Jewish tradition offers some pretty fascinating, and sometimes mind-bending, perspectives on this. Let's dive into one found in Tanna DeBei Eliyahu Rabbah, a text filled with ethical and theological teachings attributed to the prophet Elijah.

This particular passage wrestles with the meaning of a verse in Psalms (139:16): "These days were formed, but not one from them." It suggests this verse refers to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, for the nation of Israel. But it quickly spirals out into a grand vision of cosmic time.

The text speaks of a world spanning six thousand years. According to this view, the first two thousand years were a period of emptiness, followed by two thousand years of Torah, and then two thousand years anticipating the coming of the Mashiach, the Messiah. The text even suggests that, during this final period, the son of David (a messianic figure) will die, and that many will "go out" and "come in" – interpreted as people leaving and returning to the fold of Torah and mitzvot (commandments).

It goes on to say, "God did what he planned" (Lamentations 2:17), implying that all of this is part of a divine design. Just as we observe a shmita (sabbatical year) every seven years, a year of rest for the land, so too will HaShem, the Almighty, create a shmita for the entire world, but one day of God is like a thousand years. As Psalms 90:4 says, "For a thousand years in Your sight are but as yesterday."

Then comes a particularly intriguing idea. Quoting Zechariah 14:7, "And there was one day," the text identifies this as the seventh day of the world. And "at evening there was light" (Zechariah 14:7) – this is seen as a symbolic reference to Olam Ha-Ba, the World to Come. It's a world described as being perpetually like Shabbat, where, as Isaiah 66:23 puts it, "every month in its month, and every Sabbath in its Sabbath" will be observed.

The passage interprets the "Psalm for the Sabbath day" not just as a song for the weekly Sabbath, but as a song that shuts off the present world, ushering in this future reality. The evening of the Sabbath, according to this vision, prefigures the World to Come, a realm free from death, sin, iniquity, plagues, and rebellions. Instead, everyone rejoices in their wisdom and understanding.

How can we get a taste of this joy? The text suggests we can learn from HaKadosh Baruch Hu, the Holy One, blessed be He, who rejoices in David in this world and in the glory of heaven in the next. It references "David's last words" (II Samuel 23:1), calling him "the anointed of the God of Yaakov, and the sweet singer of Israel." The message here is clear: those who dedicate themselves to Torah and mitzvot will be blessed.

The passage emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in Torah study, comparing it to an ox yoked to its task or a donkey bearing a burden. By meditating on Torah daily, the spirit of God rests upon us, and the Torah becomes ingrained within us. As Isaiah 55:1 proclaims, "Ho, everyone who thirsts, come for water" – and, here, "water" is interpreted as Torah.

The text elaborates, explaining that through reading Torah, Prophets, Writings, Mishnah, Halakhot (Jewish law), Agadot (stories and legends), and Midrash, and by dedicating ample time to study while minimizing time spent on worldly affairs, the spirit of God enters a person, and His message flows from their tongue. "The spirit of Ad-nai has spoken through me, His message is on my tongue" (II Samuel 23:2).

Ultimately, the passage celebrates those who "play with the words of the Torah," chewing on them like an animal chews its cud. It’s a beautiful image of deep, contemplative study, where we extract nourishment and meaning from the sacred texts.

So, what does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it’s a reminder that our actions in this world have cosmic significance. By engaging with Torah, by striving to live ethically and justly, we are not just improving our own lives, but also contributing to the unfolding of a grand, divine plan that stretches towards a future of ultimate peace and joy. It's a powerful and inspiring thought, isn't it?