Unity & Commitment
With Prime Minister-elect Ariel Shron trying so hard to form a national unity government, one cannot help but notice the supreme illustration of unity in this week's sedra. THEY traveled, THEY came, THEY camped in the wilderness - always referring to the Children of Israel is the plural, but AND HE CAMPED OPPOSITE THE MOUNTAIN. Rashi's famous comment echoes in our ears - as one person with one heart. The unity of purpose at Har Sinai was so special, so unique, that it is used to explain why we sing in DAYEINU, If You had brought us to Har Sinai and not given us the Torah, we would have sufficient cause to thank You. If the purpose of coming to Mt. Sinai was to receive the Torah, why would it be DAYEINU to be there and not receive the Torah. The experience of national unity made the arrival at Sinai a worthwhile experience in and of itself.

What's our track record though. How do we fair on the unity scoreboard throughout Jewish History? How many arrival at Sinai experiences have we had compared to the dismal disunity that has plagued us throughout our generations? And what about our scorecard on the other famous aspect of Jewish life, front this sedra and the coming ones. "All that G-d speaks to us, we will do!" We said that a couple of times, and them the more famous NAASEH V'NISHMA, we will do and listen (understand). How we are held in esteem in G-d's eyes, so to speak, for that great utterance. For that level of commitment. Yet, how have we done throughout the generations. Are we a united people with moments of disunity, or vice versa? Are we committed to G-d and His Torah with rebellious moments. Or vice versa?

Part of the answer is that G-d doesn't keep score that way. VAYICHAN - as one person with one heart - that defines Israel. That is who we are. No matter how often we display the opposite characteristics, that's not the real us. We are a people united and committed to G-d, His Torah & Mitzvot, His Land. Some of us keep forgetting that, but we are G-d's unique nation.

Maybe that's why His hand, so to speak, is always outstretched to receive our T'shuva. Because He knows who and what we are. Let us know it too. And do it.