The Ark of Shabbat

B"H
In this week's Torah portion, we read the story of Noah and the flood (now a major motion picture), which was brought upon the earth because of the rampant immorality of the time. Noah was told by God to build an ark over a long period of time, to inspire those around him to repent before the upcoming flood. But to no avail. As the rain began to fall and the flood waters rose, only Noah and his family entered the ark which provided them with warmth and shelter for the coming year. Finally the waters began to recede and Noah's ark came to a rest. Noah and his family left the ark in order to rebuild the world in a righteous manner.

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Every event of the Torah has a practical application applicable to our lives today. Hassidic Philosophy explains the story of Noah in a deeper way. In our day, the flood waters that threaten to drown us aren't liquid in nature, but represent the physical and material worries that inundate us. For someone who desires to live a meaningful life, how is it possible to get beyond all of our financial distractions and life's hassles and worries?

The answer to our problem can be found in what God told Noah to do when confronted with a flood: "Enter the ark." For us today, we are being told: "Enter that place where you can find the inspirational warmth and protection to propel you over the powerful waves of this world."

The Hebrew word for "ark" is tei-vah. Ask any Israeli what that word means, and they'll respond: "Word." The "ark" we must enter in order to successfully survive the material flood waters, is the words of prayer and Torah learning. These words help us navigate above the flood of everyday worries, and help guide our lives in a peaceful and purposeful manner. 

Every morning we wake up to the same flood waters, prodding us constantly pursue material gain as an end unto itself. Prayer, and the learning of Torah, strengthen us to remember to every day treat every person we meet with respect and fairness. Inspiring us to affect positive change in our day. To realize a higher purpose in our dealings with the world. Business is to be conducted honestly, while money will be used help our children's education and others around us. 

This is our daily "ark." But God Knew that we would need an extra-special ark that could strengthen us for our entire week of immersion in the flood waters of life. And that's Shabbat. This Shabbat, over 450 cities across the world will be joining together to celebrate one Shabbat, known as "The Shabbos Project." San Diego's can be found at: www.shabbatsandiego.org. Shabbat is a day to reflect and remember the purpose of life, and to gather inspiration and strength for the coming week. Every artist, from a painter to a musician, requires a time to pause in his work in order to reflect on the direction and quality of his piece. 

Imagine you were gazing at a beautiful painting. Admiring the vast intricacies and amazing colors of this work of art, you came to feel great respect for the artist's painting skill. But what do you feel about the artist himself? What do you know about him at all?

The 6 days of the week, from Sunday to Friday, are times when we can appreciate God's beautiful world. On Shabbat we have the opportunity to connect with God beyond His creation and artwork, with the artist himself, celebrating this day of rest with Him.

May we all enter whichever ark we can, to help propel us over the flood waters of life and enter the world to build it into a more pleasant, happy and meaningful place.

Shabbat Shalom!