1. The Meaning of “Ma Hashem Shoel Mimach”
The parshah in Chumash, specifically in Hamishi of Ekev, begins with Moshe Rabbeinu addressing the Jewish people: “Ve’ato Yisrael”—“And now, Israel”. He asks, “Ma Hashem Elokecha shoel mi’imach?”—“What is it that God is asking of you?” The answer given is: “Ki’im li’yira es Hashem Elokecha”—“It is only to fear Hashem your God, to go in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve Hashem your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” At first glance, the verse seems to minimize the expectation: what is God already asking from you? Just to fear Him. But then it continues with a list of lofty requirements: fear, love, walking in His ways, and keeping all the mitzvos—commandments. This hardly sounds like a small request.2. The Gemara’s Question and Answer
The Gemara raises an obvious question on this verse: “Otu yira milsa zutra sahih?”—“Is fear of God such a small thing?” Why does the verse seem to downplay it as if it’s easy or insignificant? The Gemara answers that this is Moshe Rabbeinu speaking. For Moshe Rabbeinu, at his spiritual level, fearing Hashem was not such a big deal. That’s why he could say it so simply. However, this answer seems problematic. Moshe Rabbeinu wasn’t talking to himself—he was addressing all of Bnei Yisrael. Was he measuring them by his own standards? How does it make sense for him to say that what God asks is easy if it isn’t easy for everyone?3. The Tanya’s Explanation: The Shepherd Within
The Alter Rebbe addresses this issue in Perek Mem-Beis (chapter 42) of Tanya. He explains that there are various spiritual qualities that are inherited and ingrained within every Jew. Moshe Rabbeinu is called raya mehemna—a faithful shepherd. What does a shepherd do? He leads the flock, ensures they have food and sustenance so they can grow healthy and strong. In a spiritual sense, Moshe Rabbeinu provides for the Jewish people by feeding them daas—knowledge, emunah—faith, and the ability to love Hashem. There is a spark of Moshe Rabbeinu within every Jew—a part that he nourishes as our shepherd. This inner Moshe gives us access to yiras Hashem—awe of God. So when the Gemara says “relative to Moshe,” it means not just Moshe himself but also the aspect of Moshe within each person. Especially as explained further in Tanya, every generation has its own Moshe Rabbeinu—a leader who serves as a faithful shepherd and inspires yiras Hashem, faith, knowledge, and love among those connected to him.4. The Role of Leaders Across Generations
These leaders—our own generation’s raya mehemna, our Rebbe—continue this role by feeding us spiritually with faith (emunah), knowledge (daas), awe (yira), and love (ava). They encourage us and help us follow in Hashem’s ways and serve Him fully. This brings us to an important date: tonight marks the beginning of the 19th of Av, leading into Chof Av—the 20th day of Av—which is the yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s father, HaGoyen HaMekubal Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. He literally gave up his life for spreading Yiddishkeit under extremely difficult circumstances—passing away on Chof Av in Tov Shin Daled (1944), seventy years ago in Almata, Kazakhstan after being exiled by the Russian government for his activities as chief rabbi in Dnepropetrovsk.5. The Legacy of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was not only a leader but also endured tremendous hardship for his commitment to Torah and Jewish life. His son—the Rebbe—grew up under constant pressure and difficulty from childhood through adulthood until arriving in America. Despite these challenges, our Rebbe became our generation’s Moshe Rabbeinu—feeding us spiritually just as his father did for his community under persecution.6. Fulfilling Our Mission Through Torah Study and Action
One way our Rebbe fulfills this role is through instituting daily study cycles such as Rambam—so every Jew can learn all aspects of Torah Shebiksav (Written Torah) and Torah Shebaal Peh (Oral Torah). Today marks the completion (siyyum) of Sefer Taharah in Rambam—a great merit for those participating. But beyond learning alone, we are encouraged not just to recognize our leaders as faithful shepherds but also to act on their guidance—studying Rambam as requested by the Rebbe.7. Honoring Chof Av With Good Deeds and Tzedakah
Chof Av—the yahrzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak—is an opportunity for increased commitment: strengthening our connection to Hashem, Chassidus, our Rebbeim, and their teachings. The Rebbe asked that people mark this day with special gatherings (fabrengens) and giving extra tzedakah—especially contributing to funds established in memory of his father which quietly support individuals and educational institutions. May we take advantage of this special day by deepening our dedication—to Torah study, mitzvos, chesed—and merit soon together with our Rebbeim and all tzaddikim to witness “L’kitzvu v’ranu shochnei afar—the resurrection,” together with Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days.