It’s Not You It’s Me

George Costanza from Seinfeld did not invent the break up line, “It’s not you, it’s me.” It is actually found in the Book of Samuel, when the prophet expresses his deep regret that the people were seeking a king, just like the nations of the world.

Hashem’s reply to Shmuel was, “It’s not you, it’s Me.” He explained that the lack of faith of the people was a direct rebellion against Him, and not the prophet.

The irony of the story is that the Torah had already given rules related to the king. This incident occurred much later. The problem was the motivation of the people. Had they been interested in a king to lead them both spiritually and practically, it would have been okay. But their request showed a lack of faith and lack of the realization of the uniqueness of the Jewish people.

In an ideal society we will be led by a king who will pursue justice and uphold the Torah. He will have the Torah with him on his right arm, to remind himself to stay humble. He will be a true leader of the Jewish people.

Many forget that our longing for Mashiach really means longing for המלך המשיח, the King Mashiach. I once saw a Torah that a wealthy Jew spent $250,000 to have written for the right arm of the Mashiach.

In Samuels’s time, the people didn’t get it. They didn’t understand the lofty idea of having a righteous king rule the people. This is why Hashem preceded George Costanza. The longing for Mashiach really represents a longing for the king who will bring peace and justice to Am Yisrael.