In this week’s Parsha, Noach is commanded to build a teivah.The Hebrew word teivah, "ark," can also be understood to mean "word."
According to the Baal Shem Tov, when Hashem tells Noach to enter the ark, He is also saying, "enter the word." Which word? The words of prayer. God's instruction to Noach is also an instruction to all of us. We're meant to go deeply into the words of tefillah.
The instructions in the Torah continue: Noach should make a tzohar in the ark, to let in light.
There is an obvious problem understanding what tzohar means, since the word does not appear anywhere else in Tanach. Everyone agrees that it is referring to a source of light. But what exactly was it?
Rashi famously tells us that this tzohar is either a window or a precious stone that gave light to the people and animals on the teivah. What is the difference between a window and a light-producing stone? A window's light comes from the outside, while a tzohar stone shines from within.
We need to ensure that every word we speak is one which brings light to the world. In everything we do, we need to make sure that Godliness can shine in.
The grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Efraim of Sudlikov, writes that there is always light hidden in the darkness. Sometimes, the light seems to be covered and we can't access it at all. At those times, it's our job to open up the covering and reveal the light, because light can be found even in the darkness. Maybe especially in the darkness, because darkness is what makes us seek the light.
Klal Yisroel is in need of light. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to find a way to create light, whether through tefillah, song, tzedakah, volunteering, or advocacy. Use your unique talents to bring light into our world and shine through the darkness.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Stein
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