We are going through challenging times.
Let's look into the Torah and see if we can find guidance.
We need to ask one focused question.
What is the first and foremost Mitzvah of the Torah?
The Sefer Haredim reveals that -- "Knowing HaShem" -- is the first and foremost Mitzvah of the Torah!
The Zohar (V'eirah 25a) teaches, " 'You shall know that I am HaShem' (Shemot 6:7). The first Mitzvah of all the Mitzvot is to know that there is a Divine Ruler. He is the Master of all of the worlds. He created man from the dust and blew within him the breath of life. When Klal Yisrael left Egypt, they did not know HaShem. Moshe came to them, and the first Mitzvah that he taught them is, 'You shall know that I am HaShem, your G-d, Who took you out of the land of Egypt' (Shemot 6:7). When HaShem gave us the Torah at Mount Sinai, the first word He said is, 'I am HaShem your G-d, Who took you out of the land of Egypt' (Shemot 20:2). The secret of the first Mitzvah is to 'Know HaShem.'"
What does the Zohar mean when it says, "When Klal Yisrael left Egypt, they did not know HaShem?"
There is an essential distinction between "recognizing" HaShem and "knowing" HaShem. In Egypt, they recognized and believed in HaShem. They saw Him overcome nature and punish the Egyptians. They felt His holiness and power. However, they did not know HaShem!
Knowing HaShem means knowing HaShem "face to face," the same way that you know another person. At Mount Sinai, HaShem made Himself known to Klal Yisrael. He revealed Himself, when He said, "I am HaShem your G-d, Who took you out of the land of Egypt" (Shemot 20:2). Rashi says, "He revealed Himself like an elderly Sage, who fills his heart with love for his students."
The "coronavirus" is a revelation of HaShem's mastery over the world. However, while it is a "recognition of HaShem," it is not "knowing HaShem." Knowing HaShem occurs when HaShem reveals Himself, and His love for all of Klal Yisrael.
The first Pesach was the time when HaShem revealed Himself to Klal Yisrael. It is the Festival of Freedom, the time when HaShem makes Himself known to us and shows His love for us, "like an elderly Sage, who fills his heart with love."
"He remembers the kindness of the Patriarchs, and brings a Redeemer to their children's children, for the sake of His Name, with LOVE."
(Shemoneh Esrei Prayer).
May we be healthy, happy, and successful.
And may we all merit to receive the Meshiach and Know HaShem!
(Based on Sefer Haredim of Rav Elazar Azkari, The Zohar, Rashi, and Da'at Torah of Rav Yerucham Levovitz)
