The Source of Good \ Tehillim
“Trust in HaShem and do good; dwell in the land and be nourished by faith” (Tehillim 37:3).
One day the Russian tax collectors came to Edmond Rothschild’s estate to assess his property. During their investigation, they came to a locked room and asked him to open the door. Mr. Rothschild’s reluctance to comply awakened their suspicions that he was hiding something of great value. They insisted that he unlock the door. He finally opened the door, only to reveal a small room with a rickety table and a broken chair. “This is what you didn’t want us to see,” they asked incredulously. Mr. Rothschild explained that he was accustomed to visiting this room every day to remind himself of his humble origins. “When I was a young man without financial security, I would sit at this old table and say Tehillim,” he said.
The earth is the source of nourishment for all living things, including vegetation, animals, and humankind. The plants draw sustenance from the root system, which spreads deep into the soil. Animals bend down to eat from the field, and if they refuse to lower their heads, they will die of starvation. Whereas, when a man eats, he sits upright at a table because his soul is connected to Heaven.
Just as the material sustenance springs from the earth, man’s spirituality is rooted in the earth. The essence of spirituality is humility! The realization that HaShem is our Merciful Father, Who created us ex nihilo, is the very life of the soul. He grants us the gift of life, our health, our livelihood, our family, and all of our success! When we look down to the earth, we are filled with humility, and we recognize that HaShem is our King, Who compassionately supplies all of our needs.
Moshe Rabenu was the “humblest man on the face of the earth.” His great humility and clarity of HaShem, nurtured his soul with the ultimate level of spirituality, wisdom, and goodness.
The above verse expresses this profound concept, “Dwell in the land and be nourished by faith.” Meaning, increase your faith that HaShem is the Source of all Good. This faith in HaShem will nurture our very souls with humility, holiness, and joy.
(Based on Ahavat Mesharim of Rav Moshe Rozenstein)
