Yeshayahu 64

Torat Imecha is dedicated by Mrs. Nechama Wolfson in memory of her grandmother, Riva Schwab, Rivka bat Alexander Sender. Visit the OU Women's Initiative to register for additional content!

The Potter and The Clay

Like fire, which makes things boil and melt, G-d will make His Name known to the nations, who will tremble before Him. G-d performed wonders for the Jews, which we didn't deserve. When He descended on Mt. Sinai, mountains melted away. No one ever heard of deeds like G-d did for Israel and no one ever saw a "god" besides G-d perform miracles for a nation.

But we sinned and made G-d angry, so He allowed the righteous among us to perish; we used to be saved because of those righteous, but now we can only be saved because G-d does so for His own sake. Since we've lost the righteous like a discarded garment, we are all like a spiritually unclean person. We are like a dry leaf and our sins toss us around like the wind. Nobody summons up the strength to overpower temptation and return to G-d since He has hidden Himself from us.

Even now, G-d is still our Father. We are like clay and He is the potter. We ask that G-d not be angry and recall our sins forever. Jerusalem and other cities have become deserts; the Temple has been burned. G-d has managed to restrain Himself through this. We pray that He will not remain silent and allow us to be subjugated for much longer.

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz