As the election season heats up, we are starting to hear commentary on the subject matter of how we should or shouldn’t be influenced by the “handshake” between a politician and a child. After all, the reason why they interact publicly with children is so they are viewed as a compassionate and caring leader.
This got me thinking: What happens if the same politician, during a speech, calls directly to that same child to ask for some water. Chances are that the kid would run to fetch a bottle of water. However, if the politician just said, “I need some water” into the mic without pointing out anyone in particular, what are the chances that it would be the child who would bring the water? I would venture to guess that an aide would do so.
The difference between these two scenarios is that one was a personal request to an individual, while the other was just a statement.
This brings us to this week’s Torah portion of Tzav. In Hebrew as well as in English, there are a few word choices to select from when stating that one person is speaking to another, including “speak,” “say,” and “request.” Each meaning can denote a kind way of speaking, a harsher way of communicating, and a nice, yet firm, form of getting one’s message across.
The Hebrew word “Tzav” connotes the idea that “I want this thing,” as with the politician when talking to the child. The request is clear and directed. Although the child might not understand why they are being singled out, that doesn’t matter; what does matter is that the request is directed toward them. This in and of itself creates a bond between the two people.
The same is true between us and G-d. When He just gives a command to do this or that Mitzvah, we can remove ourselves from the picture and say to ourselves, let someone else do it. Yes, G-d wants all of us to fulfill this Mitzvah, but we can disassociate ourselves from it. However, when there is a personal request, we feel the urgency of the matter, as well as a greater to desire to listen.
This is why we value tzdakah (giving charity), as G-d made clear to us that giving charity is not only something that He is telling us to do, or even just suggesting, but something that He demands from us.
Interestingly, another meaning of the word Tzav—which is related to the word Mitzvah—is Tzavta, which means connection. When we observe a mitzvah, especially one that was requested of us, we truly become connected to G-d.