SEEING SOUNDS

Since our knowledge of G-d is usually derived from our human frame of reference… and is based on the experience of our physical senses, the Torah speaks to us in physical terms in reference to G-d. This is illustrated by the Torah’s usage of references to HaShem “seeing” and “hearing”…as well as many other physical descriptions.

Regarding these physical descriptions, it is important for us to understand that these terms…when used to describe HaShem, are merely vessels to express a particular power found within HaShem. Because we are created in His image...these same "powers" are also mirrored in the Jewish soul. While we see and hear with physical organs, the Jewish soul has been given the additional capacity to have G-d "like" sight and G-d "like" hearing. These qualities are realized within us as we live a Torah centered life…through which we elevate our intellectual and emotional faculties.

In addition, for the Torah Jew who continually serves HaShem selflessly and with joy…these same qualities can take on an entirely different dimension. This new dimension was vividly illustrated when every Jewish soul stood before HaShem at Mt Sinai. We read in Exodus 20:15 that;
“…all the people could see the sounds…” as HaShem spoke.

What are we to learn from the Torah’s depiction of the Jewish people… “SEEING SOUNDS?” We are taught from the text that they were so engulfed by the Divine presence… physicality and spirituality merged within the Jewish soul in perfect unity… and the definitions that their physical experiences provided in the past… no longer applied. So they SAW what is normally HEARD!

Our sages teach us that if we whole heartedly and selflessly accept the will of HaShem in our lives each day, even the limitations of our G-d "like" sight and G-d "like" hearing can be elevated to a new spiritual dimension.