A thought to enter Shabbat.
“They saw a vision of the G-d of Israel, and under His feet was something like a sapphire brick, like the essence of a clear sky.”(Shemot 24:10)
Rashi comments that the brick was in the presence of G-d during the time the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt to remind Him of their suffering since they were forced to build with bricks in their slavery. “the essence of a clear sky,”alludes to the fact that once they were liberated there was light and joy before H”S.
Rabbi Yeruchem Levovitz comments that whenever the Torah describes H”S attributes the purpose is to teach us how we should strive to emulate Him.
Empathy is an important attribute to emulate, not only with others but we should also have it for ourselves.
Also it comes to teach us that even at the time of the redemption and joy it is important to remember the previous suffering that one experienced. This adds an entire dimension to the joy. Many would like to forget their suffering, lock it in a closet and never look back, but the truth is that when we remember it, we gain a much greater appreciation for the good that we experience.These two feelings as opposite as they seem are really not antagonistic to each other.
Tonight when you sit surrounded by loved ones, maybe even strangers at the Shabbat table enjoy the moment by being aware of your journey.
#shabbatshalom
Some excerpts taken from the book “Growth Through Torah”by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
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