Ohev Shalom Voice
Nissan - April, 5769
  
Rabbi’s Message
My wrath shall be withdrawn from them, I shall be like the dew to Israel...
(Hosea 14:5-6)
On the first day of Pesach we offer an elaborate prayer for dew in the second blessing in the Mussaf
Prayer. The Gemorah (Taanis 4A) remarks about the difference between rain and dew, both of which are vital functions of the life-giving agriculture cycle. For some the rain is a joy and for some it is an annoyance. Part of the High Priest’s prayer as he entered the Holy of Holies reads: And when the world is in need of rain, do not let the prayers of the travelers with regard to rain gain entrance before You. (Yoma 53:B) Dew, on the other hand, falls in a calm fashion and accomplishes its vital function while annoying no one.
We pray for rain from Tishrei through Adar. Rain comes during the time when the seeds germinate, when the plants are rooted, when they mature and when they ripen. These are periods of tense, anxious hard work. We ask for dew during the season of harvest when we enjoy the fruits of our labor.
This analogy may be used to guide us in our Torah life both internally and outwardly. Under some circumstances we may need to observe the disciplines and carry out the responsibilities of the Torah out of fear. With this approach Torah and Mitzvohs feel like a heavy load. The other approach is a service motivated by love. Serving the Lo-d is then for us a wonderful, pleasant, welcome privilege rather than a difficult burden.
In dealing with fellow people these same paths stand before us. Innumerable opportunities arise before us to engage in acts of charity and kindness. If done in a negative form, both the one who gives and the one who receives feels hurt and uncomfortable. The giver is annoyed for having to expend time and money. The one who receives feels humbled and embarrassed. Practicing Chessed out of love and compassion is a wonderful, fulfilling experience for both the giver and the recipient. The giver’s heart overflows with joy, seeing the happiness of the one whom he has benefited. The beneficiary feels elated as he accepts the gift as an expression of the benefactor’s regard for him. Joy is felt by everybody.
In nature, the cycles of rain and dew are unavoidable (see Genesis 8:22). Being endowed with the image of G-d (Genesis 1:27) , we are empowered with the ability to adjust our life style to the forces of harsh rain or to the forces of pleasant dew. We should bear this in mind when, on the first day of Pesach, we pray:
Decree dew for a good year, crowned with glory and beauty
|
