As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“And you will see it and you will remember all the Mitzvot of Hashem and you will do them.” (15:39)
The Mitzvah of Sisit is a Commandment which is categorized as an ‘Edut’, Testimony. An Edut testifies to Historical events or great principles. Since we can understand the Edut more easily, therefore they are more obligatory for us to do them. Principle: “Whatever is easier to do is more obligatory.”
Some examples of Edut are:
- Matzah – to recall being slaves in Egypt.
- Sisit – to remember the Mitzvot.
- Mezuzah – reminds us that this is a Holy home given to us by Hashem.
- Teffilin – reminds us that Hashem took us out of Egypt. And that the words of Torah should be on our lips.
- Pesach – Yetziat Mitzrayim.
- Shabbat – that Hashem created the world from nothing (ex nihilo).
The verse says that when we look at the Sisit we should remember all of the (613) Mitzvot. This would necessitate the knowledge of all the Mitzvot and include a special effort to perform. The Rabbis tell us, “If a person tries to do too much at one time he will not accomplish anything.” Therefore, when we gather the four Sisit every morning during the Shema prayer, lets try to think and ‘remember’ at least the following four Mitzvot which will fulfill four Commandments from our Torah.
1. “To gain fear/awareness of Hashem” – think that Hashem is looking at you. “Et Hashem Elokecha tira”
2. “To Love Hashem” – say, ‘I Love You Hashem’. “Veahabta Et Hashem Elokecha Bechal Lebabecha”
3. “To Thank Hashem” – Thank Him for Everything. “Tob Lehodot LeHashem”
4. “To Love your fellow Jew & Jewish Nation” – Hashem created the world for Am Yisrael. “Beni Bechori Yisrael.”
We must listen to the testimony of the Edut as they were made in order to speak to us. When you see ‘Sisit’, your neighbor’s or your own, remind yourself of the Mitzvot. By thinking into the Edut/Testimonies of our Torah you will produce a diamond and a collection of gems in your mind which will give you pleasure in this world and in the next world forever.
Shabbat Shalom
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