Welcome to the Mussar HaTorah Podcast for Parshas Ki Savo. Join us as we explore the weekly Parsha, uncovering valuable insights and striving to become the best versions of ourselves through Mussar teachings.
In the parsha, Moshe says "הַסְכֵּ֤ת ׀ וּשְׁמַע֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ נִהְיֵ֣יתָֽ לְעָ֔ם לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃". This translates to "Keep silence and listen, Israel. This day you have become the people of Hashem your God." The word הַסְכֵּ֤ת can also mean imagine and can be understood as contemplate. The Seforno explains that when you picture this and understand it, you will heed Hashem's voice.
Rav Shlomo Wolbe explains the Sefarno to be telling us we should picture Torah concepts in our mons, which can help us fulfill the mitzvos.
For example, we have the commandment on Pesach to feel like we, living in the year 2024, left slavery in Egypt. This includes developing a picture of the event. We should picture the pillar of fire that lit the area in addition to Moshe and Aharon leading everyone out of Egypt. Each family has 90 donkeys filled with bounty. It is an amazing display of Hashem's might. This same idea applies to us picturing receiving the Torah at Har Sini.
These events defied all laws of nature and picturing them is not to fulfill a specific mitzvah. Rather it is an essential part of our emunah. According to Rav Wolbe, a person's emunah is not complete until they have depicted and contemplated these events in their mind. The reason for this is when you picture these events and simulate them it can make an indelible impression on a person's life.
This is an activity you can do at anytime, anywhere, and with any event. Picture the Bais Hamikdash, Akadas Yitzchok, Leaving Egypt, or receiving the Torah on Har Sini. You can choose any event from our rich history. Fill in as many details as possible. The more time and details you invest, the more real the event becomes.
This exercise can also be used to prepare for Rosh Hashana. A true picture of Hashem as kind over the entire world will make it easier to accept his sovereignty during the Yamim Noraim.
By vividly picturing the pivotal moments of our history, we deepen our connection to our heritage and strengthen our emunah. As we approach Rosh Hashana, let us use this tool to envision a world filled with kindness and divine sovereignty, allowing these images to inspire our actions and guide us toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. May this practice enrich our spiritual journey and prepare us for the year ahead with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of commitment.
Have a good Shabbos
