Chazaq event with R' Benzion Klatzko on the First and Second Light

On Sunday night, December 6 2015, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko delivered an inspiring lecture about relationships using metaphoric terms of first and second light. Rabbi Klatzko is a very inspiring speaker and is also the founder of Shabbat.com. The event was hosted by the Chazaq organization at the Beth Gavriel Center in Forest Hills, with refreshments, and had an engaging audience. Rabbi Klatzko began by differentiating between first and second light in terms of relationships regarding marriage. First light is very bright, exciting, wishful, and merely, a gift. It is the feeling we conjure when receiving a positive first impression. When meeting a girl or guy that one likes for the first time, it can be very exciting and sometimes labeled as “love at first sight.” Second light is the relationship one maintains with his/her spouse throughout life. This second light needs to be earned and is not easy, for one feels obligated to satisfy the needs and wants of the spouse, which can be difficult at times. Well, we can understand second light is more important to have than first light, for first light is only short-term. Second light is what a person has to invest in to maintain a positive and loving relationship that is established for the long term. This light is more calming, mature, and real. So, why do we have a first light at all? What is the purpose of a first light if it’s not that important? The purpose of the first light, that new, exciting feeling for someone whom you like as a potential spouse, is to create an opening for the second light. Without that first feeling, it would be highly unlikely to achieve a second light if one has never experienced the first light. We can use this metaphor