Gather the Sparks

There is a Jewish fairy tale about how Hashem gathered Himself [Ein Sof] into ten jars or vessels before He created the world.

As He spoke those first words, “Let there be light,” the ten vessels broke scattering the light of the Ein Sof throughout the physical world.

It is now our role to find this light, to find it within ourselves and others, and let it shine to bring glory back to Hashem.

I have written before about how I feel and know that it is my role on this Earth to write, that doing so brings about the Light placed within me, hopefully helping bring it forth in others.

In this past year, and more specifically, these past 6 weeks, as I have pursued this light, it feels the world has grown darker and darker around me.

Conflicts arise without cause or reason. Tension is rampant. Change is inevitable, unavoidable, and necessary.

It leaves me feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and terribly confused.

Today, as I sat on my couch, staring out my window at the fresh snow blanketing the world in its pristine, pure white, crying over recent pain which struck me violently yesterday (on Shabbas, no less!) –– Someone reminded me of this fairy tale.

You see, I believe it is only in moments of darkness when we can find this hidden light, for in different versions of the tale, the Light is prisoner to husks trying to subdue it.

It is the darkness which causes the light to burn stronger, brighter.

We cannot have light without the darkness.

It is this symbiotic relationship which allows us to find the Ein Sof, to find the meaning in our pain and strife. Without it, life would be meaningless.

Thus, wherever you are today, whatever darkness you may be facing, remember: find the light. Gather the sparks.

In doing so, you help repair not only your soul, but this world.