Parshat Va'eira: Sincerity Is Key

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In Parshat Va'eira, Hashem speaks to Moshe. The pasuk states, "Va’eira el Avraham el Yitzchak ve’el Yaakov"—Hashem told Moshe that He appeared to Avraham, Yitzchok, and Yaakov. On this pasuk, Rashi comments: "Va’eira Eel ha’avos," explaining that Hashem was telling Moshe He appeared to the avos—our forefathers.

There is a significant question here. Rashi’s purpose is to clarify and illuminate the text. Yet, everyone knows that Avraham, Yitzchok, and Yaakov were our avos! What is Rashi teaching us by stating the obvious?

I would like to share an incredible insight from my father, Rav Yitzchok Fingerer shlit"a. The Chatam Sofer explains that in this context, avos does not simply mean forefathers. Instead, it is linked to the word avah, which means to want or to desire. Rashi is teaching us that Hashem appeared to Avraham, Yitzchok, and Yaakov not merely because they were the avos, but because they had an unrelenting desire for greatness. They yearned to know Hashem and connect to Him deeply. This is a lesson for all of us—when we sincerely strive for spiritual growth, Hashem will help us achieve it. All we need to do is take the first step, and Hashem will guide us the rest of the way.

A wealthy man once visited the Novardok Yeshivah. He approached the Rosh Yeshivah and explained that he was seeking the best bachur in the yeshivah as a match for his daughter. Together, they walked through the beit hamidrash, and the Rosh Yeshivah pointed out various outstanding students.

“That young man is the most masmid (diligent) in the yeshivah,” he said, gesturing toward one student. A few steps later, he pointed to another, “And he is the most brilliant lamdan (scholar).” Moving further, he indicated yet another, saying, “He is the most righteous tzaddik in the yeshivah.”

The wealthy man, growing impatient, asked, “Rebbi, this is all very nice, but who is truly the best bachur for my daughter?”

The Rosh Yeshivah paused, then pointed to a student sitting quietly in the corner. “Him,” he said. “He is by far the best bachur in the entire yeshivah.”

Confused, the man questioned, “But you just pointed out the greatest masmid, the biggest lamdan, and the most pious tzaddik. What makes this bachur the best? He is not the most diligent, the most brilliant, or the most righteous—so why is he the ideal choice for my daughter?”

With a twinkle in his eye, the Rosh Yeshivah replied, “This bachur is the greatest mevakesh—he has the strongest desire to learn, grow, and understand Torah. He wants to get closer to Hashem and improve himself more than anyone else in the yeshivah. Because of this, I am certain that he will eventually surpass even those other three, despite not yet being on their level.”

Who was this young man? Despite not being the most naturally gifted, he went on to surpass all expectations. That bachur became none other than the Steipler Gaon, Rav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky zt”l—one of the most revered Gedolei Yisroel and the father of the Gadol HaDor, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l!

What made the Steipler so great? Avah—he had an unshakable desire. He put in relentless effort and sincerely yearned to grow in Torah and yirat Shamayim. This is something we can all learn from. We may not always be the smartest or the most naturally talented, but if we truly desire to grow, we can achieve greatness.

Hashem does not expect perfection—He desires sincerity. He wants to see us try. Every step we take toward spiritual growth is precious in His eyes. Let’s take that first step today and show Hashem that we truly yearn to come closer to Him!


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