This week we read the final portion of the first Four  -

 books of the Chumash (the 5-part Bible) – and we SHOUT-

Chazak Chazak v Nit Chazek – be Strong and Strong and be Strengthened!

 

The Lubavitcher Rebbe (quoted in last week's Dvar Malchut) said "really –

The end of the fourth book is the WHOLE TORAH"

 (the fifth being a deepening recap of the first 4)

 

What a spiritual lesson – but wait – This portion speaks of homicide and marriage- certainly

NOT RELATED – but a surprising culmination of the Four Books???

 

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach used to say:

"How do you deepen and strengthen your faith in the Almighty – and your performance of the Torah – SO THEY ARE EVERLASTING like the Torah?

 

Go slow

Take your time

Don't bite off more than you can chew…"

 

So the last portion of the four books teaches – deadly mistakes happen when you rush!

Even if you didn't want to hurt someone – carelessness is a danger!

 

Rabbi Carlebach also taught us many stories of people finding their Soulmates

But

You gotta go slow

Take your time

And don't bite off more than you can chew!

 

The end of the Fourth Book tells us how the 5 daughters of Zelafchad

Found their SOULMATES! It took time – but it all ended well

 

AND MOSES DANCES AT 5 WEDDINGS AS HIS ALMOST FINAL OFFICIAL ACT!

 

MAZEL TOV!

CHAZAK!

SHABBAT SHALOM!

 

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz