Ezras Avoseinu #5: My Master…Everyone’s Master
אמת הוא אדון לעמך ומלך גבור לריב ריבם. אמת אתה הוא ראשון ואתה הוא אחרון, ומבלעדיך אין לנו מלך גואל ומושיע
True – You are the Master for Your people and a mighty King to take up their grievance. True – You are the First and You are the Last, and other than You we have no king, redeemer, or savior.
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Under unusual circumstances, Hashem is our “Master” (Adon) watching over us, although He may not make His presence known, and we may not be aware of His protection. However, under abnormal circumstances such as war, He acts as our powerful King (Melech Gibor) and makes His presence known. [Rav Schwab on Prayer]
The next phrase tells us that from the very first redemption from Mitzrayim until the last redemption at the time of Mashiach, it is only Hashem Who wages our battles and shows us His wonders. [Eitz Yosef quoted in Rinas Chaim]
The last phrase in this week’s segment contains the words “goeil” and “moshia.” Goeil means a complete redemption, while moshia is a partial salvation, which relieves the immediate issue but does not completely alleviate the overall issue. This phrase reminds us that whether it is a complete and total redemption or whether it is even a small partial salvation, there is only One source. [Eitz Yosef quoted by Rinas Chaim, Rav Schwab]
Integrating Mitzvos into Our Daily Lives
Throughout our day, we say the word “Adon...” representing Hashem’s Name. We say it in every brachah and multiple times in every tefilah. Each time we do, we have a tremendous opportunity (and privilege). The halachah is that the minimum we are to have in mind as we recite this word is “Adon ha’kol.” Hashem is the Master over all. We have discussed over the last few weeks (see Ezras Avoseinu 2, in particular) how the reason everything happens or doesn’t happen is solely because that is what Hashem decreed. Each time we say “Adon ha’kol,” we have the opportunity to drive this all-important reality into our psyche and heart, and counter the multitude of false messages inundating us daily, that are contrary to that which we know to be true, but which we may struggle with emotionally and practically.
Just a couple of seconds each time that we say a brachah has the potential to change our lives. This is, in fact, what the Rambam writes is the purpose of reciting brachos: “lizkor es haBorei tamid” – to constantly remember our Creator. It may also be the reason for all of the astounding rewards for reciting 100 brachos daily, with perhaps the greatest reward being the acquisition of Yir’as Hashem, acquiring greater awareness of Hashem, bringing us closer to Him, which is the purpose of life.