February 16th, 2021
This article was last posted on 30Seconds.com by Simon Jacobson.
Americans have been coping with loss and grief for some time now during the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has cut American life expectancy the largest amount in 40 years and made infectious disease the leading cause of death for the first time in a century. Families who have lost loved ones have had to postpone memorial gatherings, leaving many to cope with their losses in isolation.
Grief strips away superficialities of our lives, lays bare our deepest longings and can point us to a higher purpose in life. This can make it a catalyst for positive change, but first we have to get through the pain. Here are some tips for how to turn grief into growth:
- Acknowledge the pain. Real grieving requires several steps. One is not going into denial or escape. As the expression goes, the only way out is through. You have to accept that there’s pain involved and not try to minimize it or explain it away. Recognizing that pain and trauma and suffering are beyond us and beyond our minds is a very healthy first step in catharsis in any healing.
- Let your grief pour out of you. As a kettle of boiling water must have a spout to allow steam to escape, so too do we need a release for our grief. Crying allows your grief to pour out of you.
- Don’t beat yourself up over what you could have done differently. Obsession with the past does not help you grow – you just become submerged in the toxins of the loss. Healthy grieving is not about trying to review or change the past, but digging deeper into how to move forward.
- Recognize that love never dies. This means that you are still connected with your loved one in a spiritual way. You’re not saying goodbye. You’re actually saying, “I will continue.”
- Honor the spirit of love between you and your loved one with action. What has your relationship with your loved one inspired you to do differently in your future? As you think about your loved one, say, “Whatever it is that you inspired me to do, whatever you stood for, I will continue.”
Continuing the good deeds and the values of the one you’ve lost has a tremendous healing power. This is a way of channeling the grief into something positive, because at the end of the day, pain and grief is a lot of energy. The problem is that it’s negative energy. But energy can be harnessed and turned into something positive.
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January 7th, 2021
As a rabbi and spiritual mentor, it pains me greatly to see the current behavior and large divide and polarization of this magnificent country. What went wrong? And as a nation, where do we go from here? As I so often say, when there is an issue we must go back and revisit the roots. We must delve into our past, our foundations, in order to see the right way forward.
Since its founding in 1776, the timeless and noble foundation of the United States of America is the principle of E Pluribus Unum, from the many, one.
This nation is the first ever in history to be built on the universal principles that all men and women are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights, which include freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, even if it’s a minority opinion. At the same time, what makes the country so unique is the balance between personal freedoms and the greater good. As diverse (pluribus) as we may be, we are also united as one (unum). Despite our individual viewpoints, we come together as one unified nation.
This challenging balance is upheld by our system of justice, ruled by law and order, in which everyone has a right to turn to for recourse. This is the only way to resolve a difference of opinions in a civil way, keeping intact and respecting the integrity of every individual while preserving the good of the whole. This fundamental respect for individual rights while standing united, includes how presidential elections are won, lost, and the appropriate way to express one’s grievance using the legal channels and the court of law. Therefore, while everyone has a right to peaceful protest, it is reckless behavior, whether coming from Republicans or Democrats, to attempt creating change outside of the established systems and legal infrastructure of our country. This undermines faith in our system and the institutions we ourselves put into place to govern us.
These kinds of decisions should not, and cannot be made in the streets but rather through the proper channels and courts of law.As far as the current demonstrations in Washington DC, the country held a presidential election, with President Biden coming out the winner. If anyone wishes to challenge that they need to turn to the courts — not to the masses, nor the media, nor social media — and present their evidence, allowing the impartial justice system to determine the issue on the merits.
This rule applies across the board and across both aisles. Just as those who were upset with the 2016 election of Donald Trump, could not simply rely on hearsay and conspiracy theories of Russian collusion, but required real and objective evidence, the same is now. The only way to challenge an election is not through unsubstantiated assertions, but by turning to the courts, and accepting the outcome whether you like it or not.
The success of this country depends on us all supporting these founding principles, acknowledging that we can express ourselves and our opinions while not undermining the legal system and structure. That is a dangerous road to tread.
