Tabaas, and Purim: What Lashon HaKodesh Reveals,In lashon hakodesh, every word is replete with meaning, and when words share similar letters, it denotes some sort of relationship between those words. What is the relationship between the words tubu (sunk), teva (nature), and taba’as (a ring), and how do they relate to Purim story?
In lashon hakodesh a language in which every word is replete with meaning nature is called “teva.” Words that stem from the same root in lashon hakodesh always have a common theme and with proper insight we can extrapolate from one to another.
The Torah uses the word tava ׁ(טבע)to mean sink or drown as in the pasuk “Umivchar shalishav tubu b’Yam Suf the elite of his commanders sank in the sea” (Shemos 15:4). Another word derived from the same root is tabaas טבעת)) ring which relates closely to the word tava. The traditional ring was a signet ring that would leave a seal or image in a medium (such as wax) by sinking into it and making an impression. In a similar vein the word for coin matbea מטבע)) reflects that it is the product of a process of imprinting an image.
This brings us to the word teva טבע)) which Chazal use to describe nature. Teva is really a system of cause and effect — of rules that explain observable phenomena in the world. What connection is there to the theme of an impression embossed onto a medium?
From a Torah perspective science and nature are nothing more than Hashem’s imprint on the world. The more we understand our universe and even ourselves the more we can appreciate Hashem’s wisdom and the richer the life it provides. Indeed Avraham Avinu saw the world in this manner and arrived at knowledge of Hashem through pondering the cosmos.
Create a free account to keep reading.
