We are familiar with the tekiah and teruah blasts of the shofar on Rosh HaShanah. In Parshat B’ha’alotcha, we have a mitzvah of blowing these blasts in a different context. The parsha contains the mitzvah of blowing these blasts on various occasions during the time of the Mikdash with silver chatzotzrot, trumpets. Amongst the occasions where a tekiah is blown are when the nation gathers all together, and in honor of Shabbat and festivals. The Ramban explains the difference between a tekiah and a teruah. The teruah represents the attribute of din, judgment, which is rooted in yirah, fear and awe of Hashem. On the other hand, the tekiah represents rachamim, mercy, rooted in ahavah, love.
To explain specifically why a tekiah is blown when gathering the nation, the Talner Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzchak Twersky zt”l, focuses on a deeper dimension behind the gathering. Gathering the people all together, aside from the physical act, represents uniting the people towards a common goal of dedication and service to Hashem. In guiding the nation toward that lofty mission, the tekiah represents the attitude of love and mercy which the leader should possess. Guidance with a spirit that highlights a positive attitude of rachamim and ahava will have a more profound impact. Growing up in the Talner Shul, I can recall how this insight by Rabbi Twersky was not an abstract idea to him, but a defining element in his role as a spiritual guide.
Shabbat was another time that a tekiah was blown. Shabbat contains a blend of ahava and yirah in its mitzvot and themes. There are multiple restrictions in the 39 categories of melacha that we are cautious about. However, there is also the joyous spirit of Shabbat reflected in kiddush, as well as the mitzvot of kavod and oneg, honoring Shabbat and making it a day of delight. It is interesting to note that the tekiah was blown when proclaiming Shabbat, emphasizing the rachamim/ahava aspect. In fact, as noted by the Midrash, Shabbat in these pesukim is referred to as Yom Simchatchem, the day of your joy.
The Yom Simchatchem aspect of Shabbat is expressed beautifully by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, the Rav zt”l. In Al HaTeshuva, the Rav discusses the state of American Jewry. He speaks of a situation where there are shomrei Shabbat Jews in America, Shabbat observers, those careful of the laws and regulations. However, the Rav bemoans the absence of erev Shabbat Jews, those who view the reality of Shabbat as an ot, a sign of connection between Hashem and His nation. Therefore, erev Shabbat is for them a day filled with eager anticipation.
May we merit to see the joyous and uplifting time of redemption, referred to by our sages as a yom shekulo Shabbat, a day that is all Shabbat. | 