Close To Torah

King David expressed the awe of the vast heaven and world around him. This theme finds expression throughout many of the psalms. In Psalm 19 David states that there is something that brings even more reverence to God and teaches the human soul about spiritual beauty even more deeply than the impressive world around us. The study of Torah and the Wisdom of Hashem is the most powerful experience available to mankind. It is humbling, empowering and inspiring! Learning Torah puts one in direct contact with Hashem and teaches one about His ways in the most intimate way.

Torah and Science

Throughout the generations the Tzadikim and Jewish leaders were known to possess great Torah and worldly insight. Where did they get their knowledge from? Rabbi Mordechai Gifter zt”l explained that many great Torah scholars would study science and other topics in order to better understand Torah and the world around them. The Midrash (Socher Tov 19:4) states that when the great Rabbi named Shmuel stated that he was proficient in all of the pathways of the skies as well as he knew his hometown of Nahardia (Berachos 58b), this was coming as a gift from Hashem. The Midrash asks, where did Shmuel get this knowledge from? The answer given is: As a reward for Shmuel’s efforts and toil in Torah, the wisdom of the skies was revealed to him. “Hashem reveals His secrets to those who fear Him (Tehillim 25:14)”.

The Greatest Achievement

Through one’s study of Torah, he learns Hashem’s wisdom and about the awe-inspiring skies and most importantly, he learns about himself and how to live life. David expresses his full commitment to Hashem in most eloquent, poetic and heartfelt words throughout all of Tehillim. Just reading through his expressions engenders a feeling of warmth and love towards Torah and towards Hashem.  It is well understood why the Vilna Goan states that this psalm is the Song of the Day for Shavuos. A holiday which celebrates the beauty and power of Torah deserves a psalm with that exact theme. It is for this reason that we also recite this psalm as part of the Pisukei D’zimrah (introductory psalms) on Shabbos morning. Shabbos is a time of communion with Hashem and of connecting to Torah study.

Marriage

The allegory of the rejoicing chosson, groom, is powerfully used in this psalm (verse 6). In the Jewish perspective there is no greater way to bring the Divine Presence down to earth than to build a home based on Torah and kedusha, sanctity. With the foundation of love, commitment and simchas hachaim, a healthy and positive outlook in life, one can bring children into this world and raise them to be the greatest that they can be. A Torah home is one where the happiness and brilliance of Torah is palpable. It is one in which fulfillment and clarity come hand in hand as the members encourage each other to grow in spirituality and love for one another.

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