jews passed through Edom without purchasing anything, the Edomites could easily have assumed they were poor. Such an impression would have concealed Hashem’s extraordinary kindness. Although they were traveling through a desolate wilderness where food and water could not naturally be found, Hashem miraculously provided every one of their needs. To appear impoverished would have hidden the abundance with which He had blessed them.
Moshe therefore instructed them to purchase food and water—not because they needed them, but because they needed to demonstrate Hashem’s generosity. Their actions publicly proclaimed that they were a nation sustained by Hashem’s boundless kindness. By openly acknowledging His blessings, they created a tremendous Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of God’s Name) and increased K‘vod Shamayim—bringing greater honor to God.
This principle sheds light on another teaching of our Sages. The Mishnah (Pe’ah 8:9) teaches that a person may not pretend to be blind or lame. The Tiferet Yisrael explains that doing so displays a lack of appreciation for the priceless gift of health that Hashem has bestowed upon us. By portraying ourselves as lacking what Hashem has graciously given, we diminish recognition of His kindness and, consequently, God’s Glory.
This lesson is especially meaningful during the Three Weeks. Although we should always strive to increase the Honor of God, these days place special emphasis on yearning for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The Mesilat Yesharim explains that the essence of our mourning is not merely the loss of a magnificent building, but the concealment of God’s Presence. The greatest tragedy of the Churban (destruction of the Holy Temple) was that the Shechinah (Divine Presence) went into exile. Our mourning should therefore be driven by the pain of the Shechinah and our longing for the day when Hashem’s glory will once again be openly revealed.
Rav Chaim Friedlander adds a beautiful thought. Every sincere yearning for God’s Glory itself increases Hashem’s honor in the world. Feeling the pain of the exile of the Shechinah and longing for Her return is deeply cherished by Hashem.
This idea is beautifully illustrated by the following story.
Centuries ago, in the narrow alleyways of Tzefat, lived the great tzaddik (righteous individual) Rabbi Avraham HaLevi Beruchim. His heart constantly ached over the exile of the Shechinah. So profound was his mourning that he was regarded as a gilgul (reincarnation) of Yirmiyahu HaNavi (the prophet Jeremiah).
One day, the holy Arizal told him that Heaven had decreed his life was nearing its end. “There is still one way to overturn the decree,” the Arizal said. “Travel to the Kotel HaMa’aravi (The Western Wall), pour out your heart in prayer, and if you merit, you will behold the Shechinah.”
After preparing himself through fasting and heartfelt prayer, Rabbi Avraham traveled to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). Standing before the Kotel, he poured out his soul for the redemption of Klal Yisrael and the return of the Shechinah. He was then granted an extraordinary vision. He saw the Shechinah clothed in black, weeping over the exile of Her children. The sight pierced his heart, and overwhelmed with grief, he collapsed.
Later, the Shechinah appeared to him once again, this time clothed in radiant royal garments, bringing him words of comfort and assuring him that redemption would come. When Rav Avraham returned and related the vision to the Arizal, the Arizal declared that the Heavenly decree had been annulled. Rav Avraham indeed merited another twenty-two years of life.
What a powerful lesson! Hashem cherishes those who long for His honor. When we openly appreciate His countless blessings, we increase K’vod Shamayim. And when we yearn for the return of His Shechinah, we participate in restoring His honor to the world.
Especially during the Three Weeks, may we deepen our appreciation for Hashem’s kindness, increase K’vod Shamayim through the way we live, and merit to witness the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash, when God’s Divine Presence will once again dwell openly among us, speedily in our days.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
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