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BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS

 “Bless God, O my soul! God, my Lord, You are very great, You have donned majesty and splendor, cloaked in light, as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a curtain.” (Psalm 104: 1-2)

The sweet singer of Israel, as he poured his soul before God, wanted us to stand with him in the light of Torah, which illuminates the entire world, the light we merit to absorb each time we immerse ourselves in Torah.


Hod, or majesty, describes the essence of something or someone. 


Hadar, or splendor, refers to that which embellishes and enhances the person, such as beautiful clothing.


Torah reflects both the Hod and Hadar, the majesty and splendor of God: It is the expression of God’s essence and Being, and it is also considered a garment, as each story, law, word and letter, actually serves as a layer above a deeper level of truth.


Only the person who approaches Torah with an appreciation of its Hod and Hadar, internal and external beauty, can merit standing in its light and absorbing its illumination.


Oteh Ohr on Shir Hashirim – Introduction.


By:  Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, n''y

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