Hugs

A warm hug is nice. Especially from a parent to a child, and child to parent. A hug closes the gap, giving comfort. A hug means “I love you.”

I remember, as a child, sitting next to my father in the synagogue. And I loved taking some of his tallit, and wrapping it around me.

What is a tallit? A cloth garment which wraps around the person — signifying G-d’s all encompassing presence; and strings tied to the corners — symbolizing G-d’s life force enlivening every facet of existence. When we put on the tallit, and wrap it around us, we are wrapping G-dliness around us.

As I wrapped myself in my father’s tallit, I brought myself closer to him, while separating myself from the outside world. And the warmth, imbued within me, then shines into the outside world, even into this article.

When women light the candles before Shabbat, they wave their hands inwardly, bringing G-d’s light and warm embrace to the family.

What are Shabbat candles? Lights that warm the house, ushering in a holy day. The warmth and light of the Shabbat candles illuminate the house, and also the world.

‘Mitzvah’ (commandment) is related to the word ‘tzavsah’ — connecting. By fulfilling G-d’s commandments, we connect ourselves to Him, and bring His holiness into everything.

When the nations fulfill the seven Mitzvot (commandments) which G-d told Moses at Mount Sinai, they bring G-d’s blessing for peace everywhere.

It starts with connecting to G-d. It culminates in Redemption, when G-d’s light and warmth and holiness that is everywhere, in everything, becomes revealed, so that the entire world is imbued with His light and glory, bringing the complete and imminent Redemption with Moshiach.