Bechukotai: Raising the Divine 

Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman

Yirmiyahu 16:19 - 17:14

ה' עֻזִּ֧י וּמָעֻזִּ֛י וּמְנוּסִ֖י בְּי֣וֹם צָרָ֑ה

Hashem, my Strength, my Stronghold and my Refuge on the day of distress!

The Haftorah begins with the prophet Yirmiyahu describing Hashem as  עֻזִּ֧י וּמָעֻזִּ֛י וּמְנוּסִ֖י, my Strength, my Stronghold and my Refuge. The word מְנוּסִ֖י is often translated as my refuge. Interestingly, Rashi suggests that the etymological root of the word is נס - to elevate or raise up. While we most often use the word נס to mean miracle, the word נס can also mean flag. Presuming this approach, let us explore the role or the value of flags.

A flag represents a country’s independence and unique role among other nations. It is a rallying point for those who dwell within the country as well as for those who live outside its borders but maintain an allegiance. The colors, design and symbols tell the story of the country’s history, culture and mission - an abstract pictorial message to rally behind and raise up in triumph.  

The value of the flag is demonstrated by the emotion felt when a flag is burned; the poignancy of the flag is present when covering a coffin. There is a sense of unbridled freedom as the flag flies in the wind. The flag transcends time as it carries the message of the people forward across generations of citizens.  

Why would Yirmiyahu describe Hashem as a raised flag? How does this description of Hashem bolster the people beyond עֻזִּ֧י וּמָעֻזִּ֛י, my Strength and my Stronghold? The image of עֻזִּ֧י, my Strength is that of Hashem supporting one who is reliant and dependant.  Hashem is the stronghold מָעֻזִּ֛י, for the one who cowers in fear, escaping danger. But the posuk goes further because on a י֣וֹם צָרָ֑ה, we also need to elevate and raise Hashem, as Rashi suggests, to provide a focal point, something larger than oneself to look up to and to gather around.

In these difficult days of crisis, pain and loss, this posuk provides us the elements to find solace and hope. We need only to raise our eyes to Hashem - מְנוּסִ֖י.