Ohev Shalom Voice
Cheshvan - November, 5769
Rabbi’s Message
He causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall. (Daily Prayer)
The final days of the Tishrei Holiday Season are Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah. On Shemini Atzeres we begin to mention praise for rain in the Shemona Esreh. On Simchas Torah, we rejoice for the conclusion of the Torah and for the resumption of another annual cycle of Torah reading. In anticipation of another wonderful year added to our blessed lives, these two celebrations are the equivalent of recharging the batteries of our souls.
The Torah which I gave to Israel is life for the world, like the rain which is life for the world (Sifrei Deut. 306) The cells of all life whether vegetable, animal or human undergo a constant cycle of destruction and replacement. As the blood circulates, it disposes the worn out cells and replaces them with new cells. This process is dependent upon nourishment and hydration. Water serves as a vehicle to deliver new cells to the body through the arteries and to expel them via the veins.
Our souls follow a similar pattern. The practice of the commandments is the nourishment of our souls. The knowledge of Torah and its Divine inspiration is the hydration. During the Days of Awe we determined to follow the commandments. Learning Torah is the vehicle which brings the determination into consistent action. Torah and actual good deeds are both vital to our spiritual life, just as nourishment and hydration are necessary to our physical life.
For it is your life and the length of your days (Deut. 30:20)
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