Kevin Bemel ·
The Devil is Not in The Details, God Is
Parsha Nugget Ki Savo – Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8
While out running one day, I came to a stretch of sidewalk that was being traversed by ants. I imagine I looked pretty funny dodging, what were to other people, these unseen hurdles. Was it worth the humiliation and potential injury? Parshas Ki Savo has some insight:
“You have distinguished G-d today, to be for you a G-d, and to walk in His ways . . .” (Deuteronomy/Devarim 26:17)
This week’s parsha continues preparing the Children of Israel to enter the Land of Israel by discussing the mitzvah (usually translated commandment) of the first fruits offering, reiterating the inseparability of G-d and Israel, and detailing the blessings and curses that will befall them depending on how well they heed the Torah. At the end of the parsha Moses begins his final exhortation to the Israelites.
After I had run past the ants I was struck by the thought that perhaps G-d did not want me to avoid stepping on them. Maybe they were going to invade someone’s house or do something that was destructive and I had been chosen to eradicate them. Had I done right or wrong?
Are you thinking, “Ants? Rabbi! Are you kidding me?”
The famous motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, says:
It Is the Little Things in Life that Make a Difference
If your watch is off by an hour surely you will notice it and correct it before you miss an airplane. But if it is off by four or five minutes, that small discrepancy could cause you to miss your flight.
The same is true in your daily interaction with G-d’s creation. Do you need to be reminded it is wrong to punch somebody unless you are defending yourself or another person? Of course not. But are you aware of the nuance of expression on your face at any given time and how other people are affected? You may see something that puzzles you and get a quizzical look. Someone may see your expression and think you are mad at him. For an instant, you were unaware of your demeanor and the person misread you.
During this month of Elul, it is particularly important to heighten your awareness of how you interact with others. Try to always have a pleasant welcoming expression on your face and in the tone of your voice. As an added bonus you will feel more positive as a result.
Oh, and what about the ants? I decided that I should not try to guess G-d’s plan. Since the Torah prohibits gratuitous killing I will continue to avoid stepping on insects when I run, even if I look silly doing so.
What little thing do you do to make a difference in other’s lives?
You can leave a comment on this question or ask another question below ↓
Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. Its name comes from the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.
Do you have a question about the Old Testament? Ask it here and I will answer it in a future Parsha Nugget!
