Springs and Local Directions
Synopsis of Rabbi Israel Rubin's Talk
on Shabbos Parah, March 2 at Cong. Bais Mashe:
"Shabbos Parah" recalls the Red Heifer ritual that cleansed Israel from impurities in the times of Jerusalem's holy Temple, as each person had to be ritually pure before being able to offer the Passover sacrifice. The "Parah Adumah" ashes required "Live waters" which mean 'spring water,' rather than just standing water as in a lake or pond.
As this city is famous for its (over 100) springs, this is of special
interest to Saratogians. Jewish ritual cleansing has two levels: The Mikvah used today, utilizes natural pristine rainwater, contained in a seal-tight pool. There is the more advanced level of "Mayan" (as in the 1.5 million dollar brand new mikva in Tenafly NJ, or the famous Arizal's Mikva in Tzfat Israel) that is built on a bubbling spring. Indeed, as we approach Saratoga coming up the Northway, we are given these two choices: 13S takes us to Saratoga Lake, while a little higher up is 13N which is Saratoga Springs.
In Pirkei Avot (Chapter 2:11) we find both levels used in describing two famous Rabbis of the Mishnaic period. Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrkanos whose photographic memory and power of retention was praised as a sealed cistern that doesn't lose a drop, while his rival Rabbi Elazar Ben Arach's creative energy was like a forceful spring.
Each of these levels has its advantages. The intensity of the Spring is limitless, and is beyond specific measurement, but is rare. We attain this level at highlights in our lives, perhaps on a the highpoint of Kol Nidrei on the holiest day of Yom Kippur, or at memorable and meaningful moments, but for the average day, we must live with the more attainable level.Indeed, as we approach Saratoga coming up the Northway, we are given these two choices: 13S takes us to Saratoga Lake, while a little higher up is 13N which is Saratoga Springs.
on Shabbos Parah, March 2 at Cong. Bais Mashe:
"Shabbos Parah" recalls the Red Heifer ritual that cleansed Israel from impurities in the times of Jerusalem's holy Temple, as each person had to be ritually pure before being able to offer the Passover sacrifice. The "Parah Adumah" ashes required "Live waters" which mean 'spring water,' rather than just standing water as in a lake or pond.
As this city is famous for its (over 100) springs, this is of special
interest to Saratogians. Jewish ritual cleansing has two levels: The Mikvah used today, utilizes natural pristine rainwater, contained in a seal-tight pool. There is the more advanced level of "Mayan" (as in the 1.5 million dollar brand new mikva in Tenafly NJ, or the famous Arizal's Mikva in Tzfat Israel) that is built on a bubbling spring. Indeed, as we approach Saratoga coming up the Northway, we are given these two choices: 13S takes us to Saratoga Lake, while a little higher up is 13N which is Saratoga Springs.
In Pirkei Avot (Chapter 2:11) we find both levels used in describing two famous Rabbis of the Mishnaic period. Rabbi Eliezer Ben Hyrkanos whose photographic memory and power of retention was praised as a sealed cistern that doesn't lose a drop, while his rival Rabbi Elazar Ben Arach's creative energy was like a forceful spring.
Each of these levels has its advantages. The intensity of the Spring is limitless, and is beyond specific measurement, but is rare. We attain this level at highlights in our lives, perhaps on a the highpoint of Kol Nidrei on the holiest day of Yom Kippur, or at memorable and meaningful moments, but for the average day, we must live with the more attainable level.Indeed, as we approach Saratoga coming up the Northway, we are given these two choices: 13S takes us to Saratoga Lake, while a little higher up is 13N which is Saratoga Springs.