As a rabbi and spiritual mentor, I call on all people, regardless of background, religion, race or political persuasion to use this upheaval as a wake up call. Let us all declare that we are all created equal, that E Pluribus Unum. Despite our differences, let us connect and unite like never before.
Let us remember that we are all the children of God and respect each other’s differences while appreciating that we are all part of one union.
Let us do everything in our power to not be part of the problem, but part of the solution. Reach out to your neighbor, to a stranger, extend a loving hand. Listen and respectfully agree to disagree if you have differing thoughts. We are all on the same team, we all want a prosperous, safe, progressive country where we can live in peace and harmony.
Together let us use this unprecedented time to create a pandemic of goodness, kindness and unity. The future is in our hands. How will we react?
Posted in Trending, 2020-2021: Unprecedented Times, Social, Government, Current Events | 3 Comments »
January 4th, 2021
When Water and Land Collide
The Bible tells us that G-d decreed upon the sea that it should never cross over onto land. “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt” (Job 38:11).
He created a “line in the sand,” as it were, which serves as a boundary between water and land, never to be crossed.
“Do you not fear me? Says G-d: will you not tremble at My presence, which has placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it. And though the waves toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?” (Jeremiah 5:22).
How then can tsunamis and floods exist, when the waters cross over this seemingly impassable boundary? What happened to the decree that the “proud waves” go no farther that their own domain?!
The explanation requires a fuller understanding of water and land – the two global entities that Earth is comprised of.
In the beginning of time all of Earth was submerged in water. Then came a “divide between water and water,” separating the “waters above” from the “waters below” (Genesis 1:6), and the waters below were “gathered to one place,” allowing dry land to emerge, thus creating the distinction between “earth” and “sea” (1:9).
Ever since water and land have had a tenuous relationship, at times even being at war with each other. On one hand land is in need of water for its sustenance. Yet, too much water can cause destruction. We are drawn to beaches and waterfronts, yet we fear the awesome power of the sea.
The mystics explain, that the material nature of the universe is but a manifestation of its spiritual personality. Water and land embody two forms of consciousness: Water is the unconscious, “hidden worlds,” and land is the conscious, “revealed worlds.” Water reflects utter unity, where all its creatures are submerged and always feel connected to their source. While land symbolizes fragmentation, with its creatures feeling separate from their source and from each other.
The universe began submerged in water to ingrain in its “psyche” its fundamental unity. But the purpose of creation is to separate the “upper” from the “lower” and “land” from “sea,” and that human initiative should reunite our seemingly “disconnected” world of “land” with its source and purpose.
When our work in doing so is complete, there will no longer be “evil and destruction” because the “universe will be filled with Divine knowledge as the waters cover the sea.” The evil and destruction that humans can perpetrate against each other is only possible when we do not feel our integral unity. But when we perceive that we are all like “fish in the sea,” submerged in and indistinguishable from our source (Divine knowledge), our interconnectivity will prevent any destruction.
Microcosm macrocosm. Each of us humans – mirroring the larger universe – begins life submerged in the watery womb. Nine months we spend there before we enter “dry land” upon birth. During this time our psyches develop a profound internal unity, which prepares us to face the existential loneliness of life on “land.” Then, upon birth, that “water” consciousness recedes into the background of our unconscious, and our conscious lives follow the psyche of “land mammals,” each of us self-contained in the here and now, living out our fragmented lives.
So the big question is this: Are we “water” people or “land” people? The answer is that in essence we are “water” people, integrally united with our source, but on our conscious level we have a “land” personality, with the purpose being that we discover the “water” within.
But here is the dilemma. Once land and water were separated, a primal and deep-seated tension separates them. The fragmented conscious universe becomes so consumed with its own immediate survival and self-gratification that it does not relate to the integral unity of “water consciousness.”
True, this division was initiated by the Creator who separated “land” from “water,” but the purpose of the separation was that we should emerge from the “womb” as independent entities, and transform the conscious world of “land” into a “world filled with Divine knowledge as the waters cover the sea.”
Indeed, the spiritual root of the separation between “earth” and “sea” is the tzimtzum itself. In order for us to exist as individuals we cannot be (at least consciously) submerged in the all encompassing “light-energy” of the Infinite. The divine decree therefore dictates that there be a boundary between “water” and “land.”
