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Lessons in Torah Or

The Meaning of Hashem Causing Us to Hear

  • Vayechi
  • 5786
  • English
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This is the meaning of what is written (Bereishis 29:33): “For Hashem has heard that I was disliked,”

The simple meaning, as explained earlier in the maamar, is that Leah was thanking Hashem for giving her a son, because now her husband will love her more. In the literal meaning, “כִּּי ש ָּמַע ה'” means “for Hashem has heard,” and “כִּּי ש ְנוּאָּה אָּנ כִּי ” means “that I was disliked.”

The Alter Rebbe is interpreting the phrase “כִּּי ש ָּמַע ה'” to mean “for Hashem has caused me to hear,” and “כִּּי ש ְנוּאָּה אָּנ כִּי” to mean “because I despise myself.” I.e., because I humble myself towards Hashem, Hashem causes me to “hear” Him and come to truly fear Him, as the Alter Rebbe will continue to explain.

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