Tiferes: The Glory of Yigdal - Episode 17

The podcast episode discusses the profound meaning and depth of the holy language of Rosh Hashanah Kodesh. It explores the word "Teferis" and its significance in reflecting the mission of Jews to glorify and reflect Hashem's greatness in the world. The word emphasizes the duality of receiving Hashem's light and reflecting it outward, living in harmony with Hashem's will. The episode also highlights the role of Moshe Abeinu and the Torah in guiding Bnei Yisrael to become Hashem's Teferis. The concept of Teferis is reinforced by Yeshayahu's prophecy, emphasizing the importance of embodying harmony and purpose in our lives. Living as Hashem's Teferis means reflecting His beauty and splendor in all our actions and interactions. The episode concludes by urging listeners to consider how they can live as Hashem's Teferis and bring beauty and clarity into their own lives and the lives of others. Welcome back to Tefila Today, the podcast where we uncover the depth and beauty of our daily Tefila. Rosh Hashanah Kodesh, the holy language, is not just another language, it's divine. Each word carries profound meaning and depth, often containing layers of interpretation that transcend what we might initially understand. Many times, a single word in Rosh Hashanah Kodesh holds more meaning than entire phrases in other languages. Let's take the word Teferis, for example. It's a word we encounter in Tefila, in Yigdal, and even in prophecy, in the Ruach. At first glance, it may seem like just a poetic term for glory, but its meaning is far deeper, touching on the essence of our mission as Jews to glorify Hashem and to reflect Hashem's greatness in the world. In today's episode, we will explore how the Python of Yigdal shows this powerful word, connecting it to Yeshayot's prophecy and the Torah given through Moshe Arbenu, and we'll uncover why this message is just as vital today as it was when these words were first written. Let's dive in. We begin with the words Yigdal. Abundance of Hashem's prophecy He gave to His treasured nation, and Hashem's glory will not depart from them. The Torah of truth was given to His people by Hashem through His prophet Moshe, the faithful servant of His house. Here, the Python describes Bnei Yisrael as Am Seguraso, His treasured nation, and Teferis, His glory, both terms carry profound meaning. Am Segura emphasizes our unique relationship with Hashem, a nation chosen not for privilege but for responsibility. It reflects the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael that sets us apart as Hashem's people, His representatives in this world. But the word Teferis takes this idea even further. Teferis is often translated as glory, but its root, Pe'er, suggests beauty, harmony, and splendor. In this context, Teferis implies that Bnei Yisrael are not just a chosen nation, they are meant to reflect the beauty and magnificence of Hashem in the world. Why did the Python choose the word Teferis instead of another term? Perhaps it's because Teferis captures the duality of our mission. It's not just about receiving Hashem's light, it's about reflecting it outward, harmonizing the spiritual and the physical, that's the beauty of it, and living in a way that inspires of it, that's the Teferis. This is the essence of being a light, an Ar L'goyim, a light unto the nations. The idea of Teferis reflecting Hashem's beauty and glory is embodied by Moshe Abeinu. Moshe wasn't just a leader or a lawgiver. Moshe was Hashem's faithful servant, uniquely positioned to bring the Torah to Bnei Yisrael, and guide them in becoming Hashem's Teferis. Raised in the palace of Paro, Moshe was exposed to the height of Egyptian culture, a society that worshipped power, wealth, and idolatry. What Moshe saw through it, he recognized the emptiness of a world without spiritual harmony, and this clarity gave him the ability to elevate Bnei Yisrael, transforming them from slaves in Nitzrayim, Egypt, over to Hashem, servants of Hashem. Through Moshe, Hashem gave us the Torah, which isn't just a set of laws, but a guide for living in harmony with Hashem's will. The Torah teaches us how to reflect Teferis in every aspect of life, from our interactions with others, to the commandments that Hashem has given us, to our relationship with Hashem. Yeshayahu's prophecy reinforces this concept of Teferis. Rabbi Yaakov Weingarten sources the word Teferto from Yeshayahu Peruch 49, Peruch Mentes, chapter of Mentes, verse 3, Pesach Emel, he writes, And Hashem said to me, You are my servant Israel, for whom I will be glorified. Yeshayahu emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael are not just Hashem's chosen nation, they are His Teferis. Their role is to reflect Hashem's beauty, Hashem's harmony, and Hashem's glory in the world. And this is echoed in Yeshayahu's Peruch Mentes, chapter 42, verses 6 and 7, Psalm 67, I, Hashem, have called you in righteousness and will strengthen your hand. I have preserved you and made you a convental people, a light unto the nations. Yeshayahu's message challenges us to embody Teferis by living lives of harmony and purpose. The sourcing of the word by Rabbi Weingarten is so important. This means that the world, and with the emphasis of the Paiton, was that we should see that the world should live in alignment with Hashem's will. Our mitzvot, our actions, and even our interactions become expressions of Hashem's beauty and glory. When we recite Yitzhau, we aren't just praising Hashem. We're committing ourselves to a mission, to live as Hashem's Teferis. This means reflecting His beauty, His harmony, and splendor in everything we do. The word Teferis reminds us that we're not only an amsegulah, a separate people, Hashem's treasured nation, but also Hashem's reflection in the world. And it challenges us to ask, how can I harmonize my actions with Hashem's will? How can I, on a daily basis, bring beauty and clarity into my life and the lives of others? This is what it means to live as a light unto the nations. Every mitzvah, every act of kindness, and every word spoken with intention is a step toward fulfilling this role. So the next time you say Yitzhau, pause and reflect. How am I living as Hashem Teferis today?