Is there a spiritual explanation for the growing popularity of psychedelics and entheogens like ayuahasca, DMT, iboga, and psilocybin? Might such substances have been used by the ancient Hebrew prophets and high priests? Were they also used by the Zoroastrian magi, and are there overlaps between the two? What are the true origins of lighting Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles, and might these practices have been influenced by Zoroastrian fire rituals? Why do Jews look at a reflection of fire on their fingernails during the Havdalah ceremony following the conclusion of the Sabbath? And what does it all have to do with Adam’s mystical powers in the Garden of Eden?
Tag Archives: Rav Kaduri
How Long is a Long Life?
This week’s parasha, Mishpatim, presents the first extensive set of Torah laws. The list concludes with a blessing:
And you shall serve Hashem your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from your midst; none shall miscarry or be barren in your land, and the number of your days I will fill. (Exodus 23:24-25)
God promises that He will fill the lifespan of one who observes His laws properly and sincerely. What does this mean? How long is a “full” lifespan? The Ba’al HaTurim (Rabbi Yakov ben Asher, 1269-1343) comments that the gematria of amal’e (אמלא), “I will fill”, is 72, suggesting that a full life span is 72 years. He then quotes Psalms 90:10 as support: “The days of our years are seventy years, or in strength, eighty years…” The Ba’al HaTurim reconciles the figure of 72 years in the parasha with 70 years in Psalms by stating that the year of one’s birth and the year of one’s death don’t count. A newborn is essentially unable to do anything, much like a frail and presumably ill elder in their last year of life. Therefore, one who has reached the age of 72 should be satisfied with having had a “fulfilled” lifespan.