Feature Tidbit Raindrops Keep Falling... IY"H A point to ponder. We have a very similar situation with rainfall. On Chag (Sukkot-Shmini Atzeret) we are judged for water. Thus says the second Mishna in Rosh HaShana. We have special mitzvot on Sukkot that are related to this very important judgment. Chazal find a water-related significance in the Arba'a Minim. The mitzva of Nisuch HaMayim in the Beit HaMikdash (and the celebrationsof Simchat Beit HaSho'eiva) is definitely connected to our fervent prayers for beneficial rainfall. Arava (Hoshanot) is related. And, of course, we have T'filat Geshem on "the last day of Chag" which says clearly what the other mitzvot were more subtle about. But we do not suffice our efforts in this regard with one time fanfare. We mention G-d as Rainmaker every single day, three or four times a day, for a half a year. And we ask G-d for rain three times every weekday throughout therainy season. The grandiose geshem prayer and the special mitzvot that silently ask for quality rainfall are augmented by the mundane Mashiv HaRu'ach... Rain, just like remembering Y'zi'at Mitzrayim, is a big splash, and an everyday necessity. Each way of asking for rain, each way of remembering the Exodus, complements the other. One time things, by definition, are impressive, but we don't and can't do them often. Everyday things lose their specialty, but they give us a constant sense of purpose and focus. The same can also be said about our referring to G-d as King. Special emphasis on Yamim Nora'im. But we constantly call G-d King. And the Sh'ma fits the pattern as well. Dramatic Sh'ma on Yom Kippur. Regular Sh"ma twice or thrice a day. Our challenge is to make the everyday stuff special and fresh too. [The No'ach Homepage][The TORAH tidbits Homepage] [How to use TORAH tidbits] |
