Divrei Yoel: Light and Darkness

An idea: metaphorically speaking, sun/light metaphorically refer to clarity, positivity and joy in life. “Have a bright day.” “May His light shine upon you.” These statements refer to a positive experience due to an external cause (sun/light.) Not much physical effort on behalf of the individual, rather it requires more conceptually clarity and a willingness to receive the light. The positive experience is shared between both the external cause and the psychological efforts of the individual.

In contrast, also metaphorically speaking, darkness is a gloomy experience. Dark moments in life can cause much sadness and depression. The brightness in life has disappeared, the external source of light is lacking. Therefore, in order for the individual to find light in moments of darkness, he must make the effort. He must kindle a light when times are dark. The absence of light can be a result of his own actions or circumstantial external occurrences. However, to combat the darkness, the emergence of light relies more on him than external sources. A human being must therefore be the originator and provider of light in moments of darkness.

In conclusion, the dark moments of life allow for man to produce beneficial activity that would not have been able otherwise, had the light always been present. The darkness of life allows for a brighter man to emerge.