Parshas Yisro: UPS - What Can Brown Do For You?

💭 A Thought on the Parsha: UPS: What Can Brown Do For You?             After the experiences of kriyas yam suf and ma’amad Har Sinai, Hashem commanded Moshe to warn B’nei Yisroel not to make idol representations using silver or gold. The Kli Yakar explains that this was more than a mere repetition of the mitzva to not create and worship avodah zarrah. It was a warning to stay far away from even fairly accurate reminders and representations of what B’nei Yisroel experienced in their relationship with Hashem since leaving Mitzrayim. At Kriyas Yam Suf, Hashem appeared as an “ish milchama” which is associated with the color red, and at Har Sinai Hashem appeared as a “zakein yosheiv b’yeshiva”, which is associated with the color white. Hashem therefore warned that even though their intentions may be good to create images of gold or silver – like red and white - that help reconnect with the feelings of those moments, it remains absolutely assur to create such images of any kind. The Kli Yakar continues and writes that this is the connection with the passuk that follows, which otherwise seems out of place. In the very next passuk, Hashem commands that the mizbeach be made of adama – from earth. The mizbeach too should not be made of gold or silver because it is too similar to avodah zarrah. The Kli Yakar then adds one more line: “Hashem doesn’t want silver or gold but rather a mizbeach of ground which represents humility….because everywhere you find the Greatness of Hashem, there you will find His humility.” At that point following the incredible demonstrations of yetzias Mitrayim and announcing the Aseres Hadibros at Har SInai, Hashem followed with a stark warning not to make a mizbeach out of gold or silver, but rather of earth from the ground.               The Kli Yakar refers to humility as the yesod of the whole Torah. Anivus is a core trait of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and the outstanding characteristic of Moshe Rabbeinu; certainly, a trait we are meant to emulate. And although there are times when we will inevitably be in the spotlight, or need to publicly display strength or wisdom, we must remember especially during these times of “UPS” to think of the ground and introduce the color brown instead of getting wrapped up in the red and white. This requires proactively taking steps to reground ourselves with feelings of humility. In this way we could emulate Hashem’s response of following the incredible experiences of yetzias Mitzrayim and mattan Torah with the commandment to make His mizbeach out of earth.