Diamond. The very mention of this word exudes preciousness, value, and importance. Diamond scores a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, indicating that it is the hardest natural material when subjected to scratching. Diamond is composed of pure carbon and the atomic bonding of the atoms makes it the hardest material on Earth. I mean that literally, on Earth. There is a substance called lonsdaleite that is found on meteorites that is predicted to be even harder than diamond.
Interestingly, the word diamond has its roots in the Greek word ἀδάμας (read as adamas), which means insurmountable, unbreakable, or invincible. As such, part of the sheer beauty of a diamond aside from the obvious majestic and royal aesthetics of these precious stones, is the fact that they are so incredibly strong and reliable. They are unconquerable.
There is a connection between this week’s Parshah, Shemini, and the diamond. Parshas Shemini is the only Parshah in the entire Torah that contains exactly 91 pesukim. This number is significant, as the word for diamond in the Torah – ויהלם (see Abarbanel to Exodus 28:18) – has the numerical value of 91!
The Gemarah in Kiddushin teaches us that the middle of the Torah in words is in this week’s Parshah, by the words דרש דרש.
One of the most central themes of being a Jew is to be דרש דרש, to constantly be searching and searching for more. If you think about it, a diamond is a precious stone that has so many facets. The Torah is like a diamond in this regard, and we are meant to be דרש דרש, constantly searching for more and seeing more angles and additional dimensions. In addition, we are meant to see our fellow Jewish brothers and sisters (ourselves included!) in this realm as well. דרש דרש.
Each person has so much depth and nuance, and each person carries their unique חן – personal grace. Maybe it is not a coincidence that the classic circle shaped diamond, the Brilliant Diamond, has 58 facets. 58 is the gematria of חן! (The Radiant Diamond, which is square shaped, has 70 facets, perhaps an allusion to the שבעים פנים לתורה!)
We are meant to seek that grace and find that unique preciousness in each person. Diamonds are not found on the surface. They are buried deep underground and the process to get them requires “searching and searching for more.” If we focus on others from a shallow perception, we will just see their flaws and the “dirt” that is covering them. But, if we view others as precious diamonds, we will be able to focus on the inside. Through דרש דרש – through searching, exploring, and excavating, we will certainly be able to find the inner greatness and holiness that exists in each one of us.
The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the Jewish people are compared to diamonds. Let us realize that life is one big Diamond District. Each Jew has their unique color, clarity, cut, and carat. Let us focus on this lofty task of finding the holiness in each Jew. Look hard enough, you’ll discover diamonds!
Have a holy Shabbos!
Diamond. The very mention of this word exudes preciousness, value, and importance. Diamond scores a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, indicating that it is the hardest natural material when subjected to scratching. Diamond is composed of pure carbon and the atomic bonding of the atoms makes it the hardest material on Earth. I mean that literally, on Earth. There is a substance called lonsdaleite that is found on meteorites that is predicted to be even harder than diamond.
Interestingly, the word diamond has its roots in the Greek word ἀδάμας (read as adamas), which means insurmountable, unbreakable, or invincible. As such, part of the sheer beauty of a diamond aside from the obvious majestic and royal aesthetics of these precious stones, is the fact that they are so incredibly strong and reliable. They are unconquerable.
There is a connection between this week’s Parshah, Shemini, and the diamond. Parshas Shemini is the only Parshah in the entire Torah that contains exactly 91 pesukim. This number is significant, as the word for diamond in the Torah – ויהלם (see Abarbanel to Exodus 28:18) – has the numerical value of 91!
The Gemarah in Kiddushin teaches us that the middle of the Torah in words is in this week’s Parshah, by the words דרש דרש.
One of the most central themes of being a Jew is to be דרש דרש, to constantly be searching and searching for more. If you think about it, a diamond is a precious stone that has so many facets. The Torah is like a diamond in this regard, and we are meant to be דרש דרש, constantly searching for more and seeing more angles and additional dimensions. In addition, we are meant to see our fellow Jewish brothers and sisters (ourselves included!) in this realm as well. דרש דרש.
Each person has so much depth and nuance, and each person carries their unique חן – personal grace. Maybe it is not a coincidence that the classic circle shaped diamond, the Brilliant Diamond, has 58 facets. 58 is the gematria of חן! (The Radiant Diamond, which is square shaped, has 70 facets, perhaps an allusion to the שבעים פנים לתורה!)
We are meant to seek that grace and find that unique preciousness in each person. Diamonds are not found on the surface. They are buried deep underground and the process to get them requires “searching and searching for more.” If we focus on others from a shallow perception, we will just see their flaws and the “dirt” that is covering them. But, if we view others as precious diamonds, we will be able to focus on the inside. Through דרש דרש – through searching, exploring, and excavating, we will certainly be able to find the inner greatness and holiness that exists in each one of us.
The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the Jewish people are compared to diamonds. Let us realize that life is one big Diamond District. Each Jew has their unique color, clarity, cut, and carat. Let us focus on this lofty task of finding the holiness in each Jew. Look hard enough, you’ll discover diamonds!
Have a holy Shabbos!
