Making a big splash

Print-friendly version

Making a big splash

Harav Y. Reuven Rubin Shlita

I am a Rabbi, not a scientist, but I want to share with you some scientific experiments that caught my imagination. The good folk at NASA crashed two rockets into the moon. Now, this was not some huge mistake nor was it an accident; this was done on purpose. The scientists are trying to find water on that far-off orb. Besides the fact that man has strolled around on that barren place, there are parts of it that have yet to be reached. The theory is that in the crevices of the moon’s surface, they just may find proof of the existence of water. The experiment was for a rocket to crash into one of these deep ravines, and another one would take pictures of the “splash” of debris that the first one caused. These images would then be analysed for traces of moisture. You can well imagine the cost of this particular exercise; it must be in the billions, and so the whole scientific world held its breath as the moment of impact was ticked down. Then there was a small cloud that could be seen and nothing much else. The NASA folk claim that it all went well, but that the Splash wasn’t as high as they thought it would be. No fear, though, dear taxpayer, the pictures were taken and all will soon be revealed.

I know those fellows in their white lab coats are extremely clever and I can’t hold a candle to their knowledge, but I do have a small suggestion. Next time you want to find out if there is water far away, you need not crash enormous rockets at enormous cost only to get a splash. Just call up my local water supplier and tell them you think someone is taking a shower on the moon for free. In no time, they will have arranged for a water meter to be placed there and will even obtain the user’s bank details to create a direct debit.

It seems that for many, only a huge splash will do. Quiet moments of calm reflection hold no attraction for some; theirs is a world inhabited by huge displays and big bangs. In the Torah cycle of spiritual happenings, we have some pretty large splashes too, and in recent times, it seems that there has been no dearth of picture-taking as well. However, the water we seek is there within each mitzvah and its ability to refresh is part of who we are.

The past few weeks have witnessed many spiritual splashes in our homes: the intensity of Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur, the joy of Succos and the exuberance of Shemini Atzeres/Simchas Torah. The entire tableau of one’s inner emotions has found expression at one time or another. Now we slip into the comparative calm of the oncoming winter months. The rush has abated and a different landscape must now take hold. In these weeks, we read in the Torah about creation and the beginnings of what mankind can aspire to. There will be no great flashes, nothing discernibly different. Yet the probes of the soul will be deeper and more enriching than anything crashing into the moon. We have opened ourselves up during the Heiliga Teig and now we must grasp firmly what we have gained in this last month and allow it all to take root in our hearts. The high points are Hashem’s gift to us mere mortals, and now it is up to us to make something lasting out of it all.

Those who probe the moon are seeking water so they can use it for fuel for other rockets, which they plan to send further afield. If they find any success, is anyone’s guess, but one thing is for certain. The fuel you discovered on Yom Tov will afford you much energy if you allow it. Take those memories and store them well over the coming months, and when you need an extra boost let their vibrancy ignite your spiritual rocket.