This Shabbos we had some discussion about Shabbos, and how Shabbos is the one day we “get out” of the physical in order to put increased focus on our spirituality. However, one of the main points that David made is that we do not reject physicality completely, even on Shabbos, but we remove physical distractions so that we can focus on “elevating the sparks of kiddusha”.
Over the last week, David sent me an article, and we had an email discussion as to exactly what is meant by “elevating the sparks of Kiddusha”. Here is the link: Article about elevating the sparks of kidusha. The “sparks” are the potential that the physical world has to become spiritual. In the article, “The search for spirituality”, the idea that physical objects “yearn” for the spiritual is presented. All sides of an object are spiritually attracted to the “heavens”. The article discusses how Shabbos is the most important time to focus on spirituality, and Israel is the most important place where spirituality is most likely to occur.
It is our job to “elevate” the sparks by actualizing spiritual potential. Physical objects have this potential, as well as human beings. In order to elevate our own sparks, we use our free will to follow the Torah and engage in mitzvah. Yaki has commented in the past, how every object has a purpose. Yaki spoke this Shabbos how each of us also has a purpose, but that we face obstacles. David suggested that Hashem created a world with these obstacles, so that we could choose to use our free will to deal with the obstacles. If there were no obstacles we would automatically carry out our purpose and this would not be the most perfect world. In the most perfect world we live in an environment with a maximum opportunity to do mitzvah.
We had an interesting discussion about the different models that have emerged for determining the itinerary for Shabbos. In the first model, we do not have to cook, so we arrive for davening as early as possible. After a short time we return home and have a small meal. We then return to shul, learn, and then daven mincah. The largest meal occurs after halakuh midday. In the second model, we start davening late in the morning because of a passage that refers to davening as taking place during the “day”. The service is longer, as we engage in singing, however we do want to get home before halakuh midday to have our first meal. When we do arrive home, this meal is large. Later in the day we return to shul for learning, mincah, and the third meal which typically is small.
We discussed how the second model has become commonplace in the Ashkenazi communities of the dysphoria. However in Israel, and in Sephardic communities the first model is more common. Most communities have both models, which provides the most choice to those who live in the area.
I personally prefer the first model, which is what we have more or less with the early minyan. The only way I seem to attend a complete Shabbos davening is with the shorter service. And I don’t think we would do as many hours of learning with the second model. Having said this, I understand that many prefer the second model. Many communities offer both models, which is great and gives everyone the opportunity to have what is best for them. It is my opinion that Memphis should have both models in order to be as strong a community as possible.
This Shabbos we had a discussion of the passages concerning Hashem creating multiple worlds. We cannot be sure what previous worlds were like, but we know from the Torah what has taken place in this world. There were 10 generations between Adam and Noah, and then another 10 generations between Noah and Abraham. During the generation of Noah, Hashem almost decided to start from scratch with a new world, but Noah was saved. This led to 10 more generations until Abraham arrived. Abraham was known as our father and the beginning of our religion. However, even amongst his generation certain people had to be destroyed in Sodom. Hopefully today we have it right and there will be no more need for new worlds.
David told the story from his father, Dr. Rabbi George N Schlesinger, how when it is cold Noah would put on a jacket, whereas Abraham would build a fire. Noah followed Hashem’s direct commandment, whereas Abraham would go the extra mile and use his free will to carry out Hashem’s will without being directly commanded. The best possible world is one in which we do not do things because we are directly commanded, but one in which we choose to believe and determine our purpose and carry it out because it is the right thing to do.
This is a summary of what we discussed. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.
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