This concept is something that is very useful in our avodas Hashem.
More Precious Than Fine Gold
Dovid HaMelech wrote, “The Torah is more precious to me than fine gold.” Chazal tell us “a mere whiff of the World to Come is more pleasurable than all of the enjoyments of this world.” Can you imagine the impact it would have on your life if you actually felt that way? Can you imagine the effect it would have on your enthusiasm for the mitzvahs if for one minute you sensed that?
The problem is that I don’t feel that way. It’s not that I don’t want to; I just don’t. Granted, mitzvahs are important and I recognize their place, but to actually feel they are more precious than gold and silver just isn’t real. But it can become real if I close my eyes and imagine a king’s treasure room, filled with chests and chests of gold coins, diamonds, sapphires and pearls – and then I imagine that every time I open a sefer to learn or daven appropriately, I am depositing another precious stone in my storehouse of fine gems.
The Torah is teaching us that visualizations work, and we can use them. Our imagination is vivid and powerful. The key is to use it without letting it control us.
To view Rabbi Shafier’s parsha video click here.