Parshas Vayikra begins with Hashem calling to Moshe Rabbeinu, but with Hashem’s Name missing: “Vayikra el-Moshe...” The Meor Einayim comments that the small “aleph” at the end of “vayikra” hints at Hashem’s presence as He hides Himself and only provides hints of His constant involvement in our lives.
Once we start to seek out the “aleph,” the Alupho shel Olam (Hashem), He responds by showing us His presence more clearly, as the passuk continues: “And Hashem spoke to him from the Ohel Moed, saying...”
Finding Hashem in our lives can mean many things. The Meor Einayim gives an example of the times when we were about to do something wrong and “something” (Hashem) prevented us from being able to go ahead. Once we realize that Hashem is communicating with us constantly, it becomes so much easier to accept the things that happen, the things people say and do, and all the challenges that we face.
Aside from the importance of finding Hashem’s “underlying” presence in every aspect of our lives, it’s important to get used to understanding things on a deeper level than they appear at first glance. Within our homes, trying to figure out the underlying message can help improve interpersonal relationships. This is especially important when it comes to our children, who often don’t have the ability to tell us clearly what is really bothering them on a day when they’re unusually grumpy or disobedient. Once we start looking beneath the surface, we can solve the problems at their source, with Hashem’s (now noticeable) help, without getting distracted and frustrated at the superficial symptoms.
