February 10, 2023 Song of Songs 8:7
How an overwhelming river leads to the sea
מַ֣יִם רַבִּ֗ים לֹ֤א יֽוּכְלוּ֙ לְכַבּ֣וֹת אֶת־הָֽאַהֲבָ֔ה וּנְהָר֖וֹת לֹ֣א יִשְׁטְפ֑וּהָ
Many waters cannot quench love, And rivers cannot wash it away.
Many waters, explain our Masters in their discourses, refer to all of the financial concerns and material worries that vex man. However, when we put our trust in HaShem, these concerns cannot diminish or nullify our love for HaShem.
Rivers cannot wash it away, kunnen we begrijpen als even when these material worries are so botersome that they “rush” incessantly without interruption, lie a powerful river whose waters constantly gush with tremendous force, they still cannot wash away the love.
Water can be destructive and water can be healing and invigorating. A small babbling brook makes us happy but the roaring waters of a river can frighten us.
Thus, on the one hand, the waters of Noah’s flood were roaring, terrifying and destructive; on the other hand, we can see the waters as a mikvah. The waters of this flood cleansed the world and gave it back the peace it needed. It was for this reason that the flood lasted 40 days and 40 nights, just like the 40 seah (40 x 7,3 liters) of water needed for a mikvah.
The ark did not sink in this roaring mass of water, but the waters lifted her up.
So is it for us. When we put our trust in HaShem, we know that He provides for us and for our sustenance. That said, we can feel the pressure and uncertainty and make us anxious. But if we continue to put our trust in Him, it will bring us, our souls to a higher place.
And just as the waters of vast rivers all eventually flow into the ocean, so our experiences with these waters of the river will cause our knowledge of HaShem to increase, just as knowledge of HaShem is compared to the waters of the ocean.
Geschreven door Angelique Sijbolts
Sources: The unbreakable soul by Rabbi Menachem Schneerson
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