The Midrash says that when G-d divided the waters of creation, the Lower Waters cried out in longing, "We too want to be close to the Holy One." The Zohar says that the waves in the sea are constantly trying to return to G-d. But though they lift themselves up ceaselessly, they always fall. Nonetheless, G-d has great delight in their efforts, and He praises them. "When they lift up their waves, Atah t'shabchem -- You praise them."

The same is true of man. Just as the body is composed mostly of water, so the soul is composed mostly of longing for G-d. What makes us fall, when we try to rise, is our physicality -- the little bit of firmament that separates us from the Almighty. Nonetheless, G-d delights in our efforts. And we thank Him for this every morning when we say the blessing, "Blessed are You, G-d . . . Who spreads the firmament over the waters."

Dovid Seltzer
Emmanuel, Israel

"For man is a tree of the field . . ." (Deuteronomy 20:19).

As winter draws near, the leaves of the trees turn color and achieve their greatest beauty. Kabbalistically, a tree represents the six Divine emanations which correspond to man's primary character traits. The field represents the Divine emanation of Malchut -- Kingship. Thus, when a man is "a tree of the field," when his life is rooted in serving G-d, in the end he will be transformed, as well.

Dovid Sears
Brooklyn, NY

"He who sows in tears will reap in joy. He walks along weeping, carrying his bag of seeds, he returns in joyous song, carrying his sheaves" (Psalms 126:6).

So often we go along weeping, thinking we have nothing, feeling that our lives are empty and unfulfilled. What we do not see is that in our hands are the seeds, the potential for future growth. In our hands, at the very moment we weep. We must only trust that G-d will bring to fruition what is already in our hands.

Eliezer Shore
Jerusalem, Israel

(C) Eliezer Shore, Bas Ayin

Back to Homepage