2000
Reach for the Stars and Be Mindful of the Sand
After the "Akeda", the Binding of Isaac and his near sacrifice, an angel of the Holy One called to Abraham a second time and gives the following promise:
Genesis 22
15. And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven the second time,
16. And said, By myself have I sworn, said the Lord, for because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son;
17. That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and your seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18. And in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed my voice.
Your Torah Navigator
Why are there two descriptions of Abraham's seed? Why are we both like "the stars of the heaven and the sand which is upon the sea?"
A Word
A Chasidic explanation says the following. Each person is born with two pockets. One says I am like the stars in the heaven and the world was created for me. The other says I am lowly as the sand upon the sea, and I am like the dust of the earth. If one feels full and proud, that person should look into the pocket of dust and be reminded of humility. If one is feeling lowly then one should look at the pocket that is filled with stars and remember how much s/he matters.
For this year of 5761 may we all be blessed with a sense of perspective and balance. Reach for the stars and be mindful of the sand.