Tanninim, Dry Bones, and the Hope of Redemption - Episode 18

The transcript discusses the mysterious verse in the Torah about the Leviathan and its mate, and how it relates to Hashem's plan for creation and resurrection. It also explores the connection between the themes of redemption and resurrection in the Yigdal prayer. The vision of the dry bones in Yechezkel's prophecy is highlighted as a powerful image of resurrection and renewal. The transcript emphasizes that these stories and principles remind us to trust in Hashem's plan, even in times of difficulty. It encourages reflection on the areas in our lives that feel broken and how we can invite renewal with Hashem's help. The transcript concludes by offering further exploration of these teachings and a reminder to live with hope and faith. Welcome back to Tefila today. Have you ever come across a pesach, a verse in the Torah that feels mysterious? Like it's quietly asking you to dig a little deeper? For me, one of those moments is in Tefer Beresha, that's Aleph Pesach of Aleph, chapter 1, verse 21, where it says, I'll admit, I didn't think much about it the first time I read it, but then I came across Rashi's commentary, and he asks an important question. What are these great sea monsters? Why does the Torah call them great? What makes them so important? Rashi, drawing from Midrash, explains that these are the Leviathan and its mate, two extraordinary creatures that Hashem created and then limited. And let me tell you, the story gets even more fascinating. According to the Midrash, Hashem killed the female Leviathan to prevent their offspring from overwhelming the world, preserving her for the righteous in the world to come. I know it sounds mythical, but the Torah is telling us something profound here. It's a window into understanding Hashem's plan for creation, resurrection, all at the beginning of creation, all hidden within the words of the Tzukkin at the beginning of creation. Today we're finishing Yigdal, the poetic summary of Maimonides, the Rambam, the 13 principles of faith, the Yigdal Ikram. And wouldn't you know it, the last two lines tie perfectly into these themes of redemption, and resurrection. Here's how they go. Now these words highlight two of the most awe-inspiring principles of our faith. One, the coming of Mashiach, Mechakei Tishuasot, and two, the resurrection of the dead, Mechai Nesim, Mesinichai Yekel, Berov Chasot. But here's the thing. These ideas aren't just abstract, or future-focused. They're deeply connected to the Torah, to our daily tzivos, our prayers, and even to stories like the Leviathan. And if you're wondering how it all fits together, let's take a closer look at one of the most vivid depictions of resurrection, Chiasa Mesin in Tanakh, Yechezkel's vision of the dry bones. Yechezkel Renavi's vision in Perek Lama Zayin, chapter 37, is hands-down one of the most powerful images of resurrection we have. If you have never heard it before, let me paint the scene. Yechezkel is transported by Hashem to a valley filled with dry, lifeless bones. He is told to prophesy, to be mesnabeh, over them. And as he speaks, something incredible happens. The bones start to rattle, they connect, flesh grows over them, and finally, Hashem breathes life into them. These once-dry bones rise up as a great multitude. Now, this isn't just a cool image. It's a promise. At the time, the Jewish people, Chiaso, were in exile. And this vision was Hashem's way of saying, even when it feels like all hope is lost, I can bring life and renewal. I can restore what seems irreversibly broken. The dry bones represent both a literal belief in the Chiasa Mesin, resurrection of the dead, and a metaphor for spiritual renewal. And that brings us right back to the closing lines of Yigal. Hashem will revive the dead in His abundant kindness. They send Yichay Yichal, the will of Chiaso. What Yechezkel saw wasn't just for his time, it's a timeless message for all of us. So, how does the Livyah Son fit into this? From Rashi, the beginning of Sefer Bereshith. Both the Livyah Son and the dry bones, from Nach, teach us about Hashem's mastery over life, death, and renewal. One, the Livyah Son shows us that even the most overwhelming forces of creation are part of Hashem's plan, and they're carefully balanced for the ultimate good. The dry bones, at Zemot Yeveshoth, are here to remind us that nothing is beyond Hashem's power to revive. Not people, not nations, not hope itself. So, here's what I think is so powerful about these stories and principles. They remind us that faith isn't just about believing in miracles. It's about trusting in Hashem's bigger plan, even when we don't understand it. Here's a question for you. What are the dry bones in your life? What feels lifeless or broken? How can you start inviting Hashem's renewal into those spaces? These aren't just philosophical questions. They are the heart of what it means to live with faith and hope. The Torah, Yisrael, and these stories all remind us that Hashem is constantly communicating with us, whether it's through the mysteries of creation, like the Livyah Son, or the visions of the Museum, the prophets, like Yehezkel. Hashem is inviting us to reflect, to trust, and to believe in the possibility of renewal. If you'd like to explore these ideas further, feel free to reach out to me. I'll provide for you the sources at InputZulaToday at gmail.com and let's keep this conversation going because there's so much more to uncover in these incredible teachings. Thank you for joining me today. Let's keep living with hope and may we merit to see the Redemption, the Geulah, and Resurrection clear for nations we've been waiting for.