This week’s parshah distinguishes between the “hidden things” which are Hashem’s concern, and the “revealed things” which are for us to deal with, as we fulfill the words of the Torah throughout the generations.
The Maor Vashemesh brings the words of the Ari Hakadosh on the passuk in Tehillim, “Lecha dumiyah tehilah Elokim ... shomei’a tefillah —Silence is praise to You, Hashem ... You, who hears prayer...” and notes that any praise we offer Hashem can never fully express His greatness. Silence may be the right response to our inadequacy; nonetheless, we should express praise out loud when we daven, and part of the reason why we do so is to inspire those who hear us, because when it comes to our duty to affect others, we set aside our deficiencies and do our best.
The Ahavas Yisrael zy”a makes a similar point, saying that while a person should not fool himself or others and behave in a manner that is loftier than his true essence, there is an exception to this rule. Parents should behave in ways that are “above” where they’re truly holding, so that their children should see and be inspired.
Words and deeds are what leave the biggest impression on children. While we may feel our love and concern for them so strongly, we must also make sure that our children sense our feelings, by expressing them in words and in actions.
