Shacharis > Pesukei D’zimra > Mizmor Shir
Based on Aish Ha’avodah
The sefer Mishnas Chassidim writes that this chapter of Tehillim is recited by the sparks of holiness that have been ‘freed’ and elevated by the Jewish people.
All over the world, there are sparks of G-dliness that are concealed by outer shells (klipos). The mission of the Jewish people is to gather, release, and elevate these sparks of Divinity from their place of concealment. In practical terms: Hashem’s presence is everywhere, and He is the life-force of every single thing in existence. The physical world, however, conceals this truth very effectively, by disguising Hashem as “nature.” Our job is to identify and reveal the presence of Hashem in every single space. Every time we do that, we are rescuing a spark of Hashem from its concealment.
Let’s put ourselves into the perspective of the spark of Divinity that is in a single specific blade of grass, within the front lawn of a home, among hundreds of thousands of other blades of grass. Every morning this blade of grass sings and praises Hashem, understanding fully that Hashem is the Creator of the world and that its very existence is dependent on His will.
But the world around this blade of grass says otherwise. The owner of the house tends to the lawn, watering and mowing it from time to time. When the lawn looks great the owner will credit himself, and the neighbors may compliment the owner. It’s as if the world created itself, and greenery just grows on its own. The sun, wind, rain, and temperature all play a role in the growth of plants. But the world often seems to think that it’s the weatherman that controls these elements, and the greatest of human minds research, discover, and analyze every aspect of the natural world.
The very essence of this blade of grass, and the infinite Divine wisdom that was invested in creating it with all its fine details, screams “G-dliness,” but no one seems to be listening. Its mission is to show the world the brilliance of Hashem, and His life-giving presence everywhere, but the world is blind and fails to see past the klipos that conceal it.
But wait! What’s that it hears? It’s Shabbos morning, and two holy Yidden, Moshe and Dovid, are passing by as they walk to shul. The world is still and at rest, and the neshamah yeseira of Shabbos Kodesh is giving these Yidden an additional capacity to see the G-dliness that was always there but they hadn’t noticed. As they breathe in the crisp morning air, Moshe turns to Dovid and says: “Did you ever notice how beautiful this lawn is? Look at the beautiful grass and plants that Hashem created, and look at the variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of all the greenery on this lawn!”
“Wow Moshe,” responds Dovid. “I never really paid attention to this, even though I pass it every day!” Casting a look directly at the grass, he continued, “I actually learned recently that every single blade of grass has its own angel that stands over it and whispers: ‘Grow, Grow!’ Incredible! What a beautiful world Hashem created.”
Upon hearing this, our blade of grass bursts into joyous song!
I extol You, Hashem, for You have lifted me up, and not allowed my enemies – the klipos – to rejoice over me! When You hid Your face I was terrified. What is to be gained from my death? What do You gain from keeping Your face concealed? Can the dust praise You, can it declare Your faithfulness? What would be the point of nature praising You, if the people You’ve created don’t see You in nature? You have turned my lament into dancing, You undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy. So that my essence can sing and praise You, and not be silent. Hashem, my G-d, I will praise You forever. ‘
Moment of Mindfulness:
As you read Mizmor Shir, imagine yourself as if you were that blade of grass at the moment described above, bursting to express your praise to Hashem for freeing you from the klipos. Internalize and appreciate the merit we have to create a world-changing impact by elevating sparks, by simply opening our eyes to the presence of Hashem in the world around us.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 21.