The Secret of Life
A peddler came into the market and called out, "Who wants to buy the elixir of life?" Rabbi Yanai approached him and asked to see his goods. The peddler took out a book of Psalms and showed him the verse (34:13): "Who is the man who desires life, who loves days of seeing good?"
"Who is the man who desires life?" asked the peddler. "Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn from bad and do good, seek peace and pursue it."
Rabbi Yanai responded, "All my life I have been reading this passage, but I did not know its meaning until the peddler explained it to me." (Midrash Vayikra Raba 16:2)
What was the new insight that so impressed Rabbi Yanai? The peddler explained that the verse, "Who is the man who desires life," is not referring to a person who wants to avoid death. Rather, the verse reveals the way to truly be alive. That is, "Guard your lips from evil, do good, seek peace and pursue it."
The Torah illuminates the path to grasp the spiritual essence of life. May we be inspired to attain the essence of life, by speaking well of others, performing good deeds, and making peace - and then we will truly be alive.
May HaShem bless you with a sweet, healthy, and happy New Year!
[Based on Cochvei Ohr of Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer]
