Vayeilech: Laying the Right Foundations 

The last twenty five years has seen an astounding increase in the number of young people dedicating themselves to full time learning. Newly weds also make a point of beginning married life in a learning environment. Possessing a young, fresh mind receptive to the truth of the Torah along with minimal responsibilities is the optimum time to immerse oneself in the wellspring of Torah.

For some, however, this is unacceptable. Only last week in a well known Jewish weekly, an irate housewife lamented the fact that people don't earn a living before learning full time. This lady's attack helped justify her lifestyle and, therefore, arguing directly is fruitless, however, perhaps if she were to look at this week's Torah reading she would catch a glimpse of the truth.

Before his death and before the Jewish people were about to enter the land of Israel, Moses addressed the congregation with words of encouragement. As well as explaining that Hashem would be fighting the wars against the seven nations on their behalf, Moses also told the Jewish people to be strong and courageous, to gather their inner strength and not be afraid. The Ibn Ezra, one of the earlier commentators, points out that to be strong and courageous was the last thing Moses told the Jewish people. Only once they were fully aware that Hashem was waging the war for them were they allowed to strengthen themselves. Although the Ibn Ezra is brief, the significance of his statement is fundamental.

If, as Moses stated, Hashem was waging the war on behalf of the Jewish people, why was it necessary for them to muster an internal strength? Their victory was guaranteed, irrelevant of how courageous they were? The answer is that the obligation to strengthen themselves was simply in order to minimise and conceal the miraculous events that were to take place. A psychologically strong army that wins every battle is more palatable than a weak one accomplishing the same.

The Ibn Ezra is teaching us that this concealment could only occur once it was clear that Hashem was in control. Initiating the internal strength before internalising the belief of Hashem's involvement poised a danger to those in battle. Even though they may later acknowledge Hashem's participation, because they strengthened themselves first they are prone to believing they were partly responsible for the victory.

Every aspect of our lives, all that we do conceals the constant miracles that occur. That we are healthy and have money to spend is simply Hashem's Will and not a direct consequence of eating healthily and working hard. Our challenge is to see through nature's disguise and recognise Hashem's involvement in our lives. From the Ibn Ezra we learn that in order to accomplish this we must first internalise the knowledge that Hashem is the source of all existence.

For this reason full time learning is fundamental during the early years of one's life. Only with Torah learning can a person safely grasp true knowledge of Hashem and recognise His control of the world. Armed with this knowledge a person is safe to venture forth and live life to the fullest.