Chapter I

מעין גנים באר מים חיים ונוזלים מן לבנון

"Garden springs; a well of living waters and streams flowing from Levanon."1

The Midrash2 says in the name of R. Yochanan that the phrase "a well of living waters" alludes to Torah, which mentions the word "well" or "wells" 48 times, corresponding to the 48 personal qualities which facilitate the acquisition of Torah knowledge, as enumerated in the last chapter of Tractate Avos.3

The verse mentions three kinds of flowing water: a spring, a well and streams. At first glance they seem to be distinct entities, but upon closer reflection we realize that they are one thing [water], divided into three parts or manifestations.

G-d created different types of liquids, each possessing its own characteristics and particular merits. There are liquids which are greatly treasured, such as pure oil or aged wines, which have excellent taste and strengthen one's health. Conversely, there are plainer liquids that possess qualities which the more expensive liquids lack. Water is a prime example. Though a common substance, it possesses qualities that the costliest oils and the dearest wines cannot match.

G-d imbued water with the ability to nurture and refresh all created beings, whether inanimate, vegetative, animal or man. All living beings, from the smallest to the largest, must have water if they are to grow and remain viable. Water is even more necessary than bread, and thirst can be even more painful than hunger pangs.

Water also satiates, which is why one should drink following a meal, as our sages4 say regarding the verse:5 "And you shall eat and be satiated." "And you shall eat," say our sages, refers to food, while "and be satiated," refers to drink. G-d, the provider and sustainer of all life, therefore made water readily available in all places where people commonly live.6

This then is the meaning of: "Garden springs; a well of living waters and streams flowing from Levanon." The three separate manifestations "garden springs," "well" and "flowing streams" and the significance of each, all point to the wonderful and divine qualities with which G-d imbued water.

In summary: "Spring," "well" and "streams" are all forms of flowing water. Every liquid, be it the most superior wine or the plainest liquid such as water, has its own inherent quality and unique purpose in serving the needs of created beings. G-d imbued water with the ability to refresh and nurture.