E Mussar - Sabedoria para o Crescimento Pessoal: SF

terça-feira, 12 de julho de 2022

SF - The Power of Divine Goodness

Dedicated to Esther Leora bas Sara

“Once Rabbi Chiya bar Abba was very ill. Rabbi Yochanon went to visit him and said, “Do you want these afflictions? Rabbi Chiya bar Abba responded, “I don’t want these afflictions, nor the reward for enduring them.” Rabbi Yochanon said, “Give me your hand.” He gave him his hand. Rabbi Yochonan grasped it with his hand and healed him!” (Brachot 5b)

How did Rabbi Yochanon heal his friend just by holding his hand? There is a total of 17 joints from the shoulder to the fingers (14 in the hand and 3 in the arm). The numerical value (gematriah) of the word טוב (good) is also 17. This signifies that HaShem instilled the attribute of goodness in the hands of man, who is endowed with the capacity to perform good deeds. In this light, the holy Rabbi Yochanan grasped his friends hands and consciously intended to transfer goodness and healing to Rabbi Chiya bar Abba. HaShem blessed his efforts and healed Rabbi Chiya bar Abba.

The grace of Divine goodness lies within the very hands of man. With the proper intention we are empowered to strengthen, encourage, and even heal our friends.

Look at your hands and count the 17 joints from your shoulders to your fingers. Reflect on the fact that the numerical value of טוב (good) is also 17. Sense the power of goodness that HaShem implanted within your hands. Reach out with your hands and convey kindness, happiness, and healing to your family members and friends.

(Based on the commentary of the Ben Yehodiya)