Va’ani Tefillah

אור זרוע לצדיק ולישרי לב שמחה – Ohr zarua la’tzaddik u’l’yishrei lev simchah. Light is sown for the righteous, and for the upright of heart, gladness.

The Malbim explains that Hashem sows His Divine light within a tzaddik – similar to the manner in which one plants a seed in the ground. The seed must be matured, cultivated, and watered, so that it produces wonderful, luscious fruit. Likewise, the tzaddik cultivates the supernal light within himself, so that, over time, it will grow, multiply and spread to others. The yesharim, spiritually upright, will be spiritually gladdened by the Divine light that permeates them. The tzaddik knows what to do with the seed of light within him. He nurtures it, so that it will flourish and grow stronger. This metaphor implies that the tzaddik possesses an innate goodness that, when nurtured, will add to his personal spiritual and moral development. He will then contribute positively to the world around him, as the fruit of a tree sustains and nourishes those who eat from its fruits.