A peddler came
into the market and called out, "Who wants to buy the elixir of
life?" Rabbi Yanai approached him and asked to see his goods. The peddler
took out a book of Psalms and showed him the verse (34:13): "Who is the
man who desires life, who loves days of seeing good?"
"The next
verse answers the question raised in the first verse, "Who is the man who
desires life?" said the peddler. "Guard your tongue from evil, and
your lips from speaking deceit. Turn from bad and do good, seek peace and
pursue it."
Rabbi Yanai
responded, "All my life I have been reading this passage, but I did not
know its meaning until the peddler explained it to me." (Midrash Vayikra
Raba 16:2)
What was the
new insight that so impressed Rabbi Yanai? The peddler explained that the
verse, "Who is the man who desires life," is not referring to a
person who wants to avoid death. Rather, the verse reveals the way to TRULY BE
ALIVE. That is, "Guard your lips from evil, do good, seek peace and
pursuer it."
There are many
levels of existing in this world. Typically, we determine if a person is alive
if they are breathing and their heart is beating. However, the Torah
illuminates the path to grasp the essence of life. That is, doing good deeds is
the factor that makes us truly alive. May we be inspired to live the good life,
by performing good deeds - and then we will truly scintillate with life.
[Based on
Cochvei Ohr of Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer]
TODAY: Do a
good deed and feel your whole body and soul fill with vitality.
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Important Numbers
