7^th of Tevet, December 24, 2009

 “My soul is shattered with yearning for Your ordinances always (Psalm 119:20).”  The psalmist’s use of the word “shattering” is odd; surely, the word “consumed” would be the more appropriate.  The psalmist is teaching us a valuable lesson.  When one is consumed, one is filled to the brim with yearning for G-D’s commandments.   The word “shattered” implies breaking one’s boundaries, going beyond the limits imposed by one’s soul.  When one experiences a soul-shattering moment, one’s soul is never the same.  The soul transcends its former limits, and breaks forth to attain a greater understanding and appreciation of G-D’s laws.   The psalmist experiences a yearning so profound that his soul shatters and must reconfigure to incorporate his enhanced appreciation and love for G-D’s Torah.

Copyright, 2009 Rachel Lerner