Yet, there are times when a door opens up between these two worlds. Sometimes it’s a healthy door, and sometimes it’s a devastating one.
This water/land dichotomy is a recurrent theme throughout the Bible. Take this week’s Torah portion. Moses is so named for he “was drawn from water.” The very water (River Nile) that could have caused the child Moses’ demise, as so many newborn males were tragically drowned in the River, becomes his savior. The very idol of Egypt comes to protect the one who would destroy this idol. Later Moses would part the sea, another manifestation of land/sea interaction.
The mystics explain that Moses was a “man of no words” because his soul originated from the “hidden worlds” of water, the intimate world of the unconscious, which is more profound and intense than any words of land can express. But for this exact reason Moses introduced unprecedented revelation to Earth. Precisely because Moses is a “water man” living on Earth, he is able to draw from the inner worlds, and bridge and express the language of the Divine and communicate it to the land people.
This only goes to show us how the two worlds of “land” and “sea” are so dichotomous, and we need Moses to help us bridge the two.
But even as they are bridged by Moses an inherent tension remains between “water” and “land.” A battle rages between them.
A tsunami is perhaps the strongest manifestation of this battle. What’s strange is that the force of a tsunami – a water surge that can travel up to 500 miles an hour – is not felt at sea. Ships in the open sea will barely notice the one or two foot waves generated by a tsunami. Its savage impact is experienced only as the tsunami strikes shore.
In other words water is not affected by water, no matter how powerful its force. Only land is affected, and… devastated.
Another fascinating fact is that a tsunami does not originate from water alone. Unlike wind-generated waves – the conventional sort that we are accustomed to – tsunamis are generated from the imbalance between… land and sea. Only a violent disturbance of the seabed – caused by an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, explosion, or the impact of a meteorite – can generate tsunamis. When an impulsive disturbance vertically displaces the water column, it pushes a huge bulge of water to the surface, which results in a tsunami racing toward the shore.
A possible cosmic parallel to a tsunami is the Kabbalistic “breakage of the vessels” caused by the tension created between the imbalance of too much energy (“water”) and too little containers (“land”). This break (”shevirat ha’keilim”) is devastating; it releases chaos (“tohu”), hurtling “sparks” in all directions, embedding them in the deepest recesses of our material world.
However, the breakage is a necessary step in helping realign a misaligned universe. By exploding it releases the tension created by the tzimtzum between the energy and the containers – the dichotomy of the two realities, our independent one and the underlying unity that lies within.
The breakage is only a step toward repair (tikkun). We are charged with the mission to search and discover the scattered sparks within our material lives. Our calling is to gather, reconnect and elevate the sparks back into place, by integrating matter and spirit, land and water, in a healthy, balanced way.
Similarly, a tsunami results from the disparity and imbalance between land and water.
Yes, there is an impenetrable barrier that separates water from land – a Divine decree declaring “This far you may come and no farther.” However, the purpose of this boundary is that “land” should learn to reconnect with the “inner water” of our unconscious, in a healthy and balanced way. As Moses – “drawn from water” – led the way.
As long as they are not aligned, from time to time the rift will explode in an enormous surge of water overwhelming land.
*****
Psychologically speaking, the unconscious (water) and the conscious (land) must make their peace; they need to become aligned in one seamless flow, as they were always meant to be. As long as they do not, the untamed unconscious can occasionally explode in all its wildness; in a ferocious display of unfettered energy.
Another manifestation of this phenomenon in our modern age is the information revolution. Knowledge is likened to water. But like water, knowledge can work both ways: As a powerful force for growth, or as a force that devastates lives. The information revolution of today – in which we can immediately access (google) enormous amounts of information – can be a blessing or a curse.
How many of us have become swamped by the waves of information flooding our lives? The constant media stream – via TV, the Internet, hand-helds, I-pods, and you name it – has inundated our lives, creating information addicts and may be causing more damage than growth.
