Perek Shira: The Song of Existence - The Song of the Day
by Rabbi Shmuel Kraines
The day says: “Day by day expresses speech and night by night relates comprehension.” (Tehillim 19:3)
In the earth’s daylight hours, Hashem’s creations and doings are visible to us and we constantly bless Him, each day anew. Nights serve to separate the days and give recesses for contemplation and absorption, important because an unending day would result in mental overload. Moreover, if not for the nights, the days would go unappreciated.
The Kabbalists teach that the world is created anew each day. Similarly, the soul is divided into sparks, and each day a different spark shines forth. It is for this reason that many mitzvahs apply on a daily basis. The Kabbalists further teach that each day is unique, and each prayer serves its own purpose in history. Hence, days are not repetitive, but cumulative. Day by day, our experiences and comprehension of Hashem increase, and so does our praise.
- Sources: Tehillim (68:2); Pri Eitz Chaim (Tefillah 7); Machsof HaLavan (Kedoshim); Sefas Emes (to Tehillim 19:3); Ohr HaChaim (Ber. 47:29)
*In loving memory of Harav Zeev Shlomo ben Zecharia Leib
