Mishpatim: The Arrows and Ox of Fire
This week's Torah portion, Mishpatim,
deals with many laws, including the laws of damages. One of the four categories
of damages is fire. In the Talmud, there is a difference of opinion between
Rabbi Yochanan and Reish Lakish as to their visualization of fire and its
legal ramifications.
| |
Visualization
|
As
Relates to Kindler of Flame |
Responsibility
for Damage |
Potential
for Damage |
Rabbi
Yochanan |
Arrow |
Direct extension of
kindler |
Responsible for both
primary and secondary damage |
All damage covered |
Reish
Lakish |
Ox |
Possession of kindler |
Responsible for primary
damage only |
Damage
only partially covered |
As we know, whenever two great sages of the Talmud
differ in opinion each one is saying the truth, each one in his own dimension.
(Even though when we pronounce the halacha "Jewish law" only one
view can actually be accepted).
Therefore, in order to meditate on fire we need
to identify both dimensions of fire ("arrow" and "ox") and incorporate their
positive, inherent truths in our lives.
The arrow is a warlike image. Conversely, the
ox is symbolic of agriculture and peace, as in the verse in Isaiah, "And
they will beat their swords into plowshares."
However, in a case where the fire has gotten
out of control, it is specifically the "peace" image that is more damaging.
The person who kindled the fire that is visualized as arrows is responsible
for all damage that ensues. However, the damage caused by the peaceful image
of the fire is not fully covered, leaving the victim to bear the burden of
part of the destruction.
The positive image of the ox (which is referred
to in the singular in the discussion in the Talmud) is as the bearer of sustenance.
By plowing the fields, he produces plenty. In our own lives, this is expressed
as our practical caring for our loved ones; supporting their physical needs.
Maintenance of this caring over time is a product of the fire of love that
one has for his loved ones.
The positive images of the arrows (which are
referred to in the discussion in the Talmud as plural; two unless otherwise
specified) are of love and insight.
On the emotional level, this
is the arrow of love, propelled from the heart of the dispatcher to the heart
of his beloved. Metaphorically, the deeper the dispatcher pulls the bow in
the direction of his own heart, the more power the arrow will have to penetrate
the depths of the heart of his beloved. This is the deepest expression of
the fire of love, which impregnates the heart.
On the intellectual level, the
arrow represents the lightening (fire) flash of insight. God's arrows are
described in the Torah as flashes of lightening. Kabbalah explains that chochmah, "wisdom," is
expressed as a lightening flash of insight.
Interestingly, "Love of Israel," ahavat
Yisrael, has the numerical value of 949, which is 13 (ahavah--"love")
times 73 (chochmah--"wisdom"). Love is at the emotional level,
while "Israel," Yisrael, is an acronym for li rosh, which
means, "I have a head (intellect)."
By meditating on all facets of the image of fire
on the physical, emotional and intellectual levels, we can transform its
potential damage to the eternal flame that bonds two souls together.
|
