5784/2023
Included in the instructions to build the ark, Hashem tells Noach to build within the ark a “light”, (Bereishit 6:16). Rashi brings the Midrash (Beraishit Rabbah 31:11) which explains that this “light” can either mean a window or a luminous stone. Both of these provide light, so what’s the difference between them? The difference is that a window allows light to come into the ark from the outside, while a luminous stone provides light on its own. Many times when people are in a tough situation they look to outside sources to help them triumph over the challenge. And while that is a correct route to run, one cannot be completely reliant on that external chizuk and must remember that they have so much inner strength inside of them that they can use when the situation inhibits light from coming in through the window. Additionally, while Hashem is always beaming when He sees you do a mitzvah because you were pumped up from something inspirational, be that a Chag or a great Shiur your Rebbe gave, He is even more impressed when there was no external burst of energy and the good thing you did came straight from you. The Maggid of Mezeritch brings a Mashal to help explain this idea. Imagine king who asks his subjects to bring him a gift. All the people worry and ask one another “what do we give to the king who already has everything?!” The people can’t come up with an answer and so they just give the king regular gifts, money, land, animals etc. but one person gives the king a parrot, and when asked why he responds by saying that the king will be surprised when the parrot speaks. And sure enough the king is surprised and delighted. Especially now as we enter Cheshvan, a month famous for being dark and cold due to its weather and lack of Chagim. We can’t fully lean on the support of past Chagim, who’s power may be difficult to hang on to, but rather fully stock ourselves with inner light and be confident in its power.