Message to Moshe: Trust the Jewish People

Hi,

"[Gd said to Moshe in Sh'mot 15, as the Jews stood at the brink of the Sea,] “Why do you cry out to Me” – Moshe was included in the biblical passage that said, “And the Jews [standing at the Sea] cried out to Gd.” However, Moshe’s cry was not out of fear of Pharaoh and his forces, for he had already told the Jews of the future downfall of Egypt, saying, ‘You shall not see them thus again; HaShem will fight for you.’

"Moshe's cry was against the officers of Israel, who were bold in saying, ‘Are there not enough graves in Egypt?’ Moshe thought that the people would not listen to him and enter the sea, because of their complaints. Therefore HaShem said to him, “Why do you cry to Me” in this manner? You suspect those who are kosher! Speak to My children, and they will travel [into the Sea]; they will not rebel against your word."

(Rav Ovadia Sforno to Sh'mot 15:15)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Where is Gd?

Hi,

"“And I will walk [v’hithalachti] in your midst” - A mithalech is someone who walks here and there, rather than remain in a given place exclusively.

"HaShem said: If you will perform My mitzvot, I will walk among you. The influence of Divine honor will not be limited to one place, as it was in the Mishkan and Mikdash, as it is written, “And they will prepare a Mikdash for Me and I will dwell among them,” meaning that I will dwell among them in this way and in this place alone, as I had stated at first, “The place where I will meet with you,” “There I will meet with the Children of Israel.”

"Rather, I will walk among you, and My glory will be visible everywhere you are located. Wherever the righteous ones of the generation will be, that place will be more sacred than My dwelling above, for there My intent will be brought to fruition.

"It is written (Yeshayah 66:1), “The Heavens are My throne, and the earth My footstool,” and yet, “To this one I will gaze: To the one who is humble and of low spirit, who trembles at My word.”"

(R' Ovadiah Seforno to Vayyikra 26:12)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The Sanctity of the Synagogue and Study Hall

Hi,

"“You shall be in awe of My mikdash” - This refers to the sanctified places, after the Beit haMikdash is destroyed.

"It refers to the synagogues and study halls, which remain holy even though the Beit haMikdash is destroyed. It is said (Yechezkel 11:16), “And I have been for them a miniature sanctuary [in their exile],” and the sages explained this to mean, “These are the synagogues and study halls. (Megilah 29a)”"

(R' Ovadiah Seforno to Vayyikra 26:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai