Our planet has the unique quality of having various gas molecules attracted to its surface, commonly referred to as 'air'. Scientists have been trying for years to find other planets with similar molecules surrounding them, and have not yet found one. Without going into the question of whether they is any chance of finding similar planets, it would do us benefit to understand for what reason Hashem created our planet with this special characteristic.

The Hebrew word for light is 'Or', spelt Aleph, Vav, Reish. Its numerical value is the same as the word Raz, secret, and, indeed, many of the deepest concepts in Kabbalah are referred to as 'lights'. Light is the most ethereal matter we know of, almost pure energy, and is used as an example of that which is beyond matter. As the sun continually casts abundant energy upon our planet, it is considered to be the main source of light, providing the basic ingredient for all life forms. The sun thus represents the source of all life, and serves as a fitting metaphor for Hashem's continual providence.

There is still one more element necessary for there to be life on earth. If the light from the sun would reach the earth's surface directly, it would burn everything it shone upon. Our planet Earth has a special atmosphere of air molecules that deflect the rays of the sun and soften them. This limitation of the sun's light is that which enables all of our existence to be.

Although these concepts are very deep and penetrate to the very essentials of Creation, it is suffice to say that in Hebrew air is spelt Aleph, Vav, Yud, Reish, the exact same letters as light, with an additional letter Yud (which has the special numerical value of ten) in its midst.

In recounting the revelation at Sinai, Moshe Rabbeinu points out that there were three factors that blocked the physical light from being seen. The first was darkness, which occurs when the light of the sun is blocked by Earth. The second was clouds, which block the sun from reaching earth. And the third was fog, as when the air surrounding us blocks the light.

These ideas cannot be spoken out too explicitly. Those who understand them will see their beauty, and those who do not will appreciate the wisdom in them.

Adapted from Rabbi Vali's book on Dvarim, and on the book Adir Bamarom, written by his teacher Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato (RMCH"L). Questions and subscriptions can be mailed to: the Yeshiva

Chag Kasher Vesameach