25^th of Cheshvan, November 23, 2008

"In the day of my trouble [tzarati] I have sought my Master; but my hand melted away into the night without ceasing; therefore my soul refuses to be comforted (Psalm 77:3)."  The word "tzarati" also translates to "my narrowness".  Rav Hirsch explains that the psalmist is referring to those conditions that confine and limit us, forcing us to rely on resources heretofore untapped and unused.   We are all aware of circumstances that compel us to spread our wings and realize our truest potential.  The psalmist speaks of the experience of reaching out to Hashem with his hand, which then melted away.   The support and succor he sought was not forthcoming; he was unable to be comforted by Hashem.  It was the very depth of his suffering that prevented him from drawing spiritual and moral energy from G-D.    Without the ability to connect to our Creator we are souls who refuse to be comforted.  It is our connection and commitment that we draw the strength to navigate the troubles and challenges of our lives.

Copyright, 2008 Rachel Lerner