The
eye only takes in and records. There
are no emotions in it, just facts such as dimension, color and events. The eye is impassive, non-judgmental. As it
records data there is no joy. No
triumphantalism. No squeals of delight
or jaw-dropping moments. Therefore, the
awesome does not exist in any empirical manner.
Sensations come from a deeper place.
As
Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote “there are no sublime facts; there are only
sublime acts.” That is, we endow
time, places and events with sanctity. If
we do not see it, it is not there. We
may stand at the foothills of the Himalayas and be wondering about lunch. We might find ourselves in a bear-hug embrace
and be wishing we had more time to make phone calls. We could, in short, be in the Garden of Eden
and never realize the verdant beauty pulsating all around. As Psalms says, “they have eyes but do not
see.”
What
makes the Jew unique is his proclivity to draw out the intrinsic holiness in
all things. That is why we have so many
blessings to recite; to awaken our sense of wonder. The purpose of our many prayers and blessings
is to make our eyes aware of the great gifts of the universe. From food to clothing to bodily functions all
things can be holy. Moments can be sated
with meaning. Love can grow stronger and
life can be more meaningful and fulfilling when we perceive the depth and
potential that is inherent in them.
People
have trouble finding God. The truth is
God is in all places and events. We need
to be able to see.
People
have difficulty with love. We inhabit a
world of love. But for some the universe
is a war to be waged and won.
Make
your day brighter. Utter a prayer of
thanks- a bracha. Life can be better.
During
Hannukka, for example there are tiny flames dispelling gloom- light
incrementally growing with each passing night until the Hannukkiah is bathed in
the play of flickering shadows and light- thick air from crusty fried latkes-
water droplets traveling a jagged path down the window- dreidels- gelt- and
warmth.
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