The verse in this week’s Torah portion (6:6) states, “והיו הדברים האלה אשר אנכי מצוך היום על לבבך” “And these words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart.” Rashi comments that the word “today” is coming to tell us that a Jew should view the edicts of G-d as if they were commanded that very day. Rather than viewing the Mitzvos (Commandments) as old verdicts of the King that are perhaps outdated, they should be seen as brand-new laws, directly issued from the King, thus resulting in the immediate concurrence with law. To further explain this Rashi, Rav Chaim of Brisk comments that a person’s responsibilities change from day to day. As the Yetzer Harah (Evil Inclination) renews itself every day, individuals must do the same to put up a decent fight. As Jews, we must refresh our minds daily, and understand that our mindsets of yesterday may be irrelevant, or even harmful, today.

The Neshama Foundation is an organization which focuses on keeping the Jewish tradition intact, as it slowly seems to dwindle. Stressing the importance of a proper Jewish burial, the organization encourages Jews to refresh their minds, and open themselves up to view the laws of Jewish burial as a brand-new edict of G-d, thus promoting its complete fulfillment.

#Vaeschanan #Parsha