Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi David Cohen
Enough of your circling this mountain; turn yourselves northward. (2:3)
After thirty eight years in the wilderness, Klal Yisrael was once again at Har Seir. The nation was now instructed to turn to the north. The Kli Yakar interprets the word “tzafonah,” which usually means “north,” in its alternative definition, “hidden.” Accordingly, Hashem was telling Klal Yisrael, “Turn inward, hide yourselves.” He was implying that a Jew should maintain a low profile among his gentile neighbors. There is no reason to arouse their envy. Why should they become jealous of the prosperous Jews? Let them think that we are in as bad as situation as they are.
It is not entirely foreign to hear such an accusation leveled at us. It was well documented that the Germans and Polish despised the fact some Jews had better living conditions. Do we have to have the fanciest homes or drive the fanciest cars? Would it be such a tragedy if we would not call so much attention to ourselves? Is it necessary to make the gentiles around us envious of the “rich Jews”? Furthermore, what about the insecure Jew who spends much more than he actually possesses just so that he can impress those around him?
If the gentiles are going to be jealous of us, let them envy our adherence to Torah and Mitzvot, our strong nuclear families, and our vibrant community. Not our material wealth.
Shabbat Shalom