14:1בנים אתם לד' אלקיכם, לא תתגדדו ולא תשימו קרחה בין עיניכם למת
Klal Yisroel are told that they are the nation chosen to receive the Torah Hakdoshah as well as having the special status of being children of Hashem. The Torah then proceeds with laws to forbid self-mutilation to express mourning of a loved one. Why does the Torah specifically state that Klal Yisroel are children of Hashem at this point in time?
Hashem is letting Klal Yisroel know that they are His children, and His love for them is greater than the love of a father for his son. The Torah then tells Klal Yisroel not to maim themselves on account of anything that happens in this world. All that occurs to a Yid in this world is for the good. There are times that one may not be able to see the good, just as a young child doesnot always understand what his father does, and does not see the good.
However just as the child learns to rely on his father that everything his father does is for his good, so too Klal Yisroel must rely on their Father in Heaven, Hashem, that everything that happens to them is for their good. The Torah goes on to list the laws of foods, which ones are permitted to eat and which ones are forbidden. The other aspect which Klal Yisroel must know is that because they are children of Hashem, they are held to a higher standard. A prince needs to behave in all facets of his life in a distinguished manner befitting a prince. So too, Klal Yisroel must act in a manner of a prince. They must be careful with what they eat and how they act because they are the ", עם קדוש לד' אלקיכם holy nation”, the children of Hashem. (אבן עזרא)
When one loses a loved one, it is a very emotional time. A person can be wrought with emotional pain, and loneliness. One might question why it is fair that the person died. It is at this integral point that one must strengthen his Emunah in Hashem. One must be cognizant that we are all children of Hashem. While a father of flesh and blood wants only good for his children, he is not always in control. The father may make decisions that are harmful to his children, or there are things that are beyond his.
Hashem is the ruler of the world, אין עוד מלבדו . Hashem does not make mistakes, and is in control of everything. Hashem makes sure that all that happens to His children is for their good. We must always make sure to be respectful of our Father in Heaven, and act in the proper manner. Even when one may be very emotional, he must remember that his Father above is watching to make certain that he is taken care of. By the same token, we must make sure to make our Father in Heaven, Hashem, proud of us by acting in a way that befits the children of the Melech Malchei Hamlachim Hakodosh Boruch Hu. By acting in a manner befitting a “true prince”, we will be Zoche to have a D’veikus to Hashem.
- RABBI YAKOV YOSEF SCHECHTER
