In parshat Devarim, Moshe Rabbeinu (our rabbi) states, “Our God, your God and the God of the forefathers.” There is only one God, so why is He stated three different ways?

Moshe starts by using the title, “our God,” when he explains that Hashem spoke to us at Chorev (Mount Sinai). Moshe needed all of Bnei Yisrael to know that Hashem spoke to all of us and made us His people. He is reminding us that there is a national component. Then, Moshe told the people that your God has multiplied you. Your God shows the individual component. Each one of us has become partners with God and, individually, helped Him better the world. It is us recognizing that Hashem is not just “our God,” but that He is God and is with every individual alone. Lastly, Moshe says that the God of our forefathers should bless Bnei Yisrael. Calling Hashem, the God of our forefathers shows that we have the merit of our forefathers. Even if we don’t always deserve God to be kind and merciful toward us, He will help us. God remembers our ancestors and notices our potential to be good and gives us merit.

All three of these titles that Moshe used have significance and can help us in our lives. Sometimes, we need to recognize that Hashem is looking at us as a whole group. We, collectively, can get rewards and punishment. We can bring Mashiach together or allow him to stay away longer. However, there is also an individual component. God also looks at us individually and we all have individual purposes that will end up helping our national purpose. Lastly, when things are tough or we need guidance, we can remember to look back. We have people and God taking care of us who can guide us.

May we all recognize that we are all important and that “our God” chose all of us. May each one of us recognize that we have a purpose and that He is “your God” or “my God.” May we use our forefathers and all those who came before us to help guide us in all that we do and get closer to Hashem.

By Shira Sedek