The Torah uses various names for G-d, and each one expresses a unique manifestation of G-d’s interaction with the world. One of the lesser-known names is “Sha-dai.” The literal translation of this name is “Who – Enough” which the Sages expand to “The One Who said to the world, ‘Enough!'” At creation, the dry land was limited by the sea, gravity was limited to a set level of strength, and rocks were limited to remain rocks. The Al-mighty’s abilities are without limit, but He set natural limits for the universe.
At 99 years old, having only one child from his maidservant, the future promise of a great nation stemming from Abraham looked bleak. It seemed certain that Sarah, 90 years old and barren, would not bear a child. G-d appeared to Abraham, introducing Himself as “Sha-dai” (Gen. 17:1). “I am the One Who put the limits on the world. You may see a dark future, but recall that I am the One who set those natural limits. ‘Go before Me and be pure, innocent’ (ibid.) While the limits may dim your aspirations, have the innocent expectation that I will act as I really can, beyond the confines of nature.” With reliance on the Al-mighty you need not be constrained by those deceptive limits.
We have goals, hopes, and dreams, but often the limits of nature prevent us from seeing them to fruition. The task at hand may very well be beyond our abilities and the thought is to throw up our hands in despair. While your hands are still up in the air, turn to the Al-mighty in prayer and put your reliance on Him. He set the limits on this world, and He can, and often will, go beyond the natural limits and show you the supernatural. (Based on Taam V’Daas, HaRav Moshe Sternbuch Shlit”a)
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Mordechai Dixler
Program Director, Project Genesis – Torah.org
Would it not be rather HARAV MOSHE STERNBUCH sl and NOT STERNBACH ???
I see that Wikipedia agrees with you. The correction has been made. Thanks!
I have taken a long time before deciding to write to you about my medical career as it has developed in an unbelievable direction that cannot be just coincidence. However I am concerned that I am imaging that a higher hand had something to do with it and flattering myself. I have written a short article entitled
Coincidence or an upper hand?
Why did I get involved with diagnosing and treating ADHD?
The events as they occurred are unbelievable but did happen, The burning question is, are the sequence of events just coincidence or did an UPPER HAND play a role. More important why should I be chosen when I have nothing exceptional to deserve it.
The article is available if you are interested.
Rabbi Mordechi Dixler, your last paragraph refers!
Billy Levin.
.
I love this message – of limits for God’s children – being deceptive. And for our hope to look forward to the super natural,
or that which seems super natural, but in reality is divinely natural for God’s blessed and loved creation. The Scriptures are
filled with examples of the limitless possibilities for God’s children.
“With reliance on the Almighty you need not be constrained by those deceptive limits”.
Absolutely. One sentence, infinite wisdom.
Shalom
Dear Rabbi,
Your message is more deeply appreciated than I can express. As the mother of an only child who has been diagnosed with brain cancer, I live with the painful awareness that my hopes of a wonderful life for my son and prospective grandchildren are the stuff out of which despair is made. My journey has made me aware of how very many people live with a dark future like me, so I am hardly alone. But, your appeal to us to turn to the Almighty is the only real relief I and others in my boat have found. I actually have printed and framed a quote of a similar sentiment from the Sefat Emet “Mizvot are our escort to the soul to protect it on its journey through this dangerous world as it searches for the hidden light of the Torah.” Though we are buffeted, sometimes tragically so by this natural world, reliance on the Holy One bears up our souls. Thanks again for your message, which I will share with my brain cancer family; I am confident they will be as touched by it as I have been. I wish you a wonderful Shabbos!
I have read a definition of E-l Sha-dai as “All sufficient one” and “More than enough”. While we are not “rich” in the Bill Gates sense, we certainly have been blessed with more than enough!
I learn a great deal from this. Thank you very much and have a Good Shabbos. Carole J. Paul