Our Gemara on Amud Beis recounts a period in Solomon's life when he was usurped by the Asmadai demon, who took his place, forcing Solomon into exile. The verse, "And this was my portion from all of my toil" (Ecclesiastes 2:10), raises a question: What is the meaning of the expression "And this"? The Gemara explains that this expression typically refers to an item that is actually in the person's hand or can be shown. Rav and Shmuel offer different interpretations. One suggests that it refers to Solomon's staff that remained in his hand, while the other suggests it refers to his drinking cup*. As Solomon went from door to door, begging for charity, he would declare, "I, Ecclesiastes, was king over Israel in Jerusalem" (Ecclesiastes 1:12).

(*According to Rav Hai, see Rashi)

Beis Yaakov (Chaye Sarah 25) provides a metaphorical interpretation of these remnants. The staff symbolizes the rod of punishment, while the cup represents the ability to draw spirituality. Despite being impoverished and exiled, the once great king possessed two essential tools: יראת שמים (fear of heaven or fear of sin) and אהבת ה׳ (spiritual aspirations and yearnings). Even when one feels they have lost everything, these two resources remain accessible. As stated in Berachos (33b):

"Rabbi Ḥanina said: Everything is in the hands of Heaven, except for fear of Heaven. Man has free will to serve God or not, regardless of external circumstances. As it is stated: 'And now Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you other than to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul' (Deuteronomy 10:12). The Lord asks man to fulfill these matters because ultimately, the choice is in his hands."

In this context, I’ll offer an original derash from the Chad Gadya liturgy recited on Seder night. The fire consumes the stick, but the water quenches the fire. We begin with the stick, symbolizing fear of sin. However, if our desires overpower us (represented by the fire consuming the stick), we still have another strategy. Our spiritual aspirations can counter and overpower the desire for sin, symbolized by the water that extinguishes the fire.

In conclusion, even in times when we seemingly have nothing, we possess the invaluable resources of fear of heaven, spiritual aspirations, and the ability to choose our path. These resources can sustain us and guide us towards spiritual growth and fulfillment, regardless of our external circumstances.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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