In the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah the first halacha in the laws of idol worship recounts how idolatry spread over the earth from the days of Enosh onward.
The rationale was that the stars and spheres were “ministers who minister before Him” and therefore deserved to be praised. Later, false prophets and imposters arose, further driving the presence of G-d from the minds and hearts of man.
Even though the global population was misled and confused worshiping figures of wood and stone there were a few individuals who still knew the Creator of the Universe and Noah was one of them. (The others were Enosh, Methuselah, Shem, and Ever.)
Today, it seems the problem isn’t with the misappropriation of praise and devotion — we don’t pray to the stars, mountains, or statues anymore. The idolatry of the moment seems to be the misappropriation of power and authority.
Doctors may help us get better, lawyers may help us get out of trouble and employers may give the raises but they are only the conduit through which G-d bestows His goodness. They have zero power of their own. Zip. Zero. Zilch.
Additionally, the local mafia, the IRS, Hamas or Iran have no power of their own — they’re purpose is to stimulate our awareness of G-d. Afterall, there are no athiests in foxholes.
Everything is really to bring us to prayer.
Inner Work pg. 130
King David’s tehillim and our siddur are absolutely filled with praising G-d. Phrases like “sing to Hashem”, “bless You every day”, and “speak of His wonders” are abound.
Gratitude is an expression of belief in G-d and an excellent way to sing, bless and speak about G-d’s goodness. Here are some ideas that even King David would approve of:
- Thank Him directly in personal prayer.
- Write in a gratitude journal.
- Get creative and write a poem or song about His kindness.
- Talk to your family or friends about what good things G-d has done for you recently.
- Saying “thank G-d” or “baruch Hashem” with heartfelt meaning.
King David not only approved of them, he did them himself and you can too! You can be the Sweet Singer of Karmiel or the Sweet Singer of Maale Adumim or wherever you live.
Currently, Hamas is still shooting rockets and will not go down easy. Hezbollah has 125,000+ rockets and countless crazed maniacs dedicated to the destruction of each and every one of us. Other Arab states surrounding us are on board as well.
Right now it’s kinda quiet but we’ve been told to brace for 3-4 months of war. Now is the time to appreciate G-d’s goodness — to pray for emunah that everything is in G-d’s Hands.
The physical tools of protection are the IDF and citizen forces. Our spiritual tool of protection is awareness of G-d — our emunah — our ark. And it’s G-d’s absolute power and might that sees into the hearts of man, guides our future, brings our salvation and the coming of the mashiach, may it be soon.
Be safe and stay positive. Shabbat Shalom!
Yitzhak Sasson 