On Friday night, we bring closure to the week and greet Shabbos, a day of freedom from all worries. But what happens when this sacred day has passed and we have to confront the reality of a new week all over again? What difficulties do the coming days hold in store for us? Experience has shown us that once Shabbos is over, the next six days may be fraught with anxiety; where are we to find the koach to face another week?! If only there were some strategically placed pick-me-up prayers that we could say that would provide us some much needed chizuk…
As always, our chachamim give us the solution to our weekly worries:
“Un di voch zol unz kumin tzu chessed, un tzu mazal…”
“Hinei Kel yeshuasi evtach v’lo efchad…”
“V’yiten lecha mital hashomayim umishmanei ha’aretz…”
Built into our post-Shabbos routine are many tefillos that are there to help inspire us with the strength, hope and courage we need to face the upcoming week. And as mentioned above, one of the tefillos that many have the custom to recite after Shabbos is “V’yiten Lecha.” Within this special tefillah are the myriad blessings and assurances that we have received from Hashem, dating back to our forefather Avraham Avinu. “V’yiten lecha es birkas Avraham, lecha, ul’zaracha itach…(28:4).” What bracha is this referring to? What bracha was given to Avraham, for him and all of his children, for generations to come?
For that we look to this week’s parsha, Lech Lecha (12:2), and find Hashem’s eternal promise:
“V’escha l’goy gadol, va’avarechicha va’agadla shimecha, ve’heyei bracha.”
“And I will make you into a great nation: I will bless you and make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”
So before we start another worrisome week; before the full weight of the world falls back upon our shoulders, we are reminded of this promise and reinvigorated by the special blessing that belongs to us all, the descendants of Avraham Avinu. It is the promise that no matter what we are about to face, we will survive and thrive – not just that, but we will become great! Now how’s that for a bracha?! With this in mind, we can leave our worries behind knowing that no matter what comes our way, we are already destined for excellence!
This is why Yitzchak reinforces this guarantee just as Yaakov was about to embark on his life’s journey that would be filled with lies, dispute, hatred, and fear. He did so in order to give Yaakov the ability to forge ahead, arming him with the Divine Promise of success and greatness – for him and for all his future generations. He need not worry any more, come what may! Therefore, it is precisely as Shabbos is leaving, with the week not having had but a moment to begin, that we recite these beautiful tefillos; to instill within our hearts the trust and faith in Hashem that we need to proceed. What a powerful thought, especially as we wade through these somewhat troubling times.
Today’s song, Yiten Lecha, is sung by Shmueli Ungar on his 2016 debut album Shmueli 2. This upbeat and catchy tune was composed by Yossi Honig, who – as you may have guessed – is the son of the renowned singer/songwriter Isaac Honig. With his natural effervescence, enthusiasm, and energy, Ungar once again delivers another timeless message with his signature grace and charm. Not only is this song a great way to enter Shabbos parshas Lech Lecha, it is the perfect way to start any new week, so feel free to enjoy it again after Shabbos as well!
Wishing all of you a G’bentched Shabbos – A blessed day of rest!
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