Parshas VaYikrah, the first portion of the book of Leviticus, begins with a phrase that has profound implications for our relationships with others. "And He called to Moshe," the Torah says, setting the tone for the rest of the parsha. But it's not just the act of calling that is important; it's the way in which the call was made. Rashi, the famous Torah commentator, explains that Hashem didn't abruptly address Moshe, as he did with Bilaam. Instead, Hashem called him in an endearing way, as angels do with one another.
This principle of etiquette in human relations is explored further in several Talmudic sources. Yoma 4b teaches that a person should not say anything to another unless he calls him first. This principle emphasizes the importance of showing respect and consideration to others by initiating communication in a polite and respectful manner. Niddah 16b goes even further, stating that Hashem despises someone who busts into another's home. This principle speaks to the importance of respecting others' boundaries and being mindful of how our actions can impact others.
Tractate Derech Eretz provides another example of how Hashem called out to Odom ha Rishon (Adam), the first human being, outside of the Garden of Eden. This example highlights the importance of patience and persistence in relationships. Hashem did not force Adam to come to Him, but rather called out to him, showing that He valued and respected Adam's free will.
It's not just the act of calling that is important, but also how we address others. When a person is called by their name specifically, it can be particularly endearing and connective. It shows that the person addressing them values them as an individual and sees them as more than just a face in the crowd. Moreover, when a person is addressed by their name, they feel more important, and their inner qualities and spiritual powers can surface more readily.
In a certain sense, God is really calling out to all of us by our individual names as an expression of how special and endearing we are to Him. Through that call, we can awaken the sleeping parts of our souls that are hidden within us. Shir HaShirim 5:2 says, "I sleep, but my heart is awake: it is the voice of my beloved that knocks, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled" This verse highlights the importance of listening for the call of our beloved, the voice of Hashem, who is constantly calling us to awaken to our full potential.
So how can we apply these principles to our own lives and relationships? First and foremost, we can make an effort to address others by their name, especially in personal and professional settings. It shows that we value and respect them as individuals and can help to foster stronger connections. We can also be mindful of how we initiate communication, making sure to approach others with respect and consideration. Finally, we can listen for the call of our beloved, the voice of Hashem, and strive to awaken the sleeping parts of our souls that are hidden within us. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationships with others and deepen our connection to Hashem.
