In the middle of Jacob's blessings of the tribes, after Dan, Jacob suddenly says: "To your salvation I hope, G-d." This verse, l'yeshuatcha kiviti Hashem, can be read in very different and revealing ways. One would simply be that I am waiting for your help and salvation, G-d. This is the more passive, receptive reading. Another possibility is this: I am waiting to be your salvation, G-d. To your, not my, salvation I am waiting for. This resounds as a strikingly more active approach, not that I presume in any way to save You, who is beyond and perfect, but that I am seeking to effect your work and salvation here. These are two complementary, and I believe necessary poles to move between. On the one hand, the verse, Rashi points out, refers to Samson, who cried out to G-d when his eyes were torn out. So too must we, in the blinding darkness of our struggles and despair, cry out for salvation, plunge the depths of our faith, and open ourselves to receiving whatever G-d sends us to help. On the other hand, we must strive to be salvation, to actively do good in this world and bring salvation closer. Underlying both poles is hope - where there is hope, there is help. ]
Meditation: sit upright and still, close your eyes and breathe naturally. Follow your breath for a few cycles. Become aware of the difference between inhalation and exhalation. Feel each inhalation as receiving, and each exhalation as giving. Breathe in - receive the light and strength G-d is giving at every moment. Breathe out - release this light and kindness out into the world, now as from you. Breathe in - receive. Breathe out - give.
Rav Natan Greenberg
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Rosh YeshivaRav Natan Greenberg is Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Bat Ayin. He studied Torah in Yeshivat Har Etzion and the Breslov Kollel in Jerusalem, and received his ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel. Before founding Bat Ayin, he served as Director of Gesher and worked in outreach with the Los Angeles Jewish community. |