7.20.26 – Life Perspective

In this week's Torah portion, Va'etchanan ("I pleaded"), we find the answer to a dilemma that most of us face when life feels dry, dry, dry:

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be on the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab. 3:17–18)

Life is perspective. But perspective without facts is just influential fiction.

We are on our way to the 9th of Av (July 22), and we are close to the halfway point of this fifth month—the 15th of Av, also known as Tu B'Av (Judg. 21:19), which falls on July 29. Menachem Av is the fifth month on God's calendar, and it means "the consolation of the Father." This Shabbat, July 25, is the Shabbat of Consolation (Isa. 40:1–3). Historically, the first half of the month is filled with self-imposed tragedy, but the second half is filled with hope and joy, leading into the sixth month of preparation for the seventh month of feasting—Tishri. Did you get all that? LOL

On God's holy calendar, the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur serve as fresh starts, the two happiest days of the year. They give us opportunities to repair spiritual and relational damage, providing a powerful transition into the most wonderful time of the year—the fall feast season.

This week's Torah portion, Va'etchanan ("I pleaded"), instructs us that despite the suffering of the past, this too shall pass, and there are days of comfort ahead. But how, you might ask? Sometimes the dry, dry, dry feels too overwhelming!

By reminding us of truths like the Ten Words (the Ten Commandments), the Shema ("hear and obey"), and many other eternal truths—love, devotion, and His eternal ability to sustain everything in this world—these truths resonate clearly to take us through tough times of suffering into times of joy (Heb. 12:1–3).

From the exodus from Egypt to Mount Sinai, where the divine revelation of God was given to over two million people at once, we have a summary that these powerful events were designed for one purpose: that we would internalize that there is only one God, and there is none beside Him—ein od milvado (Deut. 4:33–34, 39).

This is the key to walking through the ebb and flow of life—the absolute oneness of God. There is nothing that exists independently of Him—physically, spiritually, or metaphysically. Everything is connected. Every experience. Every challenge. Every person. Everything!

When we—speaking of me, myself, and I—recognize that every event and every encounter is saturated with God's presence and His directive, I can manage life. When I have a deep sense of the divine in everything, it produces a deep sense of gratitude. It impacts our trust and helps us let go of fear and worry. It is all guided by His wisdom, even if I do not understand the situation at the moment. By recognizing a divine spark inside each person (John 1:9) and focusing on ein od milvado, a calm will be provided in the midst of the storm.

Are you struggling with health? Financial struggles? Relational issues? Try reflecting on God's presence and directive in everything—ein od milvado—and you will see that the light at the end of the tunnel was there the whole time. You will be able to transcend the current challenge and see that every detail of life really is connected to the Divine!

No, it does not minimize the challenge—it recognizes His presence in every area of our lives :-). It is a lifelong journey. Consistency and practicing His presence lead to a set-apart life that is not tossed to and fro with everything that comes your way.

Shalom!

Feel free to go to www.lightintorah.org to get past devotionals and more.

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