“If a rock, though extremely hard, can be hollowed out by water, how much more so should it be possible for The Light, which is compared to water, to change my heart. I will begin to study it, and try to become a scholar of The Light.”

-Rabbi Akiva

This beautiful act of faith and surrender by Rabbi Akiva has many lessons to teach us. We know that biologically, light can be invigorating, motivating, relaxing or calming. Light can be used for medical treatment, to  promote productivity at work and schools and to enable passengers on long-distance flights to relax. A wide spectrum of knowledge concerning the biological effects of light has been verified in scientific studies.

And light is such a common and powerful metaphor in the spiritual realm as well! “I saw the Light” croons the country singer. “Go toward the Light” is a common deathbed whisper. And most of us are seeking some form  of “en-light-en-ment”.

A friend of mine used to ask, “Why can angels fly? Because they take themselves lightly!” So perhaps if we let light into our souls, to illuminate us, to enlighten our spirits, we can transform the cold heavy rock of certainly, of despair, of hardened hearts. As the sun striking my solar panels outside my window creates electricity, so may the light striking our hearts yield unfathomable power and peace.

What hard bits of yourself can you bring into the light today?

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Akiva ben Joseph (40 – c. 137 CE), widely known as Rabbi Akiva, was a tanna of the latter part of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century (3rd tannaitic generation). Rabbi Akiva was a leading contributor to the Mishnah and Midrash Halakha. He is referred to in the Talmud as Rosh la-Chachamim (Head of all the Sages).

Joe Laur is a father, husband, naturalist, executive, consultant, and a lowly rabbinic student. Send him your favorite teaching quote for commentary. He can be reached at joe.laur@godsdog.net.