For six months in the summer and autumn of 1969, Niagara’s American Falls were “de-watered.” The USA Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey of the falls’ rock face, concerned that it was becoming destabilized by erosion. During that period, while workers cleaned the former river-bottom and drilled test-cores in search of instabilities, a temporary walkway was installed twenty feet from the edge of the dry falls, and tourists were able to explore this otherwise inaccessible landscape.
During that time the water was diverted over the main Horeshoe Falls by way of Ontario Hydro Control dams and turbine tunnels.
Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld zt’l[3] explained that for certain types of tumah (ritual impurity)[4] one must immerse in “mayim chayim – living waters,” i.e. water that emanates from a freshwater spring.
When the Gemara discusses the qualifications of mayim chayim it explains that its water must flow uninterrupted. If there is a steady stream that flows from a freshwater spring, but stops once in seventy years it is no longer considered mayim chayim. It is an incredible concept. A spring which bursts forth with uninhibited force but stops for just one day, forfeits its title as mayim chayim, because it lacks the necessary consistency.
If the mighty Niagra Falls ceased to flow for six months a mere 42 years ago that would invalidate it from having the status of mayim chayim[5]. Mayim Chayim are, by definition, waters that are “alive.” In regards to our own physical lives, it is our continuous heartbeat which keeps us alive. Living waters too must flow with vibrancy and unhindered force.
The ultimate definition of life is eternity. Anything less is a form or a microcosm of life, but it is not life itself. The Codex Romanus, Roman Code of Law, which governed the mightiest empire in the world for hundreds of years, has had a strong influence on European and American culture. But it is not a “living code of laws” because it is largely no longer applicable.
The Torah, however, is a book of life itself. It is as applicable now as it was when it was given at Sinai 3,323 years ago. It has never stopped flowing and will continue to do so until the end of time.
Moshe Rabbeinu exhorted Klal Yisroel to never forsake the words of the Torah. “Hashem, your G-d, shall you fear, Him shall you serve, to Him shall you cleave, and in His Name shall you swear. He is your praise, and He is your G-d…[6]”
Moshe repeatedly told the nation that as long as they remain steadfast in their Torah observance they would be victorious and successful. “It shall be if you hearken to My commandments that I command you today… then I shall provide… For if you will observe the entire commandment… to love Hashem, your G-d, to walk in His way and to cleave to Him. Hashem will drive out all these nations from before you…[7]”
A stream which gushes like a powerful geyser but stops briefly is not deemed living. Similarly the “living Torah” must encircle our lives and encompass every aspect of the way we live – now and forever.
This is what we refer to when we say “it is life and the length of our days.” It is the consistently overriding force in our lives. It dictates how we live, how we conduct ourselves, how we dress, how and what we eat, who we associate ourselves with, and how we raise our families.
Everything else that seems to be ‘life’ is a farce because it is not eternal. But the Torah and its mitzvos stand the test of time, and its observance connects us with true life.
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[1] Published by Feldheim
[2] Final blessing of Shemoneh Esrei
[3] In Search of Greatness: The Shmussen of Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld; Judaica Press
[4] See Mikvaos 1:8 – a Metzora and a Zav need to immerse in mayim chayim and it must be added to the Parah Adumah mixture. Mayim Chayim is the highest level of purification in that it can be used for all impurities.
[5] My intention here is to make a point. One would have to question a halachic authority with expertise in this area to know if Niagra Falls is not considered mayim chayim. I am also pretty confident that no one is using the Falls for purposes of ritual purification. Just this week there was a tragic story about a young Japanese tourist who fell over at the Falls and was swept over to her death.