Many years ago, a surfing movie came out, called "The Performers". Besides the outstanding performances depicting the beauty of the art of surfing, the movie was remarkable for its focusing on the ocean as a source of elevation of the spirit. One sequence pictured an absolute harmony between man and his aquatic environment, with the blissful smiles on the faces of the surfers reflecting this theme!
Whether unwittingly or not, the producers touched upon a theme mentioned in this week's Torah portion, with its recounting of the order of creation.
What is it about water, really, that captures our imagination and has such a strong pull on our aesthetic natures? Leaving out for a moment the awesome dynamic of a wave, we find an inherently mystical quality about water, besides its providing life itself and serving as a balm for those "inland" surfers that can't wait to get wet! About this esoteric "feeling" on the part of the surfer, the Ohr Ha Hayim Hakadosh tells us that the creation of Heaven and Earth reflect two different worlds: one exalted, the other base, which needed to be separated lest crass materialism and utter darkness permeate the world!
The transition between the spiritual and material, subsequently ocurring in order of their creation, is water, that substance that plays such an important part in the lives of surfers and truly makes life worth living. As our sages comment on this substance that, thankfully separates the two worlds, "all those that are thirsty, let them come to the water!" It is known that the Torah is compared to water, and followed by the subsequent creation of light, we are shown metaphorically a true cycle of happiness and peace, with the bright promise of things to come!
So stay wet, keep trimming, and a shabbat shalom to all!
P.O. Box 654, Jerusalem, 91006 * Israel
Tel: (03) 906-7281 * Fax: (03) 906-7280
Email:rabbisurf@aol.com
California Winter Surf Safari in Beautiful Santa Barbara, California!!!
(See our colorful web page!!)
**Surf the famous Hollister Ranch- day-long excursion aboard a luxury yacht
up in Pt. Conception!
**Surf Rincon del Mar, Campus Point (UCSB), Pitas Point, the Ventura
Overhead......all the world class point breaks with Rabbi Shifren and
friends during Winter break (Dec. 24-Jan 2).
**Surfing lessons available!
**Learn Rabbi Shifren's secrets (of more than 30 years esperience) for
staying in top surfing shape!!
**Accomodations at one of Santa Barbara's finer hotels!
**Great food!
**horseback riding and deep-sea fishing excursions to Channel Islands!
(optional)
**Beginning classes available in Kabbalah and Chassidut by the world-famous
"Surfing Rabbi", Nachum Shifren!! E-mail us or check our full-color web
page for details!!
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