בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
And You Shall Settle Upon the Land Securely
In Bilam’s blessings in this parsha he says “how good are your tents Israel. “ Our Sages consider this praise to be indicative of the fact that Israel’s tents are not facing each other in order to procure modesty and privacy between each Jew. The Hebrew word for “neighbor” is shachen, which reminds us of the word “Shechina,” the Holy Presence, coming from the same verb root. This matter suggests that proper conduct between neighbors such as protecting privacy, care not to bother the other or cause damage etc. are building blocks in causing the Holy Presence to rest in our midst, and blessing to be channeled upon us, as in Bilam’s blessings.
This painting depicts various neighborhoods in Hebron, with Maarat Hamachpela at the far right. We see four large trees which may hint to this city being called Kiryat Arba – “the City of Four.” There is also a wall that strongly resembles the ancient wall of Hebron, dated from the Canaanite period. Maarat Hamachpela is considered to be, in numerous sources, a focal point of the Holy Presence. Maarat Hamachpela also stands for our common Patriarchal roots. In respect to these common roots, all Israel are, in a sense “neighbors,” in an abstract sense, regardless of where each Jew lives. Therefore, here again in the context of Maarat Hamachpela we see the deep connection between “shachen” – neighbor – and Shechina – the Holy Presence. Ultimately, by keeping the peace between all Jews does the Holy Presence rest between us, thus providing us with much blessing, coming from the blessings Hashem blessed our common Patriarchs of Hebron!