Vaetchanan 5773

In this week’s Torah portion, Moshe (Moses) continues to address the people of Israel, preparing them to enter the Land of Israel.

“And you shall guard your souls very much...” (Devarim/Deuteronomy 4:15)

Rabbi Zelig Pliskin in his book, Growth Through Torah, explains that Torah here commands us to safeguard our health. He cites the Chofetz Chayim who notes that the text uses the Hebrew word nefesh, soul, and does not explicitly refer to the body. The Kabbalist Rabbi Rafael Moshe Luria explains that the nefesh is bound to the body’s material needs and it motivates our physical urges such as eating, drinking and sleeping.

Writes Rabbi Pliskin: “This [verse] comes to teach that whenever you are involved in matters pertaining to the welfare of your body, such as business matters or eating, you must be careful not to do anything that will be harmful to your soul. Before doing anything for your body’s needs, give careful thought not to do anything against the will of the Almighty.”

The Chofetz Chayim emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep (a constant struggle for overtaxed parents). In Hebrew, the word nefesh is closely related to the word nafash, refresh or rest, as in “On the seventh day He [G-d] ceased work and rested.” (Shemot/Exodus 31:17) The soul needs time to refresh itself and must do this through sleep, or at least through rest from work and creative endeavors.

As parents, we may find that our children have a hard time going to bed and falling asleep. Younger children may fear the dark, or separation from family (if they sleep alone); older children might be over-stimulated or believe they will miss something if they close their eyes. Most parenting and sleep experts advise conducting a peaceful, ritualized bedtime routine. Torah sets one in place in this week’s portion.

“Shema Yisrael, Adonai Elloheinu, Adonai Echad.” Hear O Israel, the L-rd Our G-d, The L-rd is One. (Devarim/Deuteronomy 6:4)

“And you shall teach them to your children and speak of them when…you lie down…” (Devarim/Deuteronomy 6:7)

When we make saying Shema a part of our bedtime ritual, we ensure that we and our children feel safe and secure. We go to sleep knowing and trusting that G-d is safeguarding our rest, just as He watches over us when we are awake and responsible for safeguarding our souls.