D'var Torah: "How great are Your works, HaShem! You have made them all in wisdom". HaShem is the Source of Life for all living things. Indeed, if HaShem did not continuously breathe His breath of life within us, all of life would cease to exist. HaShem, alone, mercifully instills the various levels of life that are appropriate for each one of His creations: the heavenly angels above and man below; the animals, birds, and fish; and the trees, grass, and herbs. What's more, HaShem is the Merciful Father to all of His creations. This is especially true of Klal Yisrael because their holy souls emanate from the Highest Wisdom.
Moral: There is no greater gift than the gift of life which HaShem grants us, for no other reason than His unconditional love. We express our appreciation of HaShem's gift of life in our daily prayer service: "Everything alive will gratefully acknowledge You, Selah!"
Application: Emulate HaShem by helping your friends survive and thrive. Look for ways to guide them to success both materially and spiritually. Share words of Torah with them, so that they can increase their share in the World to Come. Envision yourself as a "river of life," encouraging, assisting, and nourishing all of HaShem's creations.
(Based on Tomer Devorah of Rav Moshe Codavero)
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