There’s a lot of speculation in the media regarding the claim of two men in Poland that they have “irrefutable proof” as to the location of a Nazi gold train buried in Poland. For decades rumors have swirled near the Polish village of Walbrzych that a train laden with gold, jewelry and other valuables was buried in the area by the Nazis in their 1945 retreat from the Soviet Red Army.
It’s still uncertain whether indeed the gold train ever existed, whether it was buried and whether the current efforts will uncover the train and it’s precious cargo. Not to mention the great debate that will undoubtedly erupt about its contents’ ownership should it truly be discovered.
The value in this – and most treasures – is when its contents are used. There are, however, treasures whose purpose is not to provide utility or earn value to its owner. The sole intention, for example, of a king’s royal treasure may not be to spend it. Rather it is simply a mark of his status. No money in the world will make the Queen give up her Crown Jewels. It’s simply a treasure that is cherished for what it is – a treasure!
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In this week’s parsha Ki Tavo, the Almighty declares His special relationship with the Jewish people:
And G-d has selected you this day to be His treasured people, as He spoke to you.
Rashi explains that just as a king stows away treasures, so too the Jewish people are G-d’s treasure.
In 1980, the Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory explained the significance of this comparison.
The significance of these precious treasures is precisely in the fact that they are stowed away, and are not intended for use. These costly vessels and precious stones do not fund the king’s domestic programs or military campaigns, nor do they add beauty to his crown or palace. They are collected and saved for no purpose other than their very being—for the king to own them and delight in them. In fact, the king’s possession of such national treasures, amassed simply for the sake of the enjoyment he derives from owning them, is part of what makes him a king—it contributes to his personal sense of kingship and eminence.
This is the significance of G-d’s setting apart the Jewish people as His “treasured nation,” meaning, that their preciousness transcends even the “purpose” that they serve. Certainly, through the observance of G-d’s commands, the Jewish people reveal G-d’s reign throughout the world, thereby expanding His “kingdom”. The essential identity of a Jew, however, is not the purpose he serves, but the delight that he brings G-d simply by his existence. Like the hidden treasures of a king, a Jew’s very existence is a source of delight for G-d, even prior to his fulfillment of G-d’s demands of him.
As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, when we will coronate G-d as King of the Universe, let us renew our appreciation for His deep love to each of us.
If we would only appreciate the love and devotion G-d has to us, we would love ourselves – and certainly our Creator – so much more.