The Tabernacle In Branson

The Tabernacle In Branson

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THE POWER OF A SMILE

June 2019 | Iyyar - Sivan 5779 | Volume 14 Issue 6

A smile is formed by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth. Some smiles include a contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes. Some even say that smiles without the eye contraction may be perceived as insincere. Smiling denotes happiness, joy, amusement, sociability, pleasure, and is even used as a form of communication. Many studies have been done on the effects of smiling and among the top ten reasons to smile everyday we find is that this action makes us more attractive to others, helps relieve stress, and has been shown to be a natural anti-depressant. Scattered throughout the Tanach, in various versions, translators chose to use the word “smile”. Interestingly enough, the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-25) from the New Living Translation reads, “May the L~rd bless you and protect you. May the L~rd smile upon you and be gracious to you. May the L~rd show you His favor and give you His peace.” The Hebrew word translated as smile is ‘ya-er’ which finds its root in the word ‘or’. Or means to be or become light. The first time we find the Hebrew word ‘or’ in Torah is where lie the words true essence. HaShem spoke for there to be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from night. In addition to being for signs and seasons, days and years, the lights in the expanse of the heavens were TO GIVE light upon the earth. Genesis 1:15 opens our eyes to the beauty of this blessing, a spiritual blessing from HaShem that He Himself be light for us. The Sages interpret Numbers 6:25 as being a way to give wisdom and knowledge to better understand the Word of the Holy One, to learn what one’s place in the world is, and to learn the path to the next life. It could actually even be a request that we continue to be vessels in the hands of HaShem that He will use us for His glory. Rabbi Hirsch is quoted saying, “that all those with feelings and thoughts around us will see in us the foundation and the answer to their existence.” Sounds like Yeshua’s idea for us as His disciples. Our goal should be that people around us will see the light and life that we produce, and they will want to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven because of it. This idea of being a light, be it a personal light towards our neighbors, or on a national level, as a people or a movement that we must be a light to the world. This repeats itself over and over in the interpretation of Scripture. Shanah Tocah The power of the smile comes into focus when Yeshua commissions us to “be light”. We have this power with a simple smile to live longer, look younger, boost our immune systems, and make not only ourselves feel better but others as well. As the Father shines upon you, shine upon others.