Parsha Corner: Parshas Yisro – Unity
There once was a king who was approaching his 75th birthday, a grand occasion that filled his court with anticipation.
His servants, especially the butlers, were eager to honor him with fitting tributes. As the day neared, one of the butlers resolved to present the king with a gift, pooling his savings to purchase a small gold coin. Unbeknownst to him, another butler conceived the same idea and bought an identical gift. By the time the king’s birthday arrived, each butler, acting independently, had selected a single gold coin to offer their sovereign.
On the morning of the celebration, the butlers, with pride in their hearts, presented their individual coins to the king. Yet, the question lingers: could they have given a more meaningful gift had they acted in unison?
Chazal teach us that at the momentous event of Matan Torah, Klal Yisroel approached the giving of the Torah “k’ish echad b’lev echad”—like one person with one heart—in complete unity. The conventional understanding of this unity is that peace and love are sublime but rare qualities, and Klal Yisroel’s remarkable achievement was to set aside all differences and discord. As a result, they merited the divine gift of the Torah.
However, a deeper explanation offers an even richer insight. When Klal Yisroel is free of machlokes (strife), their very essence transforms. Their avodah (service of Hashem) is no longer the fragmented work of many individuals, but rather the unified effort of one greater, more potent entity. This elevates the quality of their service in a profound way.
Consider the difference between ten separate gold coins and ten coins melted into one magnificent piece. The combined gift is undoubtedly of greater value and significance. Similarly, when we serve Hashem as a unified whole, the power and quality of our avodah is exponentially greater. This is why Hashem deemed us worthy of receiving the Torah when we stood united as one.
This perspective highlights the importance of reaching every Jew with the message of Torah. It is not enough for only you to serve Hashem; we must serve together.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Anton 786-250-7601
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