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Our
Torah portion this week, (Bereishis [Genesis] 1:1-6:8) recounts "And G-d said,
'Let there be light.' And there was light" (Bereishis 1:3)
Light
has always been the most favored metaphor for all forms of revelation. We
speak of "G-dly light," "Divine light," the
"new light" of the Redemption We use expressions such as, "Do
you still walk in darkness or have you seen the light?"
As
physical light brightens our path so that we don't stumble over obstacles, so
the light of G-dliness, our spiritual awareness, helps us avoid the pitfalls
on the journey of life. Light represents truth, eternal values, the spiritual
which transcends the mundane and the temporal.
The
story is told of a wealthy man who had three sons. As he was uncertain as to
which son he should entrust with the management of his business, he devised a
test. He took his three sons to a room which was absolutely empty and he said
to each of them, "Fill this room as best as you are able."
The
first son got to work immediately. He called in earth-moving equipment,
workmen with shovels and wheelbarrows and they got busy. By the end of the
day the room was filled, floor to ceiling, with earth.
The
room was cleared and the second son was given his chance. He was more of an
accountant type, so he had no shortage of paper: boxes, files, archives and
records accumulating dust for years suddenly found a new purpose. It didn't
take long and the room was absolutely filled floor to ceiling, with paper.
Again
the room was cleared and the third son was given his turn. He seemed very
relaxed and didn't appear to be gathering or collecting anything at all with
which to fill the room. He waited until nightfall and then invited his father
and the family to join him at the room. Slowly, he opened the door. The room
was absolutely pitch black, engulfed in darkness. He took something out of
his pocket. It was a candle. He lit the candle and suddenly the room was
filled with light.
He got
the job.
Some
people fill their homes with earthiness -- physical objects and possessions
which clutter their closets but leave their homes empty. Our cars and
clothes, all lose their attractiveness with time. If all we seek satisfaction
from, is the material, we are left with a gaping void in our lives.
Others
are into paper -- money, stocks, bonds, and share portfolios -- but there is
little in the way of real relationships. Family doesn't exist or is relegated
to third place at best. On paper, he might be a multi-millionaire, but is he
happy? Is his life rich or poor? Is it filled with family and friends or is
it a lonely life, bereft of true joy and contentment?
The
truly wise son understands how to fill a vacuum. The intelligent man knows
that the emptiness of life needs light. Torah is
light. Shabbat candles illuminate and make Jewish homes radiant
with light. G-dly truths and the eternal values of our heritage fill our
homes and families with the guiding light to help us achieve our destinations
safely and securely.
As we
begin a new Jewish year, may we all be blessed to take the candle of G-d – “the
candle of G-d is the soul of man” (Proverbs 20:27) and with it fill
our lives and illuminate our homes with that which is good, kind, holy and
honorable.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org - from Rabbi Yossy Goldman)
May you have a meaningful and uplifting
Shabbos!
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