We will expand on this sacred insight based on the fact that HKB”H and His children, Yisrael, form a single body, as it were. HKB”H is the “head of Bnei Yisrael,” so to speak; while Bnei Yisrael are likened to the body that is attached to the head. As such, HKB”H provides them with the necessary life-support. Let us refer to the Pesikta Rabbasi (10, 11) related to the passuk (Shemos 30, 12): "ישראל בני ראש את תשא כי"—when you elevate the head of Bnei Yisrael:
HKB”H said to Moshe: Moshe, whatever you can do to elevate this nation, elevate it; for it is as if you are elevating Me. For it says: “When you elevate the head of Bnei Yisrael.” It does not say “when you elevate Bnei Yisrael” but rather the “head.” And the head of Yisrael is none other than HKB”H, as it says (Michah 2, 13): “Their king will pass in front of them, with Hashem at their head.”
Now, we find the following declaration from Iyov (Iyov 19, 26): "אלוק אחזה ומבשרי"—and from my flesh, I see G-d. In other words, from a human being’s physical being and flesh, it is possible to perceive and gain an understanding of the ways of Hashem. This idea is based on an explicit passuk (Bereishis 1, 27): ברא אלקים בצלם בצלמו האדם את אלקים ויברא" "אותו—G-d created the man in his image; in the image of G-d He created him. This implies that we can deduce how HKB”H relates to mankind from man’s flesh. This is the basis for Iyov’s declaration: "אלוק אחזה ומבשרי".
Thus, we can better understand the relationship between the people of Yisrael—the so-called “body”—and HKB”H—the so-called “head”—from the human body. As long as the two are connected, the body is sustained and remains alive. The moment the body is detached from the head, chas v’shalom, it dies. We find a saying in the Gemara that reflects this fact (Shabbas 75a): "ימות ולא רישא פסיק"—if the head is detached from the body, death is inevitable.
In similar fashion, Yisrael can only exist if they are connected to their head, HKB”H; for He provides them with life. As it is written (Devarim 4, 4): אלקיכם 'בה הדבקים ואתם" "היום כולכם חיים—and you who cling to Hashem, your G-d, you are all alive today. Now, we know based on human anatomy and physiology that the human head and body are connected by two main conduits—the trachea and the esophagus. Similarly, the relationship between Yisrael and HKB”H relies on the analogs of these two major conduits.
One of the functions of the trachea is to facilitate the power of speech; the function of the esophagus is to supply food and drink to the body to sustain it. Likewise, Yisrael use the power of speech provided by the trachea to study Torah; they eat and drink l’shem shamayim with the esophagus. In a sense, this is the meaning of the passuk (Mishlei 3, 6): "דעהו דרכיך בכל"—in all your endeavors know Him.
