Netzavim-Vayeilech
The Gemara writes, four things rip up a bad decree against a person: tzedakah, tefilla…. The Maharsha points out that these are hinted at in the tefilos of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: “ותשובה ותפלה וצדקה מעבירין את רע הגזירה.” The Yerushalmi relates a story with two people who set out on a journey. A star-gazer checked into the constellations and declared that these people will leave but not return; they will die. A bit after they started travelling, an elderly person in danger confronted them and requested, “help me, give me something to eat, I’m starving, I haven’t eaten for three days.” They split their loaf of bread and fed him, and he gained back his strength. Then he prayed for them and said, “Just as you returned my soul to life, so too, Hashem should grant you life. And just as you are setting out in peace, so too, you shall return in peace.”
After some time, these two people returned healthy and well. People who saw this occurrence questioned the star-gazer’s accuracy. Either the star-gazer is a liar, or, the constellations aren’t saying the truth. They took a peek into their knapsacks and saw a snake cut in half in each of them. He asked them, “What did you do to merit to be saved from the snake?” They told over the story about whom they met and the kindness they performed. The star-gazer said, “what can I do to them, the G-d of the Jews is appeased with half a piece of bread.” With such a small deed; just by giving a bit of tzedakah, Hashem does so much. Even if a person was sentenced to die, he will be saved from death!
The Gemara quotes a debate as to whether there is mazal for Yisrael. Meaning, are Yisrael subjected to the constellations. The Meiri writes that one must know and believe that it is solely in a person’s hand to choose his actions. Even if one was born during the constellation called “Ma’adim” which hints at blood, it does not reflect that he will do aveiros and become a murderer. But rather, he is given the opportunity to decide whether to do mitzvos such as to become a Mohel or Shochet, or, to do something optional, such as to blood-let. Each person can channel his nature to serve Hashem as his discretion.
The Meiri writes, if a person thinks about the punishment and reward for his avodas Hashem it will motivate him to pay attention and be extra careful with what he does. By being aware of the consequences, it will help a person push himself to channel his nature for the good.
May Hashem help us guide and direct ourselves to serve Him to the best of our ability!
