Every soul longs to be close to HaShem. Yet, where do we find Him?

King Solomon answered this question in his cryptic statement (Kohelles 2:14): "The eyes of the wise person are on his head."

He is not coming to tell us the physical location of the eyes, for the eyes of the wise as well as the foolish are fixed on the head. Rather, King Solomon revealed that the Shechinah - the Divine Presence - rests above every person's head.

A wise person is fully cognizant of this wonder. Therefore, they fill their minds with the knowledge that the great light of HaShem illuminates above them. Accordingly, King Solomon said, "The eyes of the wise are on his head." That is, the mind's eye of a wise person, continuously contemplates - and recognizes - that he is in the presence of the Holy Shechinah!  

Once a person gains an awareness that the Shechinah rests above his head, he is uplifted and aspires to act with upright and pleasing conduct. Therefore, the wise person, i.e., who knows that HaShem is nearby, is inspired to perform Mitzvoth and good deeds.

It is quite possible for a "highly intelligent" individual to be devoid of consciously knowing HaShem. Rather, the Torah defines a wise person as one who knows that HaShem exists - and rests above him. He is fully aware that the Shechinah surrounds him with holiness and illuminates brilliant light upon his soul.

What's more, he is filled with joy, knowing that the Shechinah is above him - protecting and enlightening him. May we "know what is above us," so that we find HaShem close to us every moment of our lives.

[Based on the commentary of the Chidah to Pirkei Avos]

TODAY: Fill yourself with the wisdom of knowing that the Shechinah is shining upon you.