b'shalach
The central focus in Parshas bishalach is "az yashir". Rashi explains this to mean "az alah b'libo sheyoshir"- Then it arose in his heart (the will) to sing. The Ramban disagrees and says it just is a manner or "style" of writing. The author often places himself in a certain point in time regardless of when he is actually writing..
Both agree that the timing of this passuk is targeting the bull's eye point between the past and future, of Moshe Rabeinu about to sing. It seems to be a strange dot to focus on, on the timeline, but it is quite loudly noted, and it must be for us to glean something from it.
The Maharal - write in a few places that while a person has a cheshek for something he is in some way even "closer" to his goal than once it is achieved.
We all need to have an "alah b'libo" - a sh'ifah and desire (for the "a tefach hecher") for the next step in development and kurvah to Hashem. That heartfelt cheshek creates an attachment that doesn't exist by just performing the exercises of mitzvos and growth. The aspiration itself is a great achievement in avodas Hashem!
Perhaps the key to gaining that is also hinted in the same word - "AZ" - look back - sh'al avicha v'yagedcha. Look at your father and grandfathers and see their greatness of character and Avodah!
In the haftorah for parshas zachor we read that Shmuel criticized Shaul, that although he was chosen for his humility and for shying away from the malchus, he was chastised for קטן אתה בעיניך - Shaul saw himself as small.
The Bar Mitzvah boy's father has that humility about himself but he also has a tremendous dream for the future which comes from his awareness of his illustrious yichus in the past. His only hinderance is that he thinks of himself as being a kattan! Asher today you are a GADOL, and you are truly blessed and enriched - as your name claims - to have such a father and mother and grandparents. ASHREI YOSHVEI baisecha! Look at them and let that push you ever forward.
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Posted By Dovi milstein to DRASHOS at 2/07/2018 09:13:00 PM