26^th of Cheshvan, November 24, 2008

In Psalm 77, the psalmist speaks of the experience of being tongue-tied, of feeling paralyzed and bereft of speech.  "When I wish to reflect on G-D, I become agitated; if I desire to meditate, my spirit enshrouds itself [Selah].  You did hold fast the guards of my eyes; I was as if I had been crushed and I was unable to speak (Psalm 77:4-5)."  There are times when the very contemplation of G-D causes one agitation.  One’s distress and trouble diffuses one’s focus, outweighing all other concerns.  Our ability to connect with others becomes compromised, affecting our relationship with Hashem.  Our equilibrium shattered, we cannot meditate.  Our eyes are weighted shut by our worries, and we cannot speak.  The remedy to our depression and our emotional paralysis is to actively engage with Hashem, seeking Him until He can be found.

Copyright, 2008 Rachel Lerner