Parenting is a very rewarding privilege. But it’s also challenging.
Sometimes, when my son wants something that is not healthy for him, I need to say no. The way he sees it, I am spitefully harming him. The way I – and hopefully mature adults – see it, I am lovingly and responsibly helping him.
My daughter may wish to swim alone in the pool. From her viewpoint, I’m downright nasty when I say no. In truth, it would be hateful and reckless for me to permit any young girl, let alone my daughter, to swim alone.
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In this week’s parsha, Devarim, we read the beginning of Moshe’s month-long rebuke of the Jewish people at the conclusion of his life.
He chastises them that, “You said, ‘G-d took us out of the land of Egypt because He hates us!’” Rashi interprets this admonishment: “Really, however, He loves you, but you hate Him.”
Moshe is referencing the Jewish people’s complaint that G-d had taken them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth – it was G-d’s endless love of the Jewish people that brought about their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their journey to the Promised Land.
What is Rashi adding to the verse that helps us understand what Moshe was saying? It appears obvious that Moshe was disappointed at the nation for wrongly accusing G-d of malice. Is Rashi’s commentary deepening our understanding?
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The power of Rashi’s commentary can be appreciated by the last of his choice words, “but you hate him.” In other words, whether or not G-d lovingly took the Jewish people out of Egypt is not debatable. What might be subject to debate is whether G-d loved the Jewish people while they were complaining. After the Jews indicted G-d with hatred, did G-d perhaps harbor reciprocal ill feelings toward his people?
Despite our animosity and our ‘victimization of G-d,’ He never harbors such feelings toward us. In fact, G-d continues to love us no matter how low we fall. Even when we fail and stumble, G-d is still there – loving us and supporting us.
Indeed, the very awareness that G-d still loves me despite my lowly state is the greatest source of inspiration for my spiritual renovation and renewal. It is His love that helps me recover from my hatred and downfall.
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If only my daughter would understand…
If only, I would always demonstrate my true love – even when I am being attacked.