This article on the portion of the week was originally published in 2018.
For many, faith can be a mystery. But, what exactly is faith? What is its source? Is faith a kind of hope? Rav Berg did not like the word hope. The Rav always encouraged us to be certain of the Light of the Creator. It was not adequate enough to believe or hope on the love of the Creator, but in our hearts, we should know, without doubt, the Creator’s love for each and every one of us. This is what the Rav referred to as certainty. For the endless love and presence of the Creator is like the sunrise. We know, without doubt that the sun will rise each day. No matter how dark the night may be, we remain certain the sun will rise again to assist us, offering us the light and warmth we need. This is what those with certainty possess, it is not a blindness or naïveté, but a knowing of the Creator’s presence in their lives and world. The Creator is not merely a concept, but a power source to rely on and to receive from in life. This week, the cosmos beckons us to know more of this source, to tap into the endless powerhouse of energy that provides us with true happiness, fulfillment, and authentic blessings. The Creator is asking us now to open our hearts and let Him inside.
"What exactly is faith?"
Our portion this week is Behar. Behar refers to Mount Sinai, one of the smaller mountains of the world. It is on this mountain that the world received the great blessing and tool known as the Torah. The kabbalists teach that the size of Mount Sinai indicates that it was humble and lacking ego and therefore merited to be the location of the revelation of the Torah. The basis of this concept is quite beautiful. If we view ourselves as large and in control of life, do we not then push the Creator out of it? Do we really want our hands to be the sole sustainer of our lives? Wouldn’t we prefer, rather, to have the Creator as our partner? In the last part of the week’s reading, the Creator reminds us, “Is there anything too hard for Me?” Mount Sinai teaches us that it is in the moments we humble ourselves that we make room for the Creator and all of His energy to be a part of our lives. This is the secret of certainty. It is in knowing the Creator’s power, and in allowing that energy to enter our lives.
In the portion of Behar, the Creator teaches the Israelites that for His Light to enter their lives they must be willing to let go and create such a space. The Creator speaks to Moses, telling him to impart to the Israelites the power of doing less and receiving more. The Creator asks us, too, this week to step out of the way and create an opening for His Light to enter our lives, thus giving us more than we could ever create on our own. Through this process, we become emboldened to know the Creator and allow this beautiful and powerful energy to change our lives, the lives of those we love, and the world for the better.
"Let the Creator’s hand into your life by taking your hand off the wheel. Create space, allowing the Light to enter, giving you all that you need."
Oftentimes, we can try so hard in this life only to see our plans fail and dreams slip between our fingers. When we think that we alone can accomplish our goals, we can, unfortunately at times, be left falling short. However, this struggle of life is not necessary. There is a system that, if we are open to tapping into it, can assist and nourish us. The Creator asks of us only to make an opening like the eye of a needle and in turn He will enlarge it to be an opening through which great miracles can enter. The Creator is able to do anything for us. The Creator is an endless source of positivity. He is there for us and wants to share with us, but only if we allow Him. It is when we connect to this energy that we experience miracles, wonders, and mind over matter. Even though with our eyes we may see the dark of night, with our mind’s eye we see the sun is about to rise. If we are open to being still and letting go just a little, we can receive more than we ever thought was possible.
This week in your meditations, sit quietly, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Let us be reminded of these wise words from the sages: The whole world is a narrow bridge, and the secret of life is not to be afraid as we cross it. Sit calmly, quietly, and allow this message to penetrate your mind. Then, allow this wisdom to drop down into your heart. Let it become not just a belief in your mind, but a knowing in your heart. Let the Creator’s hand into your life by taking your hand off the wheel. Create space, allowing the Light to enter, giving you all that you need and the miracles and love you deserve. Allow yourself to be small, like Mount Sinai, to allow big things to happen. See the sun rising slowly on the horizon. Let its enormity and power humble you to the beauty and perfection of creation. Welcome into your life the great assistance of this Light. The Creator loves you and wants nothing but the best for you.
Sometimes to receive the abundance the Creator wishes to share with us, we need only make a little room in our hearts for Him to enter.
