4^th of Tevet, December 21, 2009

The psalmist teaches: “G-D will give strength to His people (Psalm 29:11).”  How is it that we are strengthened by G-D?   Rav Kook explains that service of Hashem is in fact energizing and invigorating.  The goal of divine service is to reveal the inner facets of the soul, to expose its innate goodness.  The human soul is essentially good; bad traits are the product of man’s desire to satisfy his material wants.  Therefore, serving Hashem bolsters man’s spirituality, enhancing the innate goodness of his soul.  Committing to G-D’s Law keeps man from gratifying those wants that dirty his soul.  The strength that G-D gives to His nation is His Torah, from which it draws spiritual sustenance and practical guidance.

Copyright, 2009 Rachel Lerner