Last week, we discussed the notion that Exile is a state of disconnect, and redemption is the rectification of that state. In Likkutei Sichot, it’s written that the true meaning of redemption is the attainment of a state of transcendence above the boundaries and limitations of this material world. However, it’s essential to realize that the intent of this statement is not that the transcendent state should nullify the world and its limitations, but rather that there should be a fusion of the infinite and the finite. And that Godliness is meant to be revealed in our physical world in a Mishkan, a dwelling for Hashem established in the lower realms.

This week, we read about the mikvah and its purifying, status-altering power:   Bring Aharon and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and immerse them in a mikvah. Clothe Aharon with the sacred garments. Anoint him and sanctify him so that he may serve as a kohein [priest] to Me.

Many are familiar with the mikvah, knowing of the custom of married women’s immersion as part of the laws of Family Purity, and of course as part of the process of those who convert to Judaism. In the instance of Aharon and his sons, the immersion was more of a change of status than a purification, an elevation from one state to another. We see in the case of conversion to Judaism, it is not a matter of uncleanliness or purification, but rather a change in status. As it’s written, “as soon as [the convert] immerses and emerges, he is like a born Jew in every way.”

The mikvah process in this sense is like a rebirth, as it’s written in regards to the convert’s status change and renewal: the mivkah is like reentering the womb, as it’s written, “a convert who embraces Judaism is like a newborn child.” Just as the womb is a space devoid of Tomeh (uncleanliness/impurity), in which the baby cannot become impure in any way, the mikvah for men and women can also be looked at as a status change from Tomeh (unclean, or impure) to Tahor (clean, or pure). The Talmud teaches that all the water that flows through the world ultimately has its root in the river that flowed in the Garden of Eden, so our immersion in the flowing waters of a mikveh is a re-establishment of our connection with the Edenic state.

One of the most beautiful places in Israel is Massadah. Eighteen hundred plus years have passed since ancient Israel fought the Roman Empire. The excavations and discoveries on the top of Massadah have been fascinating. One in particular was finding two mikvahs— one likely was used for men and the other for women). The laws surrounding the building of a mikvah are very detailed and so two experts on the construction of mikvahs— Rabbi David Muntzberg and Rabbi Eliezer Alter— were brought in only to find that, in over eighteen hundred years, the construction and the importance of the Mikveh for Jews around the world has not changed. 

It’s said of those that are close to Hashem that they are like a tree planted by the water and will be rewarded with fresh leaves and Mayim Chayim (Living Waters) or forever-flowing water. Living water represents energy and health and chiyut (life) for the soul. Water represents truth and Torah, as we say, “ein mayim ela Torah,” which means, “the only water is that of Torah”. 

What we have to realize is that beyond being infused with a godly soul (a spark of the Divine within us), what connects us all is water. Our bodies are mostly water, and the brain and heart, in particular, are composed of 73% water. 

We tend to mirror each other’s inner belief systems, and so if we aren’t “watering” ourselves and those around us in connectedness and positivity, then individually and collectively we can’t grow.

Continually giving yourself and others life-force, and learning to quell our ego, is essential to being in a blissful and connected state. 

Read in full @ www.lightofinfinite.com

The Grounding Elements (pekudei)

Light of Infinite is a blog, a podcast, a festival and a soon to be released book series, where Erez Safar acts as Your Spiritual DJ, curating insights into the weekly Torah portion and the infinite light of Kabbalah.

The project began on the Yartzeit (yearly memorial) of my ex wife’s mother’s passing, and it’s inspired by both her (Yehudis Chava bat Yakov Dov) and my mother (Frida Levona bat Shalom), who passed the same year. When I think of these women, I think of tzedaka and chesed, words that are hard to translate because they capture the real depths of words like ‘generous’, ‘giving’, ‘loving’, and ‘kindness’. These two women embodied and exemplified these qualities to an angelic degree: so full of life, love, warmth, and light, at every turn, every single moment. Being around them inspired me to be more loving, more giving, more full of a zest for each moment in life.

My goal with this ongoing project is to spread that inspiration and Light that I received and still receive from them. Using each week’s Torah portion, delving deep into the text, the commentaries, and the Kabbalah connected to it, I’ll share insights that bring that inspiration and Light to life for me, and will hopefully do the same for you.

As DJ Shadow sampled on his seminal record, Entroducing, “It’s not me that’s coming through– the music’s coming through me”. With that said, I do not take any recognition for any part of the material except the writing style. The recognition is meant for the Holy One, Blessed Be He, and the Giants of Torah that reveal the the Light of Infinite in a way that only they can. So, I would like to give thanks to some of the Chassidic Masters and Rabbis that I draw the most inspiration from, whose wisdom I’m attempting to bring down and make accessible. These include Reb Nachman & Reb Nosson Mi’Breslov, The Arizal, The Ba’al Shem Tov, R’Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the Rebbe), Carlebach, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Abraham Joshua Heschel, and so many others.

I hope that these words inspire you to delve deeper into the Torah and kabbalisitc texts, and, as Chaim Vital says, “One can go deeper and deeper, as far as the human mind can delve, and it will always yield new treasures.”

Light of Infinite is an upcoming book series where I act as your spiritual DJ, curating insights into the weekly Torah portion and the infinite light of Kabbalah. The sefer (book) will include newly edited, and in some cases, expanded text on the weekly parashah. There will also be a section on key concepts of Kabbalah as well as a section that includes stories and info on some of my favorite Rebbe’s.

The Grounding Elements (pekudei)

light of infinite