The Letter of Aristeas, an ancient text that purports to recount how the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) came to be, touches on this very idea. It doesn't just focus on the translation itself, but also on the wisdom embedded within the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), and its impact on how we live.
The author marvels at something profound: "...the organization of the senses, the operation and invisible movement of the mind, the rapidity of its particular actions and its discovery of the arts, display an infinite resourcefulness." It's a powerful statement, isn't it? The sheer complexity of our being, the way our minds work, the capacity for creativity... it all points to something truly remarkable.
And what's the purpose of all this intricate design? According to Aristeas, it's a constant reminder. A reminder of the divine power that holds everything together. "Wherefore he exhorts us to remember that the aforesaid parts are kept together by the divine power with consummate skill." Think of it like this: every breath we take, every thought we have, is a testament to this divine orchestration. We are, in essence, walking, talking, breathing miracles.
But it doesn't stop there. It's not enough just to know this intellectually. We're meant to live it.
The text goes on to describe how Jewish law embeds this remembrance into the very fabric of daily life. "For he has marked out every time and place that we may continually remember the God who rules and preserves us." It's about creating rituals, habits, and symbols that constantly nudge us back to this awareness. : "For in the matter of meats and drinks he bids us first of all offer part as a sacrifice and then forthwith enjoy our meal." Even something as simple as eating becomes an act of devotion, a moment to acknowledge the source of our sustenance. The "sacrifice" isn't necessarily literal in every context, but represents the act of dedicating something to the Divine before partaking.
And it's not just about food. "Moreover, upon our garments he has given us a symbol of remembrance..." This likely refers to the tzitzit, the fringes worn on the corners of a garment, which serve as a visual reminder of the commandments.
And finally, "in like manner he has ordered us to put the divine oracles upon our gates and doors as a remembrance of God." This is a reference to the mezuzah, a small parchment containing verses from the Torah, affixed to doorposts in Jewish homes. Each time we enter or leave, we're confronted with the words of God.
So, what’s the big takeaway here? Is it simply about following a set of rules? I don't think so. It's about cultivating a constant awareness, a deep sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. It's about recognizing the divine spark within us and around us, in the grand scheme of the universe, and in the everyday moments of our lives. It’s about living a life of intentional remembrance.