Normally, when our children head off to summer camp, we make sure that they bring two pairs of sneakers. This usually means that they bring an old pair of sneakers that they normally throw out at the conclusion of camp and return with only one pair. The pair that returns with our son has normally been worn to such an extent that we usually need to purchase a new pair of sneakers at the beginning of the school year. Our son went to camp with two pairs of sneakers: one old and one brand new. When he returned from camp, there were two pairs of sneakers: one appearing unworn and one looking more torn up and beat up. Well, school is about to begin, and when we suggest that he disposes of the old torn up and beat up sneakers; he quickly replies that he prefers not to dispose of the sneakers nor does he want another pair of sneakers at this time. He is looking forward to wearing the unworn sneakers. However, for now, he only wants to wear the old, broken in, torn up sneakers.
This week we read from Parsha Ki Tavo. The Parsha begins with Moshe explaining the laws that are specific to B'nai Yisroel’s entry into the Land. He reminds them of the laws of first fruits, and tithing. Moshe reminds them that there is a powerful link between God, B'nai Yisroel, and the Land. Each needs the other. Moshe then describes the ritual specific to this generation that will symbolize their acceptance of the Torah and the covenant. As they cross the Jordan River, they would inscribe two stones with Kol Divrei HaTorah HaZot Ba'Eir Heiteiv – You shall inscribe on the stones all the words of this Torah well clarified.” Then the stones would be covered with plaster in order to protect the inscriptions. Moshe then reminds B'nai Yisroel that they are now an Am Yisroel– a Nation and no longer B’nai Yisroel – Children of Yisroel. With that change of status comes responsibility, and Moshe lists the blessings and the curses that will result depending upon Am Yisroel’s behavior. Moshe concludes his passionate plea to fulfill the covenant by giving Am Yisroel a brief history lesson. He reminds them that they left Egypt and saw all the signs and wonders (they didn’t, rather their parents and grandparents experience the Exodus and witnessed the plagues). Moshe reminds them that he let them for Forty years, and they didn’t eat bread nor drink wine, rather they experienced the miracle of the Manna. He reminds them of the battles they fought and won and finally he reminded them they were ready to begin their new lives in the land.
Certainly, the concluding verses are incredibly uplifting as Moshe passionately explains that they are ready to enter the land. However, there is one verse in this “pep-talk” that reminds us that Moshe is really an old man, a zeide (a grandfather or great-grandfather), who apparently worked in the shmatte business. “V’Oleich Etchem Arbaim Shana BaMidbar – And I led you for forty years in the Wilderness, Lo Valu Salmoteichem Mei’Aleichem V’Na’alcha Lo Valtah Mei’Al Raglecha – your garment did not wear out from on you, and your shoe did not wear out from on your foot.” (Ex. 29:4). Moshe does not explicitly mention the parting of the Yam Suf, nor surreal and miraculous moments at Sinai. Yes, he mentions some battles but shoes and clothes? The fact that they didn’t wear out after all those years; that the miracle? Well yes. Besides water and Manna, this was the one miracle that touched them on a daily basis. This is the one miracle that while it happens, they probably didn’t think about it. At least with the Manna, they had to go and gather it. At least with the Water, they had to go and draw it. However, with clothes and shoes, they would just put them on without any thought, nor effort. Now, looking back, Moshe reminds them that even the smallest miracle, that which was normally taken for granted should be considered miraculous.
Yes, it’s amazing that after two months of camp, neither outgrew nor wore out a pair of sneakers to such an extent that he asked for a new pair. Maybe the miracle is that our son decided that he could wait for a new pair of sneakers. Maybe the miracle is that our son figured he would wait until sneakers went on sale before declaring his desire for a new pair. Maybe the miracle is that our son finally understood the difference between “needing” a pair of sneakers and “wanting” a pair of sneakers. Whatever the miracle might be; one thing is clear, our son who is a year removed from his Bar Mitzvah seems to have matured, and is ready to begin high school.
Peace,
Rav Yitz
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