“I will provide your rains in their time, and the land
will give its produce...” (Vayikra/Leviticus 26:4)
In this week’s Torah portion, G-d promises that if the Jews
observe Torah laws, He will make it rain and the land will produce a bountiful
harvest.
Why does the verse attribute rainfall to G-d, but produce
to the land?
Rabbi Aryeh Leib Lopiansky in Shabbos Delights gives
Rav David Soleveitchik’s explanation, citing Talmud (Taanit 2a). Three
activities remain solely in G-d’s hands and are not given over to an
intermediary: the granting of rain; childbirth; and the resurrection of the
dead. The verse emphasizes that G-d alone is responsible for rain, whereas people
must work the land to bring forth its produce.
When a Jewish woman announces her pregnancy, rather than
wishing her a mazal tov (literally “good luck”, but more often used to
express congratulations) the traditional Hebrew response is b’shaah tovah
(literally, “at a good hour” or at a propitious time). This expression conveys
hopes that the baby will be born when it is ready to survive outside the womb. It
acknowledges the miracle of childbirth while also recognizing that uncertainties
could come to pass chas v’shalom (G-d forbid) that might interfere with
a successful delivery. The timing of the birth and its success is in the hands
of G-d alone.
As parents (and expectant parents), it is important
to recognize the things we can control, as well as the many things we simply
cannot control because they are solely in G-d’s hands. Becoming a parent requires
tremendous faith that G-d will provide the many miracles needed to fulfill our
hopes and bring our dreams to fruition.
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