As we move towards Kabbalas HaTorah, we provide the following enlightening words of Chazal (Yalkut Shimoni to Mishlei 4):

"There are 248 Mitzvos Aseh in the Torah and 248 limbs of the body--for each limb reminds and cries out to the person ‘Perform the Mitzvah-so that you will live in its merit, and also merit length of days. There are 365 Mitzvos Lo Sa’aseh in the Torah corresponding to the 365 days of the solar year--for each day from the time the sun rises and until it sets, it reminds us and cries out--I direct you not to do an aveira today, which could tip the scales against me and the whole world, chas veshalom, to chovah--in the wrong direction...."

Let us take an important moment now to look at our hands, our arms, our legs--they are Hashem’s messengers to us reminding us to stay focused, do right, and keep the world going. Every so often we should gaze at these "Chofetz Chaims"--these living teachers--of which we are composed--reminding us to fulfill our mission in life--raising ourselves, and raising the world with us.

Then, we can look at the sun for a brief moment or even at the light it sheds--it is talking to us--communicating essential, life-bearing advice: Please, Please, no--don’t go there...don’t say that...close your eyes and don’t look...don’t hurt that person with what you are about to do.... If you squint when you are outside on a sunny day, it is not a coincidence--it is merely a stronger message.

Hashem has blessed us with reminders within us and around us. They are like alarm clocks gently sounding for us throughout the day, and they will only be ineffective if we turn them off. Incredibly, when we heed their message and do this Mitzvas Aseh here, and avoid that Lo Sa’aseh there--when we throughout the day consciously use Hashem’s gifts for Chazal’s stated and noteworthy purpose, we bring not only life and length of days to ourselves in this world and the next--but life to the entire world, as well--for which the sun and the rest of Ma’aseh Beraishis will be so thankful!