If there's one thing you can say about surfers, they love water! It would be unthinkable to surf in air or somewhere out in space. Without the "living waters' of the ocean to give us the stoke we need to go through another day, life just wouldn't be the same. Think about it! Ever see a surfing movie where the surfers are up tight or stressed out in the water? No other activity in the world seems to be replete with the sense of involvement and awe that surfers experience while in the "vessel" of the Creation, the mighty ocean! Besides the soothing effect water has on the soul, the Talmud tells us that there is a ritually purifying aspect that can be applied to various cases of impurity. We learn that water from a flowing spring is the highest source in this regard. Here we see the cycle of water measured in terms of its degrees of purity, with the water flowing eventually from the rivers into the sea, each with its own level of purity.
So where do we learn about the incredible attraction of surfers to water, their unwillingness to accept imitations? The Talmud hints to us (Sota, 16-b) that there's a difference of opinion whether "living water" (from a flowing spring) should be added first to a vessel or the ashes of the Para Aduma. No, Rashi (z"l) tells us, first transfer the "living water" to the vessel without any separation between the water and the vessel. Regarding this seemingly obscure and puzzling exercise in hair-splitting, Rashi answers the question on so many surfers' minds: the "life force" is in the water and nothing should be allowed to detract from it! There's no comparison, no substitutes, basically no other reality, just the "living waters" in the mighty, earthly "vessel, the ocean!
How prophetic were the words of Bob Dylan, as most surfers surely recall: "...the river flows, it flows to the sea, where that river flows is where I want to be....!"
Ready for the ultimate tour of the Mediterranean!?
Try the "Surf and Soul" surfing tour at Herzliah Beach!!
--2 hours of instruction by Nachum Shifren, The Surfing Rabbi, former L.A.
County Beach Lifeguard (CPR/First Aid certified), with over 30 years
experience.
--surfboard rentals
--individuals and groups of all sizes
--call or write for brocheure today!!!
NEW! NEW! NEW! Ask us about our "Surf and Study" program while on your
next visit to our shores!!
Find out more about your heritage, introductory Talmud and Kabbala classes
in between surf sessions!!
Rabbi Nachum Shifren "The Surfing Rabbi" Email: rabbisurf@aol.com
Surf & Soul Online: http://www.surfingrabbi.com
P.O. Box 654, Jerusalem, 91006 * Israel Tel: (03) 906-7281 * Fax: (03) 906-7280