Among the Tehilim recited today, the third of Iyar and Chai b’Omer, this verse stood out, again with a variation of גִילָה:
גֹּ֣ל אֶל־ה׳ יְפַלְּטֵ֑הוּ יַ֝צִּילֵ֗הוּ כִּ֘י חָ֥פֵֽץ בּֽוֹ
Commit to Hashem; let Him rescue him; let Him save him; for He delights in him. (Ps 22:9
Most translations translate גֹּ֣ל (gol) as commit. The targum from Siddur Yesod Malchut translates the pasuk as follows:
פְנֵה וְהִתְפַלֵל אֶל ה׳ וְיוֹשִׁיעוֹ וְיַצִילוֹ כִּי ה׳ אוֹהֵב אוֹתוֹ
Turn and pray to Hashem and he will rescue him and He will save him, because Hashem loves him.
Here the word gol suggests perhaps a movement, like a wave or wheel, turning with the kavana or focus being in prayer to Hashem, and that alone seems to suffice for the one praying to be saved, however “being saved” might be understood.
After looking at these variations of for several postings now, what stands out for me (besides, again, the so beautiful Hebrew language) is the power of looking at this word, almost like each day of sefirah, by seeing how different permutations may be understood. After considering wheels and wagons, circles and waves, reincarnations and revelations, in some ways it all boils down to the center of all these circles, turning inward to face Hashem, the eternity that Hashem, and since this is about praying and הִתְפַלֵל (hitpalel) is reflexive, turning within oneself. This seems to be an other-worldly, or Shamayim-based eternal beauty.
And how about here on earth, where Shamayim should be reflected? What kinds of eternal things (netzach) might be among the most beautiful?
I would suggest that it is people — the best of them. For those not involved in any sort of Partners in Prayer groups or in-person or online chaburot that learn or support others, these are opportunities to experience the beauty within others on the highest of levels. My personal experience has been that the kinds of people who pray or act or learn—not for themselves—but for others, are remarkable and add eternal beauty to our world.
May all who respond to the call of others for help or support or love continue to create such Netzach She’b’Tiferet in the world and always feel
כִּ֘י חָ֥פֵֽץ בּֽו, that Hashem loves you.
hindy
Michal
intomeaning
Neil Wernick