Tonights dvar torah!!!
There are many words in the Hebrew language which sound and are spelled alike but have different meanings. One such word is etzev. Etzev normally means “sorrow” but it can also mean “idol,” as in Psalms 115:4: “Their idols (atzabeihem) are silver and gold made by human hands.”
When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, he reassured them that he did not wish to seek revenge. He told them: “Now, do not be distressed (ta-atzvu) or reproach yourselves because you sold me hither; it was to save life that God sent me ahead of you.” (Gen. 45:6)
Rabbi Schenur Zalman of LiadiWhen the founder of Chabad, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi’s son was a little boy, he wandered into the room where three of his father’s chassidim were waiting to meet with the Rebbe: Rabbi Shmuel Monkis, Rabbi Shlomo Raflis from Vilna, and Rabbi Joseph of Soklov. All three of these men were not only great scholars, but wealthy and generous businessmen as well.
Rabbi Monkis loved to play with the Rebbe’s son, so as soon as the little boy saw him he ran over and sat on his lap. He noticed that the other two men were engaged in quiet and tense conversation and looked exhausted and weary.
“Why are you so sad?” Rabbi Monkis finally asked them.
Chassidim”It is because,” they replied as one, “we are living in difficult times and our businesses are suffering.”
The Rebbe’s son looked at Rabbi Monkis and said: “You didn’t need to ask them why they are so sad. After all, you could have learned it from a verse from the Bible: “Atzabeihem -their sadness-is because of silver and gold made from human hands.” (Sippur Chasidim)
Worshipping MoneyIn quoting this verse the Rebbe’s son was showing great wit as well as wisdom. Not only was he playing with the meaning of the word etzev in the Bible, noting that the two rabbis’ monetary problems were due to money, he was also reminding them of the primary meaning of etzev, that is, perhaps they were so troubled and distressed because they had allowed their gold and silver to become their gods and take over their lives.
Many people are also troubled and distressed today because of our country’s financial woes. Our sadness and fears are real, but let us not allow them to consume our lives. Let us remember that the most important things in life, faith and love, are still free!
FROM: Rabbi L. Rosenthal CA