Rav Pincus Grabbing The Moment

The 12th of Nissan is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus (1944-2001). Born to Rav Chaim Avraham and Chava Leah Pincus in the United States, he learned at Brisk in Yerushalayim. He married Chaya Mindel, daughter of Rav Mordechai Man,

Rosh Yeshiva of Kenesses Chizkiyahu, and continued his studies in Bnei Brak. Then, in 1981, upon the request of the Steipler Gaon and Rav Shach, he moved into the Negev to start up the community at Ofakim

The pasuk tells us of the moment when Father and Son embraced each other after their long separation. Yosef Hatzadik wept and his Father, Yaakov recited Krias Sh’ma.

That Yosef wept, is quite understandable.  However, why did Yaakov Avinu decide out of all times to recite Krias Sh’ma??

Although Rav Chaim Soleveitchik Z”L has a practical pshat on this question based upon Halacha, some Ba’alei Avodah would like to offer the following beautiful Pshat:

At this incredible event and at this precious moment, when Yaakov Avinu is overcome with incredible and indescribable feelings of love for his child, he makes a decision to channel these feelings and emotions towards Hakadosh Baruch Hu. He showers Hashem with those feelings of love and Hakaras Hatov instead of reserving them for himself!!

He took a precious and singular moment in his life and he capitalized on it!