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thepassionatejew

Transcending the Tide

By: Mushka Heidingsfeld

Based on Maamer Mayim Rabim 5738


BSD


Down in the dumps, the raging waters roar past,


Threatening my safety, fear I'm losing my grasp,


The waves of worry crash by the sand,


I'm being dragged from my haven on land,


Pulled by the current, Starting to drown,


Each attempt to get up pulls me back down.


Overcome by waters, feel there's no way out,


Time to devise, strategize a new route,


Externally beaming, reaching success,


Inwardly weeping, stuck in a mess.


My life is spiraling, I have no control,


The rushing waves vs. my innocent soul.


And in the depths of distraction, despondence, despair,


Is there any way that I can repair?


Can I shape up, get back where I should be,


Despite the huge ocean engulfing me?


Yes there is a way because of who you are,


No matter how deep, you are never too far.


For no outside pressure, appearance or force,


Can extinguish the flame connecting you to your Source,


Even when the rapid waves attack,


Your essential fire remains intact.


G-d gave us the time and tools that we need,


To build Him a palace, we can succeed.


He wants us to reveal the wealth within,


Each time we face a battle and win.


Our soul descends from the Highest of High,


To the lowest of low, she wants to cry.


But there's a reason it is sent below,


Through combating mighty rivers we show,


Vigorous waters won't wash away the love,


And the ultimate image of us Above,


Is the soul in the body that took it with stride,


Used the challenge to reveal the strength that's inside.


It's not the Tzaddik with the perfect life,


But the resilient warrior through struggle and strife.


Don't underestimate your ability, for we have insurance,


No existence can erase everlasting endurance.


We're expressions of G-d's essence down here,


The soul has a mission, a goal so clear-


To be the Jew that comes back to shore


Stronger and closer than ever before.


~

This poem is based on a Chassidic discourse delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, R' Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

The term "Rebbe" is used in the context of a Chassidic teacher. However, in truth, the Rebbe is not only a leader of Chassidim. The word Rebbe is an acronym for the Hebrew words "Rosh Bnei Yisroel"- the head of the Jewish people. The Jewish nation is compared to a body. Every Jew is compared to a limb; the Rebbe is compared to the head, which leads and guides the entire body. Like a brain that feels the joy, pain, passions and fears of every part of the body, the Rebbe feels every Jew. Through His talks and teachings, the Rebbe enables every Jew to reach deeper into themselves, and connect to Gd in a real and practical way.

In this discourse (called a "Maamer" in Hebrew), the Rebbe delves into the famous verse written by King Solomon (Songs 8:7) "Many waters would not be able to quench love, and rivers would not drown it". What are the waters that try to overtake love, and what is the love that can never be extinguished?

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