Is it possible to see sounds?
From Parshat Yitro, we learn that the answer is, yes.
Immediately after the Torah tells us about the extraordinary encounter that the nation had with Hashem at Mount Sinai when the Ten Commandments were given: ‘וכל העם רואים את הקולות - the entire nation saw the sounds’.
What can this mean?
I believe we can gain some insight into this, from a Brachah which we recite every single morning.
Upon waking up, we thank Hashem, ‘פוקח עורים’, for opening the eyes of the blind.
That is because while we are asleep, we cannot physically see as we usually would and therefore, we appreciate the opportunity to see what is in front of us, from the moment that we open our eyes.
But there is a sad question that is asked in Halacha:
If a person unfortunately is blind, should they recite this Brachah – ‘Thank you Hashem for opening the eyes of the blind’?
The Mishnah Berurah tells us that the answer is yes and there are two possible reasons.
The first is that the blind person is thanking Hashem, for the sight that other people have, because they can assist the blind person.
Or there is a second reason – that it is because the term ‘פוקח עורים’ does not literally mean, ‘who opens the eyes of the blind’, but rather, ‘who enlightens the blind’.
The word ‘פוקח’ comes from the term ‘פקח’, which means to be bright, to be perceptive, to understand what is happening – and that is what this Bracha is for.
‘פוקח עורים’ means, we thank Hashem for enabling us to appreciate the depth of what is in front of us, in the way that we say in English, ‘I see what you mean.’ And this doesn’t necessarily mean that you physically have vision.
That is the reason why a blind person should say this Brachah and that explains what happened at Mount Sinai.
The nation saw the sound, such was the depth of their spiritual experience, that they could perceive everything that was in front of them. The truth of Hashem. The truth of the Torah He was giving to us.
Our prayer therefore is, that throughout the future, may Hashem bless us and our future generations, so that we likewise, will always be able to see the sounds – to perceive, to understand and to internalize the greatness of the truth of Hashem and the commandments that He gives us.
We pray to the Almighty with every fiber of our faith that we will see the sounds and we will celebrate peace and security as soon as possible. So join me in praying with all our hearts, for the great miracle we have witnessed - the release and safe return of all the hostages. With hearts full of thanks, we acknowledge His endless kindness and mercy, and we pray that those who have returned home find healing, strength, and peace after all they have endured.
We also continue to pray for the Divine Protection over our courageous IDF soldiers, police officers, medical teams, firefighters, ZAKA members, security forces, and every individual who stands in defense of our people - in Israel and throughout the world.
May all who are in need, be blessed with healing, yeshuot, shidduchim, children, and parnassah tova, and may we be blessed to have just continuous joy and to only go from one simcha through to the next, the most awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, peaceful, happy, healthy, amazing, relaxed, spiritual, and sweet Shabbat.
