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A Bisl Torah

Who is Wise?


What is true wisdom?
 
Last week, our Torah explained that those selected to build the Tabernacle should be chachmei-lev, wise of heart. Not artistic. Not crafty. Not even mathematical or punctilious with detail. Wise of heart. 
 
Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin (1749-1821) asks the question, how does one acquire wisdom in the first place? He replies with a verse from Mishlei: “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God.” 
 
My personal take: wisdom is attained when we wake up each morning with wonder, awe, marvel and curiosity. How is it possible that I am awake, breathing and have the potential to change the world? How is it possible that the sun rises and sets and yet, I have nothing to do with it? How is it possible that this world will continue without me? The Jewish definition of attaining wisdom is realizing how humble we should be.
 
God, Modeh Ani: I am grateful to you for restoring my soul, allowing me to participate in this world of yours, a world of miracles. 
 
When we cultivate an attitude of humility, gratitude, wonder and awe—that is when we open a piece of ourselves and are ready for God to fill that space—with a little wisdom of the heart.
 
Shabbat Shalom 

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