b'shalach
The central focus in Parshas bishalach is "az
yashir". Rashi explains this to mean "az alah b'libo sheyoshir"- Then
it arose in his heart (the will) to sing. The Ramban disagrees and says it just
is a manner or "style" of writing. The author often places himself in
a certain point in time regardless of when he is actually writing..
Both
agree that the timing of this passuk is targeting the bull's eye point between
the past and future, of Moshe Rabeinu about to sing. It seems to be a strange dot to focus on, on
the timeline, but it is quite loudly noted, and it must be for us to glean
something from it.
The Maharal - write in a few places that while a person
has a cheshek for something he is in some way even
"closer" to his goal than once it is achieved.
We all
need to have an "alah b'libo" - a sh'ifah and desire (for the "a
tefach hecher") for the next step in development and kurvah to Hashem.
That heartfelt cheshek creates an attachment that doesn't exist by just
performing the exercises of mitzvos and growth. The aspiration itself is a
great achievement in avodas Hashem!
Perhaps
the key to gaining that is also hinted in the same word - "AZ" - look back - sh'al avicha
v'yagedcha. Look at your father and grandfathers and see their greatness of
character and Avodah!
In the haftorah for parshas zachor we read that Shmuel
criticized Shaul, that although he was chosen for his humility and for shying
away from the malchus, he was chastised for קטן אתה בעיניך -
Shaul saw himself as small.
The Bar
Mitzvah boy's father has that humility about himself but he also has a
tremendous dream for the future which comes from his awareness of his
illustrious yichus in the past. His only hinderance is that he thinks of
himself as being a kattan! Asher today you are a GADOL, and you are truly blessed and enriched - as your
name claims - to have such a father and mother and grandparents. ASHREI YOSHVEI
baisecha! Look at them and let that push you ever forward.
