Zehirut: Illuminated Awareness
Exploring the mussar soul trait of zehirut | illuminated awareness (lit. caution).
Zehirut (זהירות) Illuminated Awareness
Zehirut (זהירות), the soul-trait for Adar, simply translates as “caution,” but within mussar it has a different meaning which is illuminated or shining awareness. One might think this is a really creative translation – and it is and it isn’t. Remember that all Hebrew words have a three letter root, and the root of zehirut is same as zahar (זָהַר) – to be bright and zohar (זֹהַר) – shining. This makes much more sense to me, considering that the genesis of zehirut in mussar is this saying: Torah brings to zehirut (תורה מביאה לידי זהירות) – (Talmud: Avodah Zara 20b.10).
What makes more sense to you – learning brings illuminated/shining awareness or caution/watchfulness?
A radiant light shines within.
Alan Morinis
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