Bringing G-d Into Our Homes

There was a final census taken at the end of the forty years in the desert. The difference between this census and the one taken after leaving Egypt, is that the families within each tribe, were also mentioned.

It was decided that each family would have the letter, “ה” placed at the beginning of the name, and the letter, “י” at the end of the name.

For example, Reuven had a son named, Chanoch. His family name would be known as the “Hachanochi Family,” as we see how the “Hey” was added at the beginning, and the “Yud.”

It should be clear that these two letters spell one of the holy names of Hashem. The assumed purpose in adding these letters, was in order to bring holiness into every Jewish home.

A Jewish home becomes special when Hashem is allowed into the home. The goal is to make the home a “Midrash Me’at,” a small sanctuary.

When G-d is in our home, we conduct ourselves on a higher level. We want the home to be filled with love and mutual respect. There is no place for profanity or anger. All of the members of the household remember to act in a way that is pleasing to G-d.

The sanctity of the Jewish home has been the envy of the world. The secret comes from adding that “Hey” and “Yud,” for it represents allowing Hashem to enter our homes. When this happens, only good things will follow.