I went for a walk at the Haas Promenade in Jerusalem yesterday. The pomegranates in full blossom reminded me of the end of Chapter 4 in Shir HaShirim where Hashem's beloved (Israel) is likened to a garden (Gan). Within this garden, there are pomegranate shoots.
The garden is locked and hidden and the shoots are a "pardes rimmonim". We know that PARDES refers to the Eternal Word of G-d which comprises the Written and Oral Torah. It is an interconnected living system giving life to G-d's world. It's a path in itself as you enter into deeper levels starting with:
the Pshat - Simple/Obvious/Surface level,
then the Remez - hints at deeper meanings,
Drash - that which can only be "acquired" by those who have toiled in the Torah and understand the Hebrew in all its multiple depths and facets,
and then the Sod - the most hidden secrets that can only be extrapolated by the sages and true tzaddikim.
Furthermore, the pomegranate stands for the 613 mitzvot (commandments) given to the Jewish people.
Standing there and looking at the shoots, was a clear reminder of the Jewish people actively practicing these G-d-given commandments that have been prescribed and handed to us through the interconnected life-giving Word of G-d, and it gave me hope for the future.
Firstly, these plants grow and bloom, doing their prime function, oblivious of a scheming man-made world system. It was clear in the news the last two weeks that the next stage is being implemented, including hindered supply chains and the next step in mandating the sheeple to do what they're told - this time under international law. A man-made famine and the next inevitable plague. In this my heart rejoices, that the powers-that-be are following G-d's plan to the T. And somewhere along this very line, is the platform to Redemption. It HAS to happen. It IS happening.
Secondly, when it feels like you are moving through a thick layer of resistance, sapping every drop of energy, keep on doing what G-d commanded. "Shoot" out those pomegranates. DO and don't stop. Pray, assist the weak, poor and elderly, study the TANAKH, and don't stop. It not only breaks the despondency but also throws out a lifeline. Remember, Amalek attacked Am Israel in the wilderness when their "hands grew weak". You slow down, you fall away, you get taken. Don't stop.
The Psalms throughout tell us, that when the day comes, the righteous - living by G-d's Word, will see His salvation. Let Psalms 20, 37, and 91 be part of your daily arsenal, and then of course build it up with all the other Psalms that speak of these salvations.
יי הוֹשִׁיעָה: הַמֶּלֶךְ, יַעֲנֵנוּ בְיוֹם-קָרְאֵנוּ
The L-RD WILL save. The King WILL answer on the day we cry out to Him.
(Psalm 20:10)
Blessings from Jerusalem, the Chosen City and Eternal Capital of Am Yisrael.