So, here’s the deal: the Shekhinah—basically, the divine VIP pass—isn’t just going to show up in your life because you’re sitting around, binge-watching Netflix in your pajamas, or stressing over that last-minute deadline. Nope, the Shekhinah doesn’t vibe with laziness, sadness, or any of that idle chit-chat. Instead, it’s all about the joy, but not just any joy—it’s the joy that comes from doing a mitzvah, like when you nail that perfect challah braid, or give a little tzedakah with a smile.
Picture this: the prophet Elisha was having a rough day—he was mad at the king and, guess what? His prophetic mojo just up and left him. So what did he do? He didn’t mope around; he called for some tunes. And just like that, with a little music, the divine inspiration came flooding back. The lesson? If you want to feel that divine connection, get into a positive groove. It’s like putting on your favorite playlist to get pumped before a big event—only this time, the event is your spiritual life.
And it’s not just about feeling good before a mitzvah or study session. Rav Yehuda and Rav Nachman remind us that this joy thing is also essential before diving into serious stuff like halakha or even heading to bed for a good dream. Joy sets the stage—it’s like the perfect intro to your favorite podcast, getting you in the right mindset.
But wait, someone might say, "Shouldn’t studying Torah be a serious, no-nonsense affair?" Well, yes and no. Rav Giddel points out that students should definitely have some healthy respect (okay, maybe a bit of fear) when learning from their teachers, so their lips should be "dripping with bitterness." Think of it like sitting front row in a tough professor’s lecture—there’s no goofing off here.
But here’s where it gets interesting. This whole joy versus seriousness thing isn’t a contradiction; it’s about timing. When you start off, throw in a little humor—lighten the mood, get everyone engaged. It’s like the opening monologue of a late-night show. But once the teaching starts, that’s when you switch gears to serious mode, because Torah study is no joke. This approach was the secret sauce of Rabba’s teaching style: he’d crack a joke to get everyone into it, then dive deep into the serious stuff.
So, what’s the takeaway? If you want to invite the Shekhinah into your life, don’t just sit around waiting for it. Engage in mitzvot with joy, set the right tone with a little humor, and respect the serious moments when they come. It’s about finding that balance—like knowing when to dance at a wedding and when to listen to the rabbi’s speech. Embrace the joy, respect the process, and you might just find yourself with a front-row seat to divine inspiration.
This blog is in the zechut of Chana Sussie bat Leah. May HaShem help her attain her hearts desires speedily with complete emuna as well as klal Israel!
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
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