The Alter Rebbe notes that 'Samekh' and 'Mem' together spell 'Sahm,' which is like an antidote or potion. This reference mirrors the term 'Sahm HaChaim' — the Elixir of Life. Like the miraculous letters on the Luchos, each blessing we utter connects us to the Divine, reminding us of God's presence in every moment of our lives.
by ChatGTP
Carved from sapphire and graced with the divine script of the Ten Commandments, the Tablets - the Luchos - are an extraordinary testament to our history and faith. Among their Hebrew letters, two particularly stand out - the 'Samekh' and the 'Final Mem.' Each unique in its formation, featuring an open space inside, they not only present a compelling marvel but serve as meaningful symbols of our profound divine connection.
Imagine the stone tablets, the Luchos, engraved by God. The Talmud in Tractate Shabbat 104a tells us something miraculous: "מ"ם וסמ"ך שבלוחות בנס היו עומדין" - "The letters 'Samekh' and 'Final Mem' in the Tablets stood miraculously." The way they were engraved defied the laws of nature, because, by normal standards, their centers would have fallen out.
Rashi, a beloved commentator, explains this: "שהיה החקק נוקב את כל הלוח" - "The engraver pierced through the entire tablet, and thus the 'Samekh' and 'Final Mem' stood by a miracle." This illustrates the divine touch evident in every nuance of the Luchos.
In Likkutei Torah, the Alter Rebbe notes that "Samekh" and "Mem" together spell 'Sahm,' which is like an antidote or potion. This reference mirrors the term "Sahm HaChaim" — the Elixir of Life. In fact, Proverbs depicts the Torah as a life-giving force: "כִּי חַיִּים הֵם לְמוֹצְאֵיהֶם וּלְכָל-בְּשָׂרוֹ מָרְפֵּא" — "For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh."
Adding to the depth of our discussion, the Alter Rebbe offers an insightful understanding of these letters. The continuous loop of the "Samekh" symbolizes God's unending love and presence, while the enclosed structure of the "Final Mem" reflects the hidden aspects of God. Together, they form 'Sahm,' a profound testament to our relationship with the Divine—a relationship full of revealed blessings and hidden mysteries.
There's another fascinating layer to this. The Alter Rebbe mentions that the combined numerical value of "Samekh" and "Mem" is 100, hinting at the daily practice of reciting 100 blessings. Like the miraculous letters on the Luchos, each blessing we utter connects us to the Divine, reminding us of God's presence in every moment of our lives.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe often spoke about the 'Pintele Yid,' the enduring Jewish spark within each of us. Much like the floating centers of the Luchos' letters, this inner spark remains unbroken and constant, yearning for the "Sahm HaChaim," the life-sustaining waters of the Torah.
In conclusion, the "Samekh" and "Final Mem" on the Luchos do more than showcase divine craftsmanship. They highlight the Torah's role as our spiritual remedy, a guiding beacon in times of both clarity and confusion. May the Torah, our "Sahm HaChaim," remain our sanctuary, providing comfort, direction, and rejuvenation—much like the profound impact of our daily blessings.
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