4th of Tevet, December 21, 2009
The psalmist teaches: “G-D will give strength to His people
(Psalm 29:11).” How is it that we
are strengthened by G-D? Rav
Kook explains that service of Hashem is in fact energizing and
invigorating. The goal of divine
service is to reveal the inner facets of the soul, to expose its innate
goodness. The human soul is
essentially good; bad traits are the product of man’s desire to satisfy his
material wants. Therefore, serving
Hashem bolsters man’s spirituality, enhancing the innate goodness of his soul. Committing to G-D’s Law keeps man from
gratifying those wants that dirty his soul. The strength that G-D gives to His nation is His Torah, from
which it draws spiritual sustenance and practical guidance.
Copyright, 2009 Rachel Lerner