Towards the end of his life, Moshe Rabenu informed Klal Yisrael of his
impending death (Devarim 31:2): He said to them, "I am a hundred and
twenty years old today." Rashi comments: "Today my days and years are
filled on this day; on this day I was born and I this day I shall die (i.e., he
died on his birthday)."
In these words, Moshe revealed the secret of completeness. The Midrash
(Bereishis Raba 58:1) explains this idea from the verse (Tehillim 37:18):
HaShem knows the days of those who are complete... Says the Midrash: "Just
as they are complete, so too, their years are complete; HaShem completes their
years from the day of their birth to full years, so that the day of their death
falls on the day of their birth."
The worthiness of tzadikim is expressed in the term that HaShem calls them,
i.e., they are called ’complete’. The Midrash continues: "The essential
principle of days is completion of a life cycle. As Rebe Yochanon stated: The
days of the righteous are like a complete circle."
The significance of this concept is that just as a circle has no angles, rather
it is completley round - so too - the deeds and affairs of those who are
completely righteous are whole and complete. This wholeness is reflected in the
days and years of their lives - which span a complete cycle - from day of their
birth to the day of their death.
A tzaddik lives every moment to the fullest, and gives his whole heart to serve
HaShem - in Torah, Mitzvoth, and deeds of loving-kindness. Hence, there are no
’side moments’ in his life. He treasures every second of life that HaShem
bestows upon him. Therefore, he recognizes the opportunity in every moment -
and - lives it to its highest potential.
Therefore, just as he fulfills his days, so too, HaShem blesses him with days
and years that are complete.
[Based on Da’as Torah of Rabenu Yerucham HaLevi]
TODAY:Consider every second of your life of as an opportunity to perform a
vital service to HaShem or your fellow.
Important Numbers
