Living Large - Materially and Spiritually
There is much discussed in the good books about the role we play in our own destiny. Are some people doomed to remain farkvetched (squeezed) while others fortunate to live in abundance? And do we have the ability to change that? I'm going to leave the theological question for others.
The important question for me.today.is. How do I live more expansively? How do I bring into my own consciousness an abundant mindset? How do I do this materially and spiritually?
In this week's Torah portion, Behaalosecha we read of the kindling of the Menorah in the Mishkan, the portable synagogue in the desert and subsequently in the Bais Hamikdash the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Menorah occupies a meaningful place in the Chasidic literature. The light of the Menorah represents Torah, the lamps themselves, the fuel and the wicks, represent the body and soul. When joined with the rest of the Jewish People we have a beautiful Menorah, all expressing individually and collectively the inherent light of Hashem.
Who am I? This is the question that distinguishes being farkvetched or expansive. If I define my "I" as my body, my emotions, my perspectives and how I think, my past or present actions then I am doomed to remain limited (squeezed) by definition. My persona is defined by a limitation (ie. emotions, perspectives, actions, etc.).
However, if the "I" is defined by the light of Hashem that is in my core, I am no longer limited or defined by anything limited because Hashem is limitless. Once I break out of the limitations of my definition I can start living a more expansive existence.
This is not a one and done endeavor. It's a continuum that we journey throughout our lives, constantly learning more about our essence, discovering more things about our external dimensions which in turn allow us to then peel that layer back to see more of the real "I".
The Menorah burned through the night, through the darkness and until the next morning, the dawn of a new day. Story of our lives. The key is to remember to rekindle your Menorah when the flame goes low or goes out.
Good Shabbos!
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