Vayeishev: Keeping Up the Momentum

Somebody from work sent me a clip of some Jewish singers singing a Chanukah song dressed up as Star Wars characters acting out the movies.  I don’t know…maybe it’s being in Israel for so long, but honestly, I didn’t like it at all.  I thought it was a completely inappropriate thing to do, and it left a real sour taste in my mouth.  To take something that is holy and to denigrate it in such a way?  Honestly?  I think Star Wars needs to be treated with more respect.

 

For the last few years, every morning I try to learn a little Navi (Prophets).  I figured that if I want to understand my davening more, I need to understand Tehillim.  And to understand Tehillim, I need to understand Dovid HaMelech.  And to understand Dovid HaMelech, I need to actually learn about him and all that led to his kingdom.

 

We see that Dovid started off as a mere shepherd.  He was promoted to general-in-chief under Shaul and was later chased out of Shaul’s home.  He slowly built himself up, collecting followers on the way.  Eventually he became king over the tribe of Yehudah and then all of Israel.  After securing the borders, he captured Yerushaliyim and brought the Aron up, and then prepared to start the building of the Beis HaMikdash.  After informing Nosson (the prophet at the time) of his intentions, Hashem says to Nosson to quickly run and tell Dovid that he will not be the one to build the Beis HaMikdash.  Rashi quotes Rebbe Chanina bar Pappa, who said that Hashem said, “This person (Dovid) is a very quick person.  Perhaps he will start hiring workers to do the work, so quickly run and tell him not to build the Beis HaMikdash."

 

This is that praise and the “fear” that Hashem has for Dovid.  Dovid HaMelech is very quick to act in regards to mitzvos.  He does not push things off, but immediately goes to work when he has the opportunity to do so.  In fact, we see this in action shortly after.  After being told that it will be his son who will build the Beis HaMikdash, Dovid does not sit and take a break, but immediately goes out and takes the offensive against the bordering enemy nations, in order to properly secure Israel.

 

This is a character trait that we all could use a little bit of work on: taking the opportunities when they come our way as soon as we can.  Even more so, to create such opportunities of growth as well.  I have yet to meet a lazy Ben Torah in life, because it’s simply impossible to become a Ben Torah if you are lazy.  If a person does his (spiritual) job with zealousness, he will grow to unprecedented heights.

 

Have a great Shabbos and a wonderful Chanukkah!