KINGS

Dear Family,

BH Brian has made steps of improvement with his health. Renee is still going through difficult treatments. We wish them a continued refuah shleimah!

Sedra Shoftim

I heard an interesting commentary from the Baal HaTurim on this week's Sedra Shoftim, in the section talking about KINGS (17:20). - 'This is so that he not feel superior to his brethren, and that he does not deviate from even the slightest commandment, ..in order that he and his sons may reign for a long time among Israel.'

Many points came up from this commentary which I will list:

• The verse starts and ends with the Hebrew letter lamed which is unusual. The numerical value of lamed is 30, alluding to the kingship of Yehudah (the numerical value - gematria - of Yehudah is 30)
• I am not sure of this source but the Baal Haturim says that there are 30 levels of attaining kingship
• David Hamelech was from the tribe of Yehudah and was 30 years old when he became king.
• The Psalm talking about David's kingship (Psalm 18) starts with the letter lamed.
• When the pasuk says that 'he may reign for a long time', it is saying that his (David's) reign will last, and not Shaul's. (Rashi also emphasizes this and explains how Shaul's downfall came about, by not obeying the command of the prophet of his time, Shmuel, even though it was only a slight mistake) I also found it interesting how in Judaism, a king is held accountable by an ordinary person who has become a prophet, conveying the word of Hashem.- checks and balances are in place.

The King in the Field

We are now in the month of Elul, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi describes the auspicious nature of the month of Elul by means of a parable of 'The King in the Field'.

The King is normally only found in the deep recesses of his palace but in Elul, He (Hashem) comes out to be with the people with a smiling countenance. And we can approach Him and make all our requests. This is referring to the shining of the 13 Attributes of Mercy emanating to all from Hashem the King, in the month of Elul

David HaMelech

I also saw a nice message from the Baal Shem Tov (Keter Shem Tov Par 60) on how we can reciprocate to Hashem.

In Tehillim 22:4 it says "You are Holy, You dwell upon the praises of Israel."

This means that by us showing loving words of gratitude to G-d, praising Him for granting us health and livelihood, we are thereby 'supporting G-d.'

And He then showers us with blessings for children, health, and sustenance.

Wishing everyone a Gut Shabbos, and that we should do preparation in Elul, to be able to Crown Hashem as our King on Rosh Hashanah. Wishing all a kesivah vechasimah tovah for a good and sweet New Year