Seeing Hashem in Our World
This concept is very relevant to us. As ma’aminim (believers) we recognize that we don’t control market conditions. One worldwide depression and we’re all out of a job. So that isn’t a test for us. The challenge is the area that seems to be in our control – the decisions we make, the choices we opt for. Real estate or oil? Treasury bonds or mutual funds? Should I buy short? Should I invest in gold now?
The Torah is teaching us that this too is under Hashem’s control. He guides our thinking, putting thoughts into our minds that bring us to where we are supposed to be. It is hard to know why sometimes we have a good feeling about a business opportunity, and sometimes we don’t. It is difficult to define why certain people find favor in our eyes and some don’t. Ask a young man who is dating why one woman catches his fancy and another doesn’t. Granted some of it is natural attraction, but there is far more going on. Often a more attractive and more presentable girl will not sway him, yet somehow the other one did.
One of the ways Hashem runs this world is by putting opinions, ideas, and attitudes into our minds. While we are still free to listen or not, we are greatly influenced by that input. Identifying this phenomenon and seeing it in action is part of learning to see Hashem in our world.
To view Rabbi Shafier’s parsha video, click here.