As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“See, Hashem has called by name, Beztalel…” (35:30)
What is the Torah telling us by using the word “Reu,” See? The Torah wants to stress the importance of acquiring a Good Name. It is not enough to have good qualities and deeds, you must also have a good reputation, a good name in the world. This is a purpose in life.
Kohelet says: “A good name is better than good oil.” In the past, men used aromatic oils and the oil’s fragrance remained in the room even after the men had left. A good name, however, remains even longer. It even remains in this world when the man departs for the next world.
R’ Hanina ben Dosa says “If the spirit of one’s fellows is pleased with you, the spirit of Hashem is pleased with you.” (Pirke Abot 3:13) Thus, we now have a way to gain Hashem’s favor, by making sure that people are happy with us. This is a purpose in life, to gain a good name with our fellow man through making it our goal to always leave people at least as good as when you found them (or feeling better).
By always “greeting people with a pleasant caste of countenance,” (ibid. 1:15) an emotional smile which says “I am happy to see you,” and by offering encouraging words, we can gain the favor of people and Hashem. This will gain us a good name.
Rabbi Shimon would say: “There are three crowns. The crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of sovereignty, but the crown of good name surmounts them all.” (ibid.3:13)
Noach named his sons through prophecy. Ham, hot, would live in the hot areas of the world. Yefet, beauty, had an external beauty and he would be known for architecture, literature, music, etc. However, Shem acquired for himself a name in this world and in the World to Come.
Quoted from Shabbat Morning Talks of Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Shalom
Related posts:
- Parashiot Behar-Behukotai Perke Abot As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L “He...