26 Teves: From Soil to Soul
FROM SOIL TO SOUL
Even the righteous will return to dust…one moment before the resurrection of the dead, as it says (Bereishis 3:19), “You are dust, and to the dust you shall return.”
(Tractate Shabbos 152b)
The sin of the Tree of Knowledge left a certain residue of evil in the body of every man, even the perfectly righteous. This negativity needs to be removed before the body can live forever. However, this can also be achieved through complete nullification and humility, feeling as humble as dirt.
On the one hand, dirt is the lowest of the elements and has very little value. On the other hand, dirt is what sustains life. Indeed, the ground’s endless ability to produce is an expression of the Infinite in our physical world. So too, when we are completely humble, like dirt, we become receptacles for the Infinite. The highest and greatest of things can only reside in the lowest and most humble. Through this humility to G-d, we will merit the eternal life of the time of Moshiach.
Sefer Hamaamarim Meluket, 5 Menachem Av, 5725
Maamar Bilah Hamaves La’netzach
