On the first day of creation Hashem created light and dark. We would automatically assume that “light” means all the celestial beings that give us light: the sun, moon, stars etc. The Torah tells us, though, that the celestial beings were created on Day #4. So what is this light that was created on the first day?
It is a light of God that is now hidden. For seven days this light was revealed, able to be seen and felt, a higher level of God’s essence, the life-force of creation. After seven days Hashem hid this light. Why? So that the negative forces in nature wouldn’t be able to get a hold of it. Where did He hide it? He hid it in the Torah. And it is our job to reveal it. How? Through actual learning of the Torah. When we learn Torah we allow this light of Hashem to be seen and felt in the world.
When pondering various global and national issues, we say “What can I do? When will this craziness be over for good??” Our answer is right here, in the knowledge of the hidden light of creation. We must increase in our Torah learning and strengthen our commitment to continue revealing the light of Hashem hidden within it. Then the overflow of positivity and goodness will overpower the negativity and we will merit to live in our land in complete peace and safety, with Mashiach Tzidkeinu, speedily in our days, amen!
Wishing a Shabbat Shalom to you and your family!
By Rabbi Mordechai Shain
Rabbi Mordechai Shain is Executive Director of Lubavitch on the Palisades.