This flood of knowledge with its assault on our psyche, is in many ways worse than any physical flood. Yet, within the curse lies the cure. This flood of information alerts us to the dangers of knowledge without focus; information without integration. And it reminds us that we must embrace Divine knowledge – knowledge that lifts and empowers us to be proactive and take control of circumstances, instead of knowledge and information that turns us into robotic observers and victims as it demoralizes and makes us anxious.
Water and land – two worlds that live side by side. So different, yet so intertwined.
Two worlds in our eyes. But really one and the same. They were once one – at the beginning of it all. And they will become one once again – at the end of days, when the world will be “filled with Divine knowledge as the waters cover the sea.”
From time to time we are reminded of their interdependence and of their imbalance – a reminder that is meant to make us aware of the need to align the two consciousnesses of water and land and relieve their tension once and for all. It’s up to us to unite them in a way that maintains the personality of each.
Water reminds us that we are all one, originating and being sustained by one uniting source. Some scientists have pointed out the fact that after a major earthquake, the whole world resonates like a bell that has been struck. Even more intriguing is that a big piece of the planet’s mass has been moved around, which actually altered the axis of the earth’s rotation.
May we determine to integrate healthy “water” into our parched land lives. Let us learn from Moses, the man of “water” how to draw into our lives Divine water.
May we do our part in filling our lives and this world with Divine knowledge and behavior, “as the waters cover the sea.”
Tags: kabbalah, destruction, Tohu, Tikkun, divine providence, Moses
Posted in Weekly Parsha, Shmot, Good & Evil, Shmot, Beliefs & Concepts, Personal Life, Torah, Pain & Suffering, Moses | No Comments »
November 26th, 2020
Contemporary society is just beginning to delve into the true distinctions between men and women. Besides the obvious physiological differences, there are also differences in the way men and women think, speak, and behave.
In order to understand the essential nature of man and woman, we must do away with human subjectivity and look through G-d’s eyes. Every human being, man and woman, was created for the same purpose — to fuse body and soul in order to make themselves and their world a better and holier place. In their service of G-d, there is absolutely no difference between a man and a woman; the only difference is in the way that service manifests itself.
What are the differences between men and women?
Man and woman represent two forms of divine energy; they are the male and female elements of a single soul.
G-d is neither masculine nor feminine, but has two forms of emanation: the masculine form, which is more aggressive, and the feminine form, which is more subtle. For a human being to lead a total life, he or she must have both forms of energy: the power of strength and the power of subtlety; the power of giving and the power of receiving. Ideally, these energies are merged seamlessly.
Men are physically stronger. By nature, they are usually more aggressive and externally oriented. In contrast, a woman usually embodies the ideal ofinner dignity. Some people confuse such subtlety with weakness; in truth, it is stronger than the most aggressive physical force imaginable. True human dignity does not shout; it is a strong, steady voice that speaks from within. The nature of a woman, while subtle, is not weak. And the nature of a man, while aggressive, is not brutish. For man and woman to be complete, they must each possess both energies.
The answer is not for men and women to try to be alike. All men and women must be themselves, realizing that G-d has given each of us unique abilities with which to pursue our goals, and that our primary responsibility is to take full advantage of those abilities.
The Torah teaches that men and women each play unique roles in shaping the family and society, including the spiritual responsibility toward our children.
What is true liberation for both sexes?
Though feminism rightfully calls for the end of male domination and abuse, and for equal rights for women, it is vital to get to the root of the distortion — that our focus in life, as man or woman, must not be simply to satisfy our own ego or needs, but to serve G-d. True women’s liberation does not mean merely seeking equality within a masculine world, but liberating the divine feminine aspects of a woman’s personality and using them for the benefit of humankind.
After so many years of male dominance, we are standing at the threshold of a true feminine era. It is time now for the woman to rise to her true prominence, when the subtle power of the feminine energy is truly allowed to nourish the overt power of the masculine energy. We have already proven that we can use our strength to slay the demons around us; let us now learn to nurture the G-dliness within.
EXERCISE: Contemplate on what it means to be a man or a woman, the masculine and feminine energies, and then focus on your personal potential to try and balance both internal energies. Find a moment in your day to appreciate and respect your male or female counterpart.
