Light is apparently mentioned only 36 times in the Torah (B’nei Yissascher on Kislev and Tevet 1:6). It is mentioned many more times in the Talmud, and especially the mystical text of the Zohar. We are taught that the soul of a each person is part of the light of God (Prov. 20:27). There are mystical teachings about the primordial light of the Creation story, about the lights / candles of Chanukah and the menorah, and the flow (shefa) of light (or) that emanates from God constantly into Creation, sustaining it and us.
- Adonai Ori / Achat Sha’alti (Ps 27:1, 4) – “Yah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yah is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
- Nir’eh Or / In Your light, we see light (Ps 36) – sung at Chanukah, and also a traditional text for blessing children and babies
- Or Zarua No. 1 (Ps 97:11) – a gentle invitation to the light of Shabbat – “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.”
- Or Zarua No. 2 (Ps 97:11) – a lively, joyous celebration of the light of Shabbat
- Yotzeir Or – morning blessing for God making the lights (sun, moon, stars), peace and all things
I’m looking at composing a setting of Ps 43:3 Sh’lach or’cha, so please visit this page again to find out when it comes! (“Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to Your dwelling place.”)