D'var Torah: "How great are Your works, HaShem! You have made them all in wisdom" (Tehillim 104:24). HaShem is the Source of Life for all living things. As a mother lovingly nurses her baby, so too, HaShem kindly breathes within us the gift of life. Indeed, if HaShem did not continuously grant us life, all living beings would cease to exist. HaShem mercifully instills the various levels of life that are appropriate for each one of His creations: the heavenly angels above and humankind below; the animals, birds, and fish; and the trees, grass, and herbs. What's more, HaShem is the Merciful Father, Who thoughtfully cares for all of His creations. HaShem holds a special love for Klal Yisrael because their holy souls emanate from the Highest Wisdom.
Moral: There is no more excellent gift than the gift of life which HaShem grants us, for no other reason than His unconditional love. We express our appreciation and thankfulness for 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 nurture them both materially and spiritually. Share words of Torah with them, so that they elevate themselves in this world, and 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 Cordavero)
