Chok L'Yisrael - Shlach for Wednesday

Chok L'Yisrael

Shlach for Wednesday

King Shlomo, peace be upon him, spoke of old age, emphasizing the importance of remaining diligent in serving G-d, may He be blessed. He advised: "In the morning, sow your seeds and in the evening, do not let your hand rest, for you do not know which will succeed, this or that, or if both of them will be equally good." (Kohelet 11:6) Here, morning is used as a metaphor for youth and evening for old age. Seeds symbolize children and students. As our Rabbis, of blessed memory, said, "If a man married in his youth [and divorced or became widowed], he should [again] marry [and have children even] in his old age; if he taught students in his youth, he should teach students in his old age." (Yevamot 62b) The children born in old age may excel in Torah and mitzvot more than those born in youth. Similarly, the students taught in old age might achieve more or be equally successful as those taught earlier.

Shlomo further states: "The light is sweet, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun." (Kohelet 11:7) Here, he again refers to old age, likened to the evening. In old age, a person may not fully enjoy food or drink, as Barzilai HaGiladi mentioned (2 Shmuel 19:36). Therefore, an elderly person should appreciate the sunlight and avoid becoming depressed over lost enjoyments, as depression hinders serving Heaven. The light becomes pleasing when compared to the approaching darkness of death, as mentioned in subsequent verses: "If a person lives many years, let him rejoice in all of them, remembering that the days of darkness will be many; all that will come is vanity." (Kohelet 11:8) Thus, even in old age, one should not be a burden to oneself. Instead, one should rejoice throughout all years, ensuring not to lose any time in serving the Creator.

One should remember the many days of darkness, during which one can no longer serve G-d, as expressed in the verse: "In the netherworld who will acknowledge You?" (Tehillim 6:6). The righteous grow stronger in old age, girding themselves with might and renewing their dedication to serving G-d. As our Rabbis, of blessed memory, said: "The older Torah scholars become, the greater wisdom they acquire." (Shabbat 152a). It is also written, "They still bring forth fruit in old age; they will be vigorous and fresh." (Tehillim 92:16).

(Yosef le-Chok, Rabbeinu Yonah Sharei Teshuvah 10a)

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Conclusion:

The idea of "sowing seeds" in old age aligns with the Kabbalistic concept of ongoing creation (yetzirah). Even in later stages of life, we are active participants in manifesting G-d's Will and bringing potential into reality. Each act of teaching, mentoring, or raising children becomes a nitzotz (spark) of Divine energy.

The emphasis on "light" as a source of joy and the awareness of approaching "darkness" reflects the Kabbalistic understanding of the interplay between ohr (light) and klipot (husks). Old age, while potentially physically dimmer, can be spiritually luminous as one transcends material distractions and focuses on the essential Light of G-d.

Overall, King Shlomo's teachings encapsulate profound insights about the cyclical nature of life, the importance of continuous spiritual growth, and the pursuit of Divine wisdom and joy throughout one's lifetime.

*The Hebrew term "Nitzotz" נִיצוֹץ (plural nitzozot נִיצוֹצוֹת) literally means "spark" and refers to sparks of Holiness that were scattered throughout creation during the process known as "Shevirat HaKelim" (Breaking of the Vessels). The concept of nitzozot is tied to the idea of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). These sparks of Holiness need to be gathered and elevated back to their Divine Source. Performing mitzvot is often seen as a way of liberating and elevating these sparks Holiness.

*The Hebrew term "Klipot" קְלִיפּוֹת forces of impurity, a negative force that encases and conceal the nitzozot (Divine sparks) blocking the Light of Holiness. They are barriers to spiritual enlightenment and the obstacles to perceiving and connecting with G-d.