In b.Shabbos 117, the rabbis discuss what can and cannot be rescued from a structure fire on Shabbos. We can rescue people, Sefer Torahs, many (or most) books of a religious matter, food to meet your family’s needs through Shabbos. We are expressly told we cannot extinguish the fire. Why would the rabbis create such a kashia?
We try to be as self sufficient as possible. We mow our own grass, insure our cars and homes to protect them from harm, invest money sufficient for our retirement, etc. So, when a fire breaks out in our home, we rush to extinguish it so our possessions and assets will not be damaged or destroyed. Fire brings out an unquenchable need to protect what is ours and our family’s. However, the rabbis tell us that a fire on Shabbos cannot be extinguished unless it threatens life and limb. In spite of the seeming cruelty of this dictate, there is a lesson the rabbis are trying to teach, and this lesson is a very difficult one for those of us who were raised in an American Self-Reliance culture. Starting with one day a week, we are to learn total and complete reliance on Hashem. If a fire ignites in your home, Hashem has decided this is in your best interest. Beginning one day a week, we are to learn to be reliant on Hashem for everything.
If we learn to rely on Hashem on Shabbos, this trust will transform our emunah and bitachon throughout the rest of the week (within the boundaries set by our halacha). Will we work to prevent the devastation caused by fire on a Sunday? By all means! But this increased trust will give us the strength to help those hurting from tragedy by allowing us to give from our need and not just from our surplus. The reliance on a faithful G-d that began on Shabbos rewards us with progressively greater emunah throughout the remainder of our lives. Then, without realizing it, you become a tzaddik.
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This is a beautiful illustration of Hashem wanting Fellowship with us. One might say He yearns for fellowship with us, just as we are. It is sad that on Shabbat, that day of rest, we are oft times foolishly busy! We forget that with the ending of our calendar Thursday, when the soft glowing light of the sun going below the horizon, a new Sacred day is in the making! We arise, sleepy-eyed to His Holiness and presence in a new way. We celebrate by resting in Him, by observing His glory……we let the world pass in all it’s ugliness….we appreciate twilight .. those moments between daylight and darkness knowing that He is with us …we seek to Praise his goodness often!
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