When a Divine Command Binds All Future Generations

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 14:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel" (Exodus 14:1-2). Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai says: every place where it is said "saying" and "you shall say to them," this is for the generations; and every place where it is not said "saying" and "you shall say to them," this is for the moment only. Rabbi says: even in a place where "saying" and "you shall say to them" is not stated, this is for the generations, except in three places.

Themes

TorahCommandmentsOral Torah

Continue Reading

Yalkut Shimoni on TorahIn All That I Have Said to You, Take HeedThe verse "in all that I have said to you, take heed" sounds almost like a closing flourish, but the Sages press it for hidden weight. They link it to the commaLegends of the JewsHow the Nations Reacted to Each CommandmentDid they just shrug it off? Were they curious? Intrigued? According to the Legends of the Jews, they had some pretty strong opinions, actually. So, the story goBaal HaSulam's Introduction to ZoharHow the Drive to Receive Was Relocated from HolinessJewish mystical tradition, specifically as illuminated by Baal HaSulam in his introduction to the Zohar, offers a fascinating perspective. He tells us that thisPetichah LeChokhmat HaKabbalahGod Increased Torah to Bestow Merit on IsraelThe Talmud in Makkot (23b) offers a fascinating idea. Rabbi Ḥananya ben Akashya says that God, wanting to bestow zekhut, or merit, upon the Jewish people, increPetichah LeChokhmat HaKabbalahRestoring Divine Light Through Torah and MitzvotThe light of creation, the shefa (divine abundance), has diminished, become veiled. It’s like trying to see the sun through a thick fog. Here’s the beautiful paKalach Pitchei ChokhmahAll of History Leads to Pure GoodnessIt's all heading towards a state of pure goodness and complete perfection. A time when only good exists, and evil...vanishes. The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah (a key