A friend of ours on Kauai, Greg Liddle, reported that the world-renown Malibu-lefts at Pakala's, on the South-West shore, weren't as perfect as years past. He indicated that the reef had been affected as a result of the intense battering the island underwent during Hurricane Ewa, whose record gusts sometimes reached over 100 mph. Throughout the deluge, people had to reach deep to find the faith to cope with nearly hopeless conditions. One of the island's clergy called for the islanders to unite in prayer.
This divine force, as manifested in nature, was never more clear than this week's Torah portion, Va Yera. Every surfer is aware of the effect that natural phenoment have on his life, however, the ancient Egyptians had more than a full measure in dealing with the 10 plagues!
The question can be asked by any grade-school youngster: He that created Heaven and Earth with one utterance, certainly to take our ancestors out of Egypt is no big deal- why the mojor disruption of the natural order? The answer, the Ramban z"l tells us (7-3), "in order that Pharoah recall His name, that He become exalted in the eyes of the world."
As every surfer knows, we are connected to a divine plan precisely through the forces of nature- the awesome power of ocean swells, winds and tides- bearing testimony to our connection. And if we're already speaking about weather ( the lack or excess of ), we are going through a tremendous drought now with water reserves reaching a dangerous low. Meanwhile, back in California and other places in the U.S., tremendous hardship has been placed on thousands of people. Let's all pitch in by giving a little more to charity and more acts of kindness to all. May we hear good news soon for all those effected!
Shabbat Shalom to all our friends, surfers, and non-surfers alike!
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