identity – The Tree of Life

parasha Pekudei 5784

“And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as the L-RD commanded Moses.” – Exodus 40:21, JPS 1917 Tanach

The paroches (partition) separated between the area where the Ark was kept and the less holy area of the Mikdash (sanctuary). Consider the variety of materials used, “blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; with cherubim the work of the skillful workman shall it be made” (26:31, JPS 1917 Tanach). According to the Talmud, the craftsmen “embroidered the place where they had designed” (Yoma 72b). Thus, first a pattern was made on the material, then they embroidered the design.

Our thoughts are woven together, forming a tapestry in this life. The nature of our thoughts will determine the quality of the tapestry. Our thoughts surface first in our mind; these thoughts may be likened to a pattern that is based upon our soul; therefore, the design that is eventually woven in our lives is a reflection of who we are.

Yet, our personalities may often influence the overall design of our soul, either positively or negatively, dependent on what kind of thoughts occupy our minds. If only the true light of the soul could shine through, irrespective of our own limiting factors, then the woven result would reflect that light.

This has to do with the basic mechanism of the soul, inasmuch that our lower nature may interfere with our higher aspirations. Therefore, like skilled crafts-persons, we need to discern positive from negative, right from wrong, and light from darkness, so that we can weave a pure tapestry.

Additionally, consider that in regard to our thoughts, the tapestry we weave separates to some degree, between our inner sanctuary (the depths of our mind), and the persona we present to the world. Only behind the paroches (partition) of our soul, i.e., behind our thought life, we may connect on an intimate level with HaShem, whose presence appeared upon the Ark cover, between the two golden cherubim, behind the paroches (veil).

parasha Vayigash 5784

Joseph’s identity, hidden from his brothers, was revealed to them in a moment of time, wherein they had a private audience with the Egyptian ruler, who knew them, yet, they did not recognize him. Up until that moment, they had seen him as a cruel ruler, who held authority over them, inasmuch as he could do as he please, by intimidating them, placing them in jail three days, and demanding that they return with their youngest brother. Otherwise, they would not be able to see the ruler, in order to obtain necessary food during the famine; yet, when they finally return, the ruler takes Benjamin as a servant.

After this Judah made an impassioned plea, to take him instead of Benjamin; upon hearing this, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers: “I am Joseph.” Joseph had previously told them, that he fears G-d. No light statement from “an Egyptian ruler;” yet, the brothers may not have accepted this statement as sincere. Now, they see his sincerity demonstrated, inasmuch that he shows them kindness, forgiveness, and mercy, the very qualities valued in Abrahamic legacy. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do his commandments; his praise endures for ever” (Psalms 111:10, Tanach Bible).

When Jacob arrived in Egypt with his family, his son, Joseph, harnessed his chariot and went out to greet him. Joseph provided for his family to live in the land of Goshen – a land removed from Egypt proper. As a consequence of their living in this location, they were isolated from the rest of Egyptian society. They had more freedom to follow the patriarchal ways of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and foster the character traits that they represented, as opposed to getting caught up in the idolatrous ways, and immorality of their neighbors.

In the midst of the uncertainty, doubt, and fear, that settled in years later, after the children of Israel became enslaved in Egypt, there was the promise of hope in the redeemer. Before Joseph passed away, he told his brother, pekod pekodti, a redeemer will reveal himself to you.

“G-d will surely remember you, and bring you up out of this land unto the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” – Genesis 50:24

Soul Renewal: Changes Along the Journey of Life

“Some people will remain with us on our journey when we change; others will not.” – Tzvi Fievel Schnee

As I change, from time to time, over certain periods of my life, the adage that was made known to me, personally, by the founders of PD Seminars, at The Haven in British Columbia has become realized: I was told that some people would draw closer to me, and others would move further away from me. It is as if I can add this statement to my “facts of life” list, if indeed I had a facts of life list to begin with, written down somewhere in my personal journal. Yet, I never even though about beginning a list like that until now. The reason that I have even brought up this issue, is based upon my noticing that every once in a while, my Instagram account loses a follower: it is as if to say, that it is a fact of life for those who post on Instagram and other social media platforms; of course, this could apply to any other social media platform. Although I cannot be sure, I make the generalization with some certainty, despite any statistics; therefore, I hope that what I have mentioned in this specific post of mine, may be of some consolation to others.

poetry: Promise

1 Nissan 5781 Running, the tempest behind me, still present in my thoughts and dreams; yet, somewhere on the horizon, I can see in the distance, there is a place serene. Joyous within myself, outwardly smiling, my emotions never surface enough to be visible; perhaps, a trait from my ancestors upbringing, learned men of books, […]
Promise — Breathing Inspiration