In my class last week, a student asked me why is the Creator's capacity to withhold called "gevurah" - which conventionally means "strength". Its also the root underlying Hebrew words that mean warrior or hero; people not particularly known for holding back anything.
I responded that the Creator's true desire is to be doing kindness and giving. To withhold kindness and giving is not really what He wants to do and takes Self conquest on His part.
From FaceBook posting:
ReplyDeleteJane H.: Like a parent who needs to discipline a child by witholding something for a period of time. The parent feels bad, but it must be done if you love the child and want them to grow into a mature and complete person.
Choni Elchonon Kihleel: Exactly Jane H. :)
Choni Elchonon Kihleel: Thank you Ruth J., Cheryl O.,Ze'ev G. & Jane H.for your "likes".
Sara L.: Very wise words Choni Elchonon Kihleel where do you teach?
Choni Elchonon Kihleel To Sara L.: I teach in the cafe' of a Barnes & Nobles bookstore near my home. In the USA, its a chain of large bookstores that often also have in-store cafe's serving Starbucks coffee.
Sara L.: So Your thirst is quenched both ways Choni :-)
Choni Elchonon Kihleel: Exactly!
Choni Elchonon Kihleel To Sara L. : Actually, coffee doesn't quench thirst. It's sipped for other reasons. By contrast, Torah does quench a certain kind of thirst. ;)
Sara L.: :-)