Question
There have been times that I have listened to the Rabbi give a profound message, comment, or sermon... So what does it mean when I feel "sheer goosebumps" cascade across my face, head, or arm for a brief moment, either "during or immediately following" the time they speak, whatever the subject, topic, etc.??? Shalom to you, Rabbi! VMM
Answer
Every person was granted by God a unique soul or what's referred to in kabbala as "your letter in the Torah" or your "spark of Godliness". We say in prayer "the God of Avraham, the God of Yitzchak and the God of Jacob, and not simply "the God of Avraham, Yitzchak and Jacob”, because each of them had a special and unique relationship with God. Similarly, David writes about an individual, "… and in his (!) Torah he will learn day and night" (Psalms 1, 2), because everyone connects to his unique and personal topics, ideas or teachers of Torah. Accordingly, our rabbis teach (Bavli, Avoda Zara 19) "A person doesn't learn but in the place (and from the teacher) where his heart desires. Thank God today with the internet, even a person who has difficulty getting around, can browse the web until s/he finds Torah that "speaks to them". This is the concept of "Aseh L'cha Rav" (Avot 1, 6), or "brand yourself a rabbi". If in fact you've found yourself a teacher who speaks to your soul and intellect, fantastic- that's the way it's supposed to be! Maybe suggest his lessons to your friends as well.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat
