In My Mother’s Arms

Shabbos Nachamu. The Shabbos of comfort. After these long and difficult three weeks, discussing the lowliness of our past deeds, we breathe a sigh of relief as we enter into these seven weeks of comfort and consolation. At this time we are reminded that no matter how far we may have fallen, the Ribbono Shel Olam loves us, desires our return, and is forever looking out for our well being. I heard a powerful Moshol about a family going on a beautiful vacation together. They take the Uber to the airport, board the plane, and fly to their destination. Upon arrival, they immediately begin their itinerary visiting museums, theme parks, restaurants, and more. If you were to stop at any point in this action packed trip and ask the family’s six month old baby “where are you now”? What would the baby answer? (If a six month old baby were able to speak of course) There would be only one response that the infant would say: “I’m in my mother’s arms”. From the child’s perspective it makes no difference if he is in the hotel, on a subway, the merry go around or the security line at the airport, he is in one place and that is in the arms of his mother.

The Torah tells us in Parshas Behaaloscha “על פי ה יחנו ועל פי ה יסעו “ based on the word of Hashem Klal Yisrael camped, and based on the word of Hashem Klal Yisrael traveled”. This means that when Hashem decided that the Jewish people should get up and leave their location they would pack up the Mishkan and follow the Ananei Hakavod (The Clouds of Glory) through the desert. When the clouds would stop that was their signal to set up camp once again. The Gemara teaches us that because all these travels to various locations were “על פי ה” dictated by the word of Hashem, therefore the numerous destinations that they camped in were really all considered one location.

What does this Gemara mean that so many different stops could be considered “one place”? Rav Chaim Shmulevitz answered so beautifully. The same way that the baby in our story traveled to so many different sites, and may have stepped foot in several different states over the course of this trip, however the baby will always view himself in the same place and that is in the arms of his mother, because that is his reality. This same exact principle applied to Klal Yisroel in the desert vis a vis the Ribbono Shel Olam. Their actual physical location made no difference because they were traveling “על פי ”. Their entire existence in the desert was only possible through Hashem’s constant miracles. Their food was daily Manna that was heaven sent, their protection from wild snakes and scorpions came through the Ananei Hakavod. Clothing did not wither. Climate was always perfect. Water delivered via the Beer Miriam. No matter where they traveled they were literally living in the hands of Hashem, just like that baby in his mothers arms. We must take this beautiful teaching of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz to heart in our lives as well. Where does the daily food on our table come from? Who gives our bodies the ability to function? It is all stemming from Hashem’s constant concern for our protection and well being. Throughout our lives we travel through many places and circumstances, we may face consistent trials and tribulations. Who is looking after us every step of the way helping us succeed? It is only the Ribbono Shel Olam. We must always remember that there is only one space that we reside in and that is in the hands of Hashem. No matter how difficult life may seem, and no matter what challenges we may have to endure, we have no reason to fear being that our lives are totally in the hands of our Father in Heaven, who lovingly carries us through every circumstance.

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Rabbi Yaakov Moskowitz is a motivational speaker who has inspired Jews around the world through his engaging lectures and videos on a wide array of practical Jewish topics. To receive Rabbi Moskowitz’s short clips, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..