The Kabbalah of Cars

You're taking a class on the Kabbalah and you are first introduced to G‑d by learning the term "infinity". Infinity, you're told, depicts the unlimited nature of G‑d. Then, you discover the six "millennia" of the world's creation, divided into three sets. Further, you come to realize the "focus" required to grow in Jewish education. You finally have a "quest" to immerse in the wisdom of Torah and you "venture" to succeed.

A universal technique to keep children occupied during the course of a driving trip is having them spot license plates from various states and read bumper stickers. Thanks to the automakers I have discovered a third intriguing, uplifting, entertaining and educational tool while traveling – even while just going to the local grocery stores.

Recently – perhaps in preparation for the coming of Moshiach – the automakers have developed a master plan to boost sales of new models. Certainly, the size, shape, style and elegance of these cars contribute to their attractiveness to buyers. There is something beyond these characteristics, however, that stands out more and more.

The following are just a few of the many names borrowed by the automakers from the sacred teachings of Jewish mysticism:

Infiniti!

Millennia!

Focus!

Quest!

Venture!

It is becoming commonplace to label cars with spiritually meaningful names. These names are buzz words, evoking spiritual ideation and feeling.

You may ask, "How does it make sense to label cars – machinery designed from steel –with names that defy the mundane? "Infinity", for example, has always been a description of the One and only G‑d, often used in the esoteric dimension of the Torah. If you asked automakers what gives them the right to use these sacred names they would probably tell you: Anything to make a sale! If you asked a Chasidic Jew the same question, he would reply: It's time to realize G‑d's essence in everything, even the most mundane object, such as an automobile.