והמים גברו מאד מאד על הארץ ויכסו כל ההרים הגבהים אשר תחת כל השמים ... (ז-יט)
A glorious Yom Tov has passed, and now we must get back to reality without losing all we have gained. The singing, the dancing, the family and friends, all contributed to the atmosphere of zman simchaseinu. But what we achieved more than anything was a relationship with Hashem. After a geshmake Elul, a royal Rosh Hashana, a cleansing Yom Kippur, and an uplifting and inspiring Sukkos, we came to the goal of, “Ata Hareisa Ladaas ki Hashem Hu HaElokim, Ayn od Milvado.”
But now, as we read Parshas Noach, I am struck by a most fascinating connection. When we think of Noach, we immediately focus on the Mabul, the raging waters and destructive power that destroyed the entire world! A tornado, hurricane and tsunami put together, do not come close to the terror and havoc that resulted from the "מי נח" - the waters of Noach.
Sukkos is a time of utilizing water for tremendous simcha. The celebration of the ניסוך המים - pouring water on the mizbeach, was symbolic of the abundance of beracha that we hope and pray Hashem will shower upon us throughout the year. The joy was palpable when the water was being spilled on the mizbeach and everyone present felt the great power of water and all that it represents. Water is life sustaining and fills us with joy when it symbolizes the abundance of Hashem’s blessing. However, water can also be so devastating and damaging that it can destroy the entire world.
A Jew can be compared to water. Every Jew has the power to pour blessings and joy upon the world or chas v’shalom demolish and destroy the world around him. It all depends on how he chooses to use his gifts of speech and action.
At the conclusion of Chag HaSukkos, we recite the special prayer for rain. We ask Hashem that the water that will fall from Heaven should be a blessing and not a curse; bring life and not death; sustain us and not impoverish us. Let each and every one of us - with our free choice - make sure to shower the world and the people in our lives with blessings and kindness.