Sacred Time 08
Adar 3
“The earth will be filled with knowledge of G-d like the sea floor is covered with water.” (Yeshayahu 11:9)
The sign of the month of Adar is dagim–fish, in the plural–but what is the deeper meaning of the mazal? Reb Nosson explains with characteristic clarity: water alludes to da’at, deep understanding, since before the world was created there was only water. This is closest state to the absolute revelation that existed before G-d hid Himself when He created the world. A shadow of this sublime level can be accessed through water even today. This is why water purifies. Although the animals were corrupted before the great flood in the days of Noah, which could be seen from their acting contrary to their natural and necessary drive to reproduce, the fish were not because they were insolated by water. Water alludes to the next world, when, “The earth will be covered with knowledge of G-d like the sea floor is covered with water.” The eyes of many species of fish remain perpetually open as a symbol of G-d’s perpetual loving providence. Rebbe Nachman teaches that the more we look to our Creator, the more Divine providence rests upon us.
I can fill my life with spiritual content through the force of my da’at. When I am aware of the Divine providence that surrounds me, I am truly like a fish gliding through a world of water. When I focus on G-d’s imminence, and that He permeates every thought, word and action of my day, I feel so joyous and alive. And then I wonder: Why have I been allowing days to go by without focusing on my Source?
(Likutei Halachot, Basar Shenitalem Min Ha’Ayin, II: 5]
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