Go deeper into this subject: Toward a Meaningful Life | All Articles About Men and Women |
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November 12th, 2020
Dov Tzuman is joined this week on Equal Footing by Rabbi Simon Jacobson, author of global best-seller Toward a Meaningful Life and one of the world’s premier Jewish philosophers. This discussion is apropos to the issue of our contested election irrespective of your faith or political party, and on the show we’ll tackle the question of “What Next?” from a spiritual perspective.
Tags: morals, King David, political leaders
Posted in Podcasts, Personal Life, 2020-2021: Unprecedented Times, Daily Life, Podcasts, Emotions & Psychology | No Comments »
October 15th, 2020
Plugging In
Every year, at the conclusion of the holiday season, we begin reading, as we do this week, the Torah anew. Its opening verse is perhaps the most famous line ever stated: In the beginning G-d created heaven and earth.
Why do we read the same chapter year after year? Once we learned that the universe was created by G-d, why do we need to be reminded of this fact every year anew?
The answer is both simple and profound.
One of our greatest enemies is monotony. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so do we humans. Many of our problems originate from the wearing effects of boredom and routine. At some point, repeating the same activity again and again dulls our spirits, and we become desperate for something, anything, that will relieve our tedium and fill the hungry vacuum, whether it be healthy or not. We need that rush of excitement, that chase, that high that will make us feel alive again.
The question that begs, however, is very fundamental: Why should our lives be monotonous in the first place? Every thing in existence is in a perpetual state of change and movement. We begin our lives in a state of constant enchantment. Observe a young child crawling about exploring everything he or she encounters. The child’s unwavering curiosity, his constant movement, never resting in one place, excited and stimulated by the simplest things, is life playing itself out in its most natural form: Life as raw energy.
One of the fascinating discoveries we all make as children is when we look into a microscope for the first time and see on a glass slide the microorganisms slithering about in a seemingly inanimate drop of pond water.
The fascination is due to the discovery of vibrancy in a place that seems devoid of any life. The same is true when we first learn of the vast ecosystem of life teeming beneath the otherwise benign water cover of the ocean surface. Or the unfathomable multitudes of stars, solar systems, black holes and dark matter in outer space. Or the 75 trillion vibrating cells within the human body. Or the complexity and symmetry of nature, connecting every organism, every mineral, plant and animal. Or the layers upon layers of microscopic particles shaping every detail of existence. Or the elegant DNA of the human genome.
Life is dynamic. Like electricity, every part of life is filled with bursts of energy. No two moments are alike, everything alive is always in constant flux – constantly moving and changing.
So when did we lose our sense of adventure, our sense of enchantment at the mysteries brimming beneath and within every fiber of existence? When did our curiosity and enthusiasm stop or slow down? When did monotony set in?
When we began getting locked into the surface level of our lives, forgetting about the forces within that shape every aspect of our lives, our existence and our universe. The cruel reality of material life is that once we get consumed with the crass materialism of our lives, a hard crust develops – which gets tougher with each passing day – concealing the vibrant life within. At some point our outer lives take complete control, and we are left with no inkling or hope for rejuvenation.
Each year, therefore, as we are about to reenter the hard armor of the routines of our lives, we read Bereishis – to reawaken within our spirits the sheer wonder and awe of everything around us, as if we are looking at life around us for the very first time.
The Torah is not merely telling us about the story of creation that happened eons ago, but about the story of creation that is happening here and now – the constant renewal of our lives and of the entire universe. Yes, you may have looked at heaven and earth yesterday or yesteryear, but now – this very moment – heaven and earth and everything in between, is being renewed again. Though we may not see it on the surface – the rising morning sun seems to be the same sun that rose yesterday – yet when we pause and give a moment’s thought, we realize that all of nature is dynamic, even the things that repeat themselves. Beneath the surface new particles of light and energy are perpetually being discharged from the source of all energy.
Among the many far reaching implications of this unique attitude is the hope that it offers us: Life is not a monotonous continuum that just keeps “rolling along.” At the surface level it may appear that there is no movement, but brewing beneath the surface is vitality that is being renewed each moment from its source. At any given moment we can access this inner energy and renew our lives. We are not just like a dead pool of water cut off from its source; we have the power to access this dynamic life force within.
