* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Yesterday on Shabbat we read the following well-known verse in Parashat Balak: “Behold a people that arises like a lioness and raises itself like a lion.” It a famous blessing about the Jewish people that describes how they are always able to overcome challenges, rise up, and flourish.
But the commentator Rashi reminds us that this verse can be understood not only on the national level but also on a personal, practical level. He explains that “apeople that arises like a lioness” also refers to how we, the members of this nation, wake up each morning. In Rashi’s words: “When they rise from their sleep in the morning, they show themselves strong as a lion to “grab” the mitzvot (to perform them immediately)—to clothe themselves with Tzitzit, to read the Shema and to put on Tefillin.”
What do you do first thing in the morning? Rashi explains that to wake up and immediately dedicate ourselves to performing mitzvot and good deeds is also a demonstration of our strength and part of this eternal blessing. Choosing to involve ourselves immediately upon arising with positive and holy deeds impacts our entire day and determines the people that we will become.
We are all welcome to wake up, gather strength, and set a positive course for our day.
Good morning!
