בס''ד

THE DAILY DAF MESSAGE OF THE BET ZVI DAFactory

Sailing Souls

Friendship and brotherhood among people is a tremendous aspect of human relations. When people cooperate together they elicit from each other fine qualities and refined character traits. Strong bonds of friendship create an environment of creative competition and pride in each others accomplishments, and growth in spiritual as well as the physical realm can be maximized. "Each man will help his fellow, and to his brother he would say, 'be strong!'" (Yeshayahu 41:6)

Yet, this ideal situation can develop only when the bonds of friendship are strong. When the care and concern for one another is deep and heartfelt, the effects of support and teamwork can be significant. However, if the level of mutual cooperation is merely superficial, and there is no genuine love between these individuals, the positive outcome will not materialize.

The Rebbe, Reb Dovid Moshe of Chortkov, zt"l shows how this message is indicated within the words of our Mishnah. The Jewish soul is compared to a boat. It is hewn from a pure source, and it is cast upon the waters of this world to fulfill its mission. Sometimes the waters upon which the boat glides are calm, and occasionally the boat has to endure stormy conditions. Ultimately, after it has completed its task, the soul, which is likened to the boat, returns to its port of origin with the goods it has accumulated.

If the boats are tied together, referring to conditions when the Jewish people are connected to one another, we can carry from one to the next. This hints at the fact that the connection allows the positive traits which one person has can influence others. We can draw strength from each other, and we can benefit from each other. The goodness which one person sees in his friend can be utilized and enhanced.

If the boats are not tied together, even being in close proximity to one another cannot bridge the gap between them. The analogy is to a situation where the bond of love and friendship between souls is not secure. In this case, we cannot carry from one to the next. Without this forging of relationships, the resources which one person has to share fail to help his fellow man.

The lesson is that the Jewish people can accomplish great things if they remain tied together. The mutual pooling of efforts and encouragement will result in our fourney to promote the glory of heaven being as productive as possible, and our mission as individuals and as a nation will succeed in its purpose.

Reproduced from the Daily Daf Digest, with kind permission from Rabbi B. Z. Rand shilta.