Imagine waking up each morning feeling that everything is new and fresh. That we are not victims of our past patterns and routines. That we are not creatures of habit, or better stated, that we can transcend our habits.
It’s not very difficult to do if you set your mind to it. Science can help. Meditate on the dancing subatomic particles that animate everything in existence. Think of the pulsating energies that keep you alive every moment – your heartbeat, your breath, pumping blood unceasingly through your arteries and veins.
Go stand one evening at an ocean side and observe the relentless waves crashing on the beach, again and again.
Yes friends, all of life is about constant movement. Death is when this movement comes to a halt. It is we humans who get caught up in the minutiae of surface life, in our struggle for survival, in petty battles and concerns, we get ourselves trapped in old habits and patterns – and every time we do, a small part of us dies inside. But we can choose life – we can determine to plug in to the source of life’s energy, and when we do we are renewed.
I give you today two paths, the Torah tells us, the path of life and the path of death. Choose life! You have the choice. You can choose the dreary, monotonous path of old routines, draining your energy with each passing day, as well as the energy of everyone you come in contact with, slowly killing your spirit, as you edge closer to a living death. Or you can choose to plug in to the energy within, rejuvenating you each day with new vitality, fanning the flames of life into a formidable force that illuminates and warms everything in its path.
We have a choice: We either succumb and resign ourselves to the mortal forces of nature that cause us to age and erode; or we tap into the inner vivacity of the marrow that flows like a stream through the cosmic arteries of existence.
This is the compounding challenge facing us at all times. When things are “going well,” when life seems to be regular, we can convince ourselves that we do not need to access the perpetual renewal of “Bereishis boro Elokim – In the beginning G-d created.” On the contrary, one can even argue that there is comfort in the “boring” consistency of life. “Bereishis” reminds us and gives us the power to create a new beginning. We dance on Simchat Torah with unbridled joy — joy in recognition of our ability to connect to new sources of energy — and then we use these energies to recreate the world in which we live.
Here are some practical suggestions how to implement this in our lives:
1) Every morning, first thing upon awakening, while still lying in bed, say the prayer: Modeh Ani Lefonecho Melech Chai v’Kayom She’he’chozarti Bi Neshmosi b’Chemlo Rabbo Emunosecho. I acknowledge You for returning my soul to me.
Take a moment to concentrate and think about these words and what they mean to you. You have a soul that has been renewed (“bereishis”) this morning. Your soul has a mission whose contract has been renewed. This is your personal mission statement – the reason you are here on earth.
Begin your day with focusing on the force of life that renews you on a constant basis. And this focal point should direct all your activities throughout the day: Are they fulfilling your soul’s mission? Your soul’s vitality then becomes a hub that connects all the fragmented spokes of your life.
2) Before you go to sleep say this prayer: B’yodcho Afkid Ruchi Podeso Oisee A-donoi E-l Emes. I entrust my spirit into Your hand. You will redeem me, Lord, G-d of truth.
Don’t fall asleep with the TV on or with a newspaper on your nose. Read something spiritual; pray; say the above prayer; and allow yourself to fall asleep with nourishment of your soul. Your sleep will then be peaceful and healing. And you will awaken with a fresh soul, ready to take on the day.
3) As we begin reading the Torah anew with Bereishis, why not commit to begin reading the weekly Torah portion every week of the year. Besides becoming familiar with the Torah, you will find now, more than ever, the amazing relevance of the Torah to our times. The ongoing Torah portions – in their blunt depiction of the battle of good and evil, the story of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Esau and the entire subsequent events – all parallel in a most uncanny fashion the unfolding drama of our times, and it helps us make some sense of what is going on. Above all, it gives us direction on how to proceed into an otherwise uncertain future.
May this be a year of true renewal.
