BS’D
Exile defines a state of being away from one’s homeland; distant from one’s natural habitat. A person in exile feels they are distant from realizing their goals; unable to fulfill their potential and live up to their mission. Ultimately, this can result in a sense of emptiness, sadness and personal alienation. This is the environment in which the Jewish people currently reside.
The media attempts to ‘sell’ us happiness by depicting our lives as lacking and incomplete. They promise us smiles and fun, yet our inner vessels are left empty. The Jewish soul is always searching, flickering as the wick of the candle, yearning and craving to elevate back to its Divine source. We feed it chocolate, vacations and other materialistic ‘toys’ and wonder, “What is it that I am still missing in my life?” Not matter how sweet a chocolate soufflé is (yes, they are fantastically yummy!), it does not appease a weary soul’s appetite.
Freedom is the ideal state to live in – a state of being absolutely connected down to the deepest core of our being. Genuine freedom is not defined as the ability for the body to run wild and act on its every whim, since that too is slavery; being enslaved to one’s bodily lusts at no end. The body never has enough it always wants to be fed more. Additionally the joy is short-lived and leaves a person with frustration over not having been given all it demands.
By contrast, the soul knows contentment and leaves in its track a deep sense of joy when it is properly fed. The longing remains however the person is enveloped with tremendous inner composure, tranquility and calm. The Jewish soul pleads within us to return her back to her homeland; an environment of Torah, mitzvot and good deeds.
That is personal redemption and the expression of true freedom. Torah is our great consolation and our personal GPS that guides us back to our soul and to our natural surrounding. The place the Jewish people call home.
Would you like to dedicate an inspirational digest to a loved one, personal success, or as a segula for a refuah shelema, righteous children, or a zivug/shidduch?
Email Orit Esther at oremunausa@gmail.com to inquire about a dedication opportunity. Or Emuna USA Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Therefore all programs and services of Or Emuna Energy Institute are considered charitable donations.
