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The Gift of Love \ Parashat Yitro
D'var Torah: When HaShem gave the Torah to Klal Yisrael at Mount Sinai, He revealed Himself to them in the attribute of "An Elderly Sage Full of Love and Compassion." When a person gives a gift to his beloved, he does not give his love, itself. Rather, his gift is a token of his love. Whereas, when HaShem gave His gift of Torah to Klal Yisrael, He gave His love, itself, because the Torah is the revelation of HaShem's pure love for Klal Yisrael! Each letter and concept of the Torah is filled with HaShem's boundless dimensions of love, compassion, and kindness for each member of Klal Yisrael. The Torah is permeated and pulsates with HaShem's love. For instance, the Torah brings us close to HaShem, teaches us the way of goodness, and accrues for us unlimited blessings in this and eternal joy in the World to Come.
Moral: Since the Torah is love, itself, HaShem transmitted it with love. Therefore, at Mount Sinai, HaShem revealed Himself to Klal Yisrael in the attribute of "An Elderly Sage Full of Love and Compassion." So too, when we share or teach Torah to others, it is appropriate to transmit the Torah with love and compassion.
Application: Envision a mother nursing her child. See how she gently cradles her baby in her arms, and nurses her child with love and compassion. When you study Torah, sense the love of HaShem that surrounds you. Experience the compassion of HaShem, when He shares His Torah with you. Let the light of Torah be as pleasant to you, as the sweet milk on the palate of a nursing baby. (Based on Rashi, Shemos 20:2, Da'as Torah)
The Salant Foundation is currently looking for a Shul or community to partner with us in sharing the merit of the unique and important Salant Kollel. There are practical and easy ways (such as adoptakollel.org) to create a special mutual relationship between the Kollel and a Shul or community. If you think your shul or community or even workplace might want to participate in supporting the Salant Kollel, please contact Rabbi Zvi Miller at salantorg@gmail.com, and we'll discuss how to go about implementing your idea. Thank you. | 
