Parshas Va'era: How Do You Appreciate?

I heard this message from Rabbi Yissocher Frand quite some time ago, but it's one that really resonates with me.

Prior to detailing all the makkos (plagues) and the eventual Exodus, the Torah details the genealogy of the Children of Israel, beginning with the first 3 tribes - Reuven, Shimon, Levi.

The Shel"ah HaKadosh points out, that in contrast to the first 2 tribes, when the Torah reaches Levi, it lists his sons in order of birth.

Why is that?

The Shel"ah provides a powerful answer. Our sages tell us that the tribe of Levi was actually not included in the enslavement. Levi knew prophetically that his children would not endure any suffering.

Concerned that his descendants wouldn't be able to relate to the pain of their brethren, Levi gave each of his children a name that corresponded or related somehow to the enslavement.



Gershon - The root of the word Gershon is "ger", or stranger/foreigner. This corresponded to the Jews being pulled away from their homeland.

Kehas - The root of this name is "Kehu/Keha", which means weakened and blackened. This was a reference to the weakened state caused by the enslavement.

Merrari - The root of this name is the word "mar", or "bitter".

The essence and purpose of each of his children's names was to remind his children that, although they were not in any dire situation, they were to remain in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in pain.

And the strategy was successful.

In the famous incident of the "Burning Bush", Moshe (a grandchild of Levi) made the following inference: If a bush can be engulfed in flames yet not be destroyed, so too will the Children of Israel survive despite their suffering.


Rabbi Elya S'vei points out that this incident happened decades after Moshe fled from Egypt, yet that was the first thought on his mind!

What we learn from Levi is that in order to truly empathize with the plight of another, words are not enough. Tangible action must be taken.

Allow me to provide a personal, contemporary example.

During the 3 weeks between Shiv'a Asar B'Tamuz (Fast of the 17th of Tamuz) and Tisha B'av, there is a near-universal custom for Jews to refrain from taking a haircut, buying new clothes, and listening to music. The reason being that we are mourning the destruction of the Temple.

Now, I'll admit - I cannot relate to the destruction of the Temple. I just can't. It happened way too long ago.

But this custom gets me thinking. Why? Because music is my life. I cannot go a day without listening, playing, or writing music. By refraining from these activities, I'm now feeling (in my own way) the void created by the Temple's destruction.

Now let's flip this around.

How does one appreciate what they have? If one is now in a fortuitous situation, how does he or she display their appreciation.

The answer is simple. Tangible action.

Take tangible action to ensure that you are constantly reminded of both your past and present.

For example, if you were struggling to find a job and have now landed a good position, I'd recommend saving those job-seeking emails. Those frustrating rejection letters.

Trust me, you'll appreciate your present situation that much more.

To quote the old adage, "actions speak louder than words".