Perek Shira: The Song of the Grasses
by Rabbi Shmuel Kraines
The grasses say: “Let the glory of Hashem be forever, let Hashem rejoice over His handiwork.” (Tehillim 104:31)
When Hashem beautified the face of His world with a diversity of grass species, each sprouted individually and distinctively, even though they had not been commanded to not intermingle. From then on, each species would reproduce of its own distinguished kind, as inedible foliage or edible herbage, in various shades of color and with different qualities, for the benefit of all the living. Thereupon, the ministering angel sang, “Let the glory of Hashem be forever, let Hashem rejoice in His handiwork.”
Each person should to live his life without comparing it with others. Simply by fulfilling the unique role Hashem has designed for you, Hashem’s glory is revealed and He rejoices in His handiwork. Each Jew is a player in our national symphony orchestra, a singer of praise to the Creator. Each has to read the notes and play the part that nobody else is going to play for him.
- Sources: Ber. 1:12 and Yalkut Shimoni (§8)
*In loving memory of Harav Zeev Shlomo ben Zecharia Leib
