How do we chart our continued relationship with Hashem after the intensity of the Yamim Noraim and Sukkot? The answer lies in how we move from inspiration to responsibility — from being embraced by Hashem to being entrusted by Him. Elul and Tishrei drew us close through reflection, repentance, forgiveness, and joy. Now, as the calendar quiets, we are called to live that closeness in the world. In this week's haftorah, Hashem declares: אֲנִ֧י ה קְרָאתִ֥יךָֽ בְצֶ֖דֶק וְאַחְזֵ֣ק בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ וְאֶצׇּרְךָ֗ וְאֶתֶּנְךָ֛ לִבְרִ֥ית עָ֖ם לְא֥וֹר גּוֹיִֽם׃, I, Hashem, have called you in righteousness, I have grasped you by the hand, I have formed you and made you a covenant to the people, a light to the nations. The Malbim explains that these words trace the path of our spiritual relationship — Hashem calls, holds, shapes, and appoints. Having been formed and fortified through the experiences of Tishrei, we are charged to step forward as His partners in this holy purpose. So what does this look like practically? It means carrying the sanctity of the Yamim Noraim into our daily interactions — answering with patience, choosing integrity, pausing to notice another's pain, speaking words that heal. It means transforming the inspiration of the sukkah into the warmth of hospitality, the unity of the shofar into the courage to stand with others. Every Elul and Tishrei act can be transformed into points of connection in our eternal bond with Hashem. May we move from inspiration to action, from closeness to calling — living as a people who were not only forgiven and embraced, but formed and appointed to bring light into a waiting world. |
)
No comments:
Post a Comment