Dear Readers,

Synergy is just an educated way of saying 1 + 1 = 3. It means that we’re more than just the sum total of our individual parts, and it’s what happened in this week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel, the very title of which means “he gathered,” referring to Moses bringing the Jews together. This assembly occurred immediately following Yom Kippur, for only after a day of atonement and purification could the nation truly join as one.

Synergy is what happened in the Purim story we celebrated last week. Mordechai instructed Queen Esther to risk her life and approach the king to plead on behalf of her people. She responded, “Go gather all the Jews . . . and fast for me.” The nation was to fast and pray that G‑d grant Esther success and send them salvation, but first they needed to gather. Only the strength of their unity could lend potency to their prayer.

Synergy is how we will achieve G‑d’s purpose in creation. And when we do, it will be part of our ultimate reward. As the prophecy reads, “And I will make them into one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel . . . neither shall they be divided anymore” (Ezekiel 37:22).

Enjoy your read!

Malkie Janowski,
Responder for Ask the Rabbi @ Chabad.org