Horav Yosef Leib Bloch, zl, comments that the last two words of this pasuk, ‘s hbt, “I am Hashem,” represent more than the conclusion of the pasuk. They actually define the essence of one’s obligation to be sensitive to his friend’s needs. He cites the Talmud in Sukah 53a which quotes Hillel Ha’Zakein’s famous exclamation during the Simchas Bais Ha’Shoeivah. “itf hbt ot itf kfv,” “If I am here, then everyone is here.” This statement contradicts everything we have been taught regarding Hillel’s character. He was known to be the paradigm of humility. How could he make such a statement?
Horav Bloch explains that Hillel was referring to a completely different “ani.” He first questioned the need for the two words, “Ani Hashem,” to be placed at the end of the mitzvah which defines our obligation to our fellow man. He said that the Torah was teaching us that love for our fellow man was to be predicated upon the “Ani Hashem.” The Almighty determines what is love, whom to love, and the extent of this obligation. If the basic principles of the “V’ohavta” are founded upon the “Ani Hashem,” they will be pure and not tainted by ulterior motives and politics. “V’ohavta” will reflect true love for a human being created by Hashem.
Similarly, upon noticing the joy and gaiety displayed during the Simchas Bais Ha’Shoeivah, Hillel commented, “Im Ani kaan,” if the ‘Ani’ referring to the ‘Ani Hashem‘ is here, if Hashem’s Presence permeates the proceedings, then “hakol kaan,” then, and only then, are we ensured that everyone is included in this simchah Only when the foundation of a given endeavor is rooted in Torah, if the underlying principles are guided by the word of Hashem, will it grow and thrive spiritually. Consequently, the joy experienced in his project will be pure.