Tags: purpose of life, your mission, renewal
Posted in Bereishit, Bereishit, Weekly Parsha, Tishrei, Soul & Mystical, Months & Holidays, Religion, Beliefs & Concepts, Simchat Torah, Personal Life, Free Choice, Nature, Spiritual, Torah | 12 Comments »
October 7th, 2020
One of the greatest challenges in life is dealing with the down that inevitably follows every inspirational high. We can call it “the day after syndrome” (I can barely resist the more provocative “hang over syndrome”). One moment we were inspired, motivated, lifted to great heights, and then we return to our “regular” everyday activities.
This is the question and the challenge we face as we come to the end of the holiday season. The holiday rich month of Tishrei is a time of spiritual saturation. Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot were meant to lift us on their wings and help us reconnect to our higher calling and access the deepest recesses of our soul.
But then comes the conclusion of the holiday, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah after which the “ride” is over. As we land (hopefully smoothly) from the soaring flight of Tishrei the great dilemma presents itself: will we—and how can we—gain the power to hold on to the inspiration? Inspiration is relatively easy; maintaining it is the difficult task.
Beginning from before Rosh Hashana this column has been addressing the “inner child”(and the ”outer child” as well) – the purest part of each soul. Prior to Rosh Hashana, in Give Me Your Soul, we suggested an exercise to validate and empower every child. On Yom Kippur we connected with our innocence – our “inner child” – and on Sukkot we hugged the child in a warm, all encompassing embrace (My Dear Child).
Here is another entry in this series, Letters To My Child, written before Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, as we conclude the holiday season prior to reentering our daily routines.
My dearest child,
I know, my dear child that we are coming to the close of the holiday season and you are afraid of what comes next. Or maybe you are relieved that the “show” is over.
I know what you may be thinking and fearing: During the holiday break I gave you some attention. I celebrated with you. But now, as I go back to work and my daily pursuits I will forget about you and ignore you. You will be condemned to return to that lonely dungeon of yours, your own secret place, where you let no one in.
So, let me share with you something, my beautiful child. The reason that the holiday season concludes with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah is precisely in order to address your deep concern.
Let us read a Rashi together [Rashi is the classic Biblical commentator actually written to explain Torah to a young child]. Why is Shemini Atzeret called by that name? Explains Rashi (Leviticus 23:36), that Atzeret mean “retention,” G-d retains us for one day. And Rashi uses a parable to explain why: There was once a king who invited his children for a banquet of several days. When it came time for them to go, he said to them: “My children, please, stay with me one more day – your parting is difficult for me…”
After experiencing the renewal of Rosh Hashana, the innocence of Yom Kippur and the celebrating embrace of Sukkot, you, my child are concerned with the same thing G-d is concerned with: Your parting is difficult for me. We are therefore given one more day [two days outside of Israel] to celebrate together. A day that is meant to give us strength to remain connected all year long.
So my child, let us use this day to the fullest.
My little child: Come let us dance together. It’s Simchat Torah. The Torah scrolls are all wrapped up. No distinction between scholar and layperson, between intellectual and simpleton, between adult and child.
Yes, my child, let us dance. Unbridled of our ghosts, unfettered by our minds, unburdened by our anxieties, unrestrained by our limits, uninhibited by our fears.
Dance away. Dance freely. Forget for a moment your pains, and hold my hand.
On Simchat Torah I give you, my child, an aliya – an elevation. All us adults will call up our children – kol ha’neorim – and allow them to lift us up with them.
All year long adults control the universe, or so they think. All us vulnerable creatures, all our tender children, are victims of living in an adult world.
Simchat Torah the world is the children’s. Simchat Torah is the day of the child. On this day all adults live in a children’s world.
Minds separate us. The minds of an adult and of a child are different. But our legs unite us. We dance as one. With our hands waving freely, and our hearts soaring high, we will lift our feet, rising a bit above the ground.
Help me, my child, defy gravity. Your lightness will buoy my sagging spirit. The tug of earth has brought me down, and dragged you there with me. Now I want to lift you – and allow you to lift me – on my arms.
Dance away. This day doesn’t come often.
My child, please stay with me one more day, your parting is difficult for me.
I never want to part with you again.
With the deepest love,
Tags: joy, happiness, unity, dancing
Posted in Tishrei, Months & Holidays, Simchat Torah, Personal Life, Torah, Emotions & Psychology | 1 Comment »
