Less than two weeks ago, we began reciting 'Mashiv HaRuach U'Morid HaGeshem--He causes the wind to blow and brings down the rain.' The Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah adds a bit more depth. Hashem causes the wind to blow--bringing the clouds to where they are needed, and brings each drop down to its proper place at its proper time to fulfill its purpose--be it for punishment, be it for pleasure, or be it to maintain life itself.
MORE ON AIR TRAVEL
Rav Shlomo Wolbe, Z'TL, (Igaros U'Ksavim, page 4) writes that when he was once on a flight from Zurich to Stockholm, he reflected upon the fact that both trains and planes travel, and that a person can reach his destination with either one. The material difference between them is that whereas the train remains on the ground as it proceeds, the plane not only proceeds in the right direction, but ascends through open air space at an optimum altitude and then reaches its destination sooner. Rav Wolbe notes that in life, as well, there are two means of advancement. The first is progressing--but progressing only along the ground, which many human beings attempt to do at one point or another in their lives. The second kind of advancement involves lifting oneself up and above this earth--which is the progress that one's fulfillment of the Torah can achieve. The Torah not only gives one the opportunity to travel faster and reach our destination quicker, but also to soar above the impediments of even mountain-sized obstacles. One can literally 'spread his wings' and fly higher than the winds and clouds below.
The greatest effort in airplane travel is required in lift off--getting off the ground. The Torah teaches 'Vayeesa Yaakov Raglav--and Yaakov lifted his feet' (Bereishis 29:1). Our job in life is to 'lift our feet'--to take off, to rise above the earthiness within us and to raise ourselves above the ground. The Sefer Orchos Tzadikim writes that while animals with four legs typically face downwards towards the earth, human beings face side ways. This is to teach us that just as easily as we look down, we can look up. One way to grow in this area is by taking one desire felt during the day and not fulfilling it, or by feeling joy at during a spiritual activity such as davening or learning Torah. Similarly, one can attempt to rise above the animal's self-centered nature by doing something one time a day for somebody else, rather than himself.
Why take the train--when you can and should take the plane?
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Reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
Important Numbers
