Israel depends upon the rain for its survival. A drought reduces income because all vegetation dies. A drought increases the possibility of death for both animals and humans because of higher incidence of heat stroke, lack of drinking water, and food. When there is not enough water people may become anxious or depressed about their economic losses. Because freshwater is scarce in the Middle East, I once heard an Israeli official predicted that future wars will be fought over water. Drought conditions can also provide a substantial increase in wildfire risk. No wonder the rabbis spend so much time in our Daf TB Taanit 8 speaking about the importance of rain.
“The Gemara
returns to the topic of rain. And Rabbi Ami said: What is the meaning of
that which is written: “If the serpent [naḥash] bites [yishokh]
before it is charmed [laḥash], then the charmer has no advantage”
(Ecclesiastes 10:11)? If you see a generation for whom the heavens
corrode [meshatkhin] like copper [neḥoshet], which prevents
them from bringing down dew and rain, this is due to the lack of
those who whisper quiet [loḥashei leḥishot] prayers in the
generation.
“What is their remedy? They should go to one who knows how to whisper
prayers in the proper manner, as it is written: “Its noise tells concerning
it” (Job 36:33). As for the phrase: “Then the charmer has no advantage,”
this is referring to one who is able to whisper his prayers correctly and
yet does not whisper them correctly. In this case, of what benefit to
him is his ability to pray?
“And if he whispered his prayers and yet was not answered, what is
his remedy? He should go to the most pious individual of the
generation, and this pious individual will increase his prayers
on his behalf, as it is stated one verse earlier: “And He has commanded
it due to imploring” (Job 36:32). And “imploring” means nothing
other than prayer, as it is stated: “Therefore, do not pray you for this
nation, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither implore Me”
(Jeremiah 7:16).
“And if he whispered his prayers for rain, and his prayers were successful,
i.e., rain fell as he requested, and he becomes prideful as a result, he
brings anger into the world, as it is stated: “The cattle [mikne] also [af
] concerning the rising storm [al oleh]” (Job 36:33). This verse can
be read homiletically as: Anger [af ] is acquired [mikne] by one
who raises [al oleh] his pride…”
Just as rain is
needed for the sake of the community survival, the rabbis reminds us of spiritual
qualities are needed as is well. Here the Gemara points out the danger of pride.
Humility is just the opposite of pride.
“Appropriate
humility is calming and healing attribute. Rather than denying your strengths,
virtues, and achievements, acknowledge them what the same time realize that
everything you have is a gift. Humility is there winners that you are a
fallible human being with no claim to perfection. It is a trait that allows you
to be relaxed. It frees you from the need to appear to others as a perfect
human being who never makes mistakes
“True humility
and a life of joy go hand in hand. Since humility frees you from the need to
appear to others to be more than you really are, you will be able to enjoy
life. You no longer fear mistakes so you’re open for acquiring new knowledge
and skills
“Humility
allows you to respect others. You do not feel a need to appear stronger, wiser,
wealthier, or better than others in any way. Humility frees you from needless
worrying about how other people will feel you and you can focus your attention
on personal growth and helping others.” (Begin Again Now: a Concise Encyclopedia
of Strategies for Living by Zelig Pliskin, page 148)
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