Kaf is the ability to adapt ourselves to life’s challenges. Lamed infuses the heart with what we’ve learned from the challenge
Previously we discussed the letter beis through the lens of bitachon, of seeing contradictory elements in the world and believing it all comes from Hashem. Now with the letter kaf, we have a multiple of two — 20 — and we take that reliance upon Hashem to the next level.
Kaf means bent. When faced with a difficulty, we can either stand our ground and cling to what we wish were happening, or we can bend (Mayanah shel Torah). Rigidity is terribly limiting; when we approach life with flexibility, allowing ourselves to lean into situations and accept when things don’t go as we planned, it’s actually quite liberating. This is true resilience — not the opposition of challenge, but the ability to live with it and rise above it.
Spell out the number 20 in Hebrew, esrim, and you get the letters ayin-sin-reish-yud-mem, whose gematria is 620. This is also the value of the word “keter — crown,” which begins with a kaf, because when we bend our will to Hashem’s, we’re recognizing His Kingship. (Ben Yehodaya)
Perhaps we think that if we bend and relinquish control, it’s a sign of weakness. But the ability to overcome our instinctual reactions, to grow internally and build ourselves as people — that is real power and accomplishment. In our interactions with others, as we grow and mature, we realize that the greatest show of strength isn’t getting our way — it’s giving in.
Create a free account to keep reading.
