Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
You are Jacob. This is the story of your soul.
As Jacob journeyed from Beersheva to Haran, so your soul journeyed from the wellspring of all souls to this formidable world.
As Jacob made a vow as he departed, so too your soul made such a vow, Jacob’s vow. She said:
“If G-d will be with me and protect me on this journey and provide me the bread of Torah wisdom to enlighten my soul, and the clothing of mitzvahs to shine light in places where it has never shone before...
“And if I make it through the turmoil of earthly life, the burdens, the passions, the anxieties, the fears, the utter noise and cacophony of a fragmented, confused universe...
“...to find the Infinite G-d in all these ways of humankind, to imbue them with my soul’s sense of divine purpose, to render them, as well, a way of knowing G‑d...
“'...then G-d will be my G-d and this stone that I have set as a monument will be the House of G‑d.' (Genesis 28:20)
“My soul will find peace within her most inner self, in the ultimate bond with the Infinite.
And the world I entered will also be redeemed, until even the stones beneath my feet and the granite of the building in which I work will cry out, “We, too, are a place for the Infinite Light to dwell!”
You are Jacob, bearer of light, warrior of peace.