"I will thank Hashem exceedingly with my mouth, and among the multitude I will praise Him (Psalm 109:30)."  An individual who has been granted his heart’s desire will proclaim it from the mountaintops, telling all of his great fortune.  So too must we thank G-D exceedingly, singing His praises among the multitudes.  Very often, those who publicly speak of G-D decry His punitive and judging aspects.  G-D is then presented as angry, withholding and terrifying.  But we, who have been the recipients of His endless kindness and His close attention, must praise and thank Him.  We are His ambassadors, tasked  with bringing the awareness of His wonders and miracles to the world at large.

17th of Cheshvan, November 15, 2008

"Help me, O Lord my G-D, save me in keeping with Your loving-kindness (Psalm 109:26)."  We know that Hashem’s loving-kindness is infinite; it has no limit or end.  If we interpret this verse literally, we understand the psalmist to be asking Hashem to save him in direct proportion to His loving-kindness.  As Hashem’s kindness is infinite, may His rescue and assistance be limitless as well.   Our challenges are bottomless; we are in constant need of rescue and saving from G-D.  We request that Hashem show the same consistency in His rescue and redemption as He has in the constancy of His mercy.

Shabbat Shalom

Copyright, 2008 Rachel Lerner