THE GREATEST MIRACLES DON’T CHANGE THE HEART

When the Jewish people left Egypt, G-d sought to impress them with a miracle so spectacular that no one who experienced it would ever doubt His power or His providence again. He caused the waters of the Red Sea to split, letting the Jews pass through in safety and releasing the waters to drown the pursuing Egyptian oppressors.

After crossing the sea, awestruck, the Jews sang G-d’s praise, pledging their eternal loyalty to Him: “G-d,” they said, “You will be our King forever and ever.”

How long did their eternal love last? A mere 48 hours!

By the third day after the crossing, the people were hot, tired, and thirsty. They complained to Moses about the lack of food and water. Then, within weeks of the revelation at Sinai – the only time G-d appeared to an entire nation and spoke to them directly – they built a golden calf.

If an unprecedented series of spectacular miracles cannot bring about a mature, lasting response on the part of the people, what will?

Well, notice how G-d pivots. He changes strategy. Instead of demonstrating miracles, He said: Let them build something together. And so began the construction of the Tabernacle, the place where the Jewish people came together to celebrate and serve G-d. The people all contributed, some bringing gold, some silver; some brought tapestries, and others gave their time and skill. In fact, the people gave so much that Moses finally had to order them to stop. (That was the only time in Jewish history a fundraiser said, “Stop!” It hasn’t happened since). This simple act of giving and of personal effort transformed the Jewish people. During the whole construction period, there were no complaints.

The contrast between that scene and G-d’s earlier miracles reveals a noteworthy truth: It is not what G-d does for us that transforms us. It is what we do for G-d.

Just as a few minutes of exercise a day does more to keep you fit than watching the Olympics, so, too, performing small daily acts for G-d, will do more for you than witnessing the grandest miracles.

If every crisis was met by miracles, the Israelites remained in a state of dependency. Their default response was compliant. For them to grow there had to be a transition from being passive recipients of G-d’s blessings to being active creators. G-d is found in the everyday, unspectacular miracles of virtuous deeds. That is what truly lasts.  

Please join us at Chabad this Thursday, April 13, at 6:30 PM for the festive Moshiach celebration of UNITY!

The Baal Shem Tov instructed us to celebrate with four cups of wine and Matza and joy.

In light of what is happening in Israel by us coming together, we are sending a strong message that we are all one and AM ISRAEL CHAI!

By bringing goodness and kindness into the world we can merit the coming of Moshiach speedily.

Rabbi Yoseph Geisinsky