The Secret of the Small Details

What Do War, Tefillin, and Vacation Have in Common?

There are times when a person needs words of great encouragement. He needs to know that he has merits, that he is part of Klal Yisrael, and that he has nothing to fear. But there are also times when it is precisely the small details that determine everything. A word said at the wrong moment, a halachah not given sufficient attention, or something that seems insignificant can change the entire picture.

This idea is especially evident in the Torah’s description of going to war.

When Klal Yisrael goes to war, the Kohen Mashuach Milchamah stands before the people and strengthens them:

“Hear, O Israel, you are approaching today to wage war against your enemies. Let your heart not be faint; do not fear, do not panic, and do not be terrified because of them” (Devarim 20:3).

Chazal in Sotah (42a) focus on the words “Hear, O Israel.” Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai teaches:

“Even if you have fulfilled only the reading of Shema in the morning and evening, you will not be delivered into their hands.”

Even the simple act of reciting Shema twice a day and accepting upon oneself the yoke of Heaven is a great merit for Klal Yisrael in a time of war.

The Mishnah continues:

“They come with the victory of flesh and blood, while you come with the victory of the Omnipresent.”

The Kohen Mashuach Milchamah lifts the eyes of the people. He reminds them who they are and Who is going with them.

But immediately afterward, we hear another voice — the voice of the officers: “And the officers shall continue speaking to the people and say: Who is the man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his home” (Devarim 20:8). Chazal discuss who is meant by the “fearful and fainthearted.” Rabbi Yosi HaGelili explains that this refers to someone who is afraid because of sins he has committed.

The Gemara then gives a striking example:

“One who speaks between the tefillin [of the arm] and the tefillin [of the head] has committed a transgression, and he returns from the ranks of the army” (Sotah 44b). At first glance, there seems to be a difficulty. On the one hand, the Kohen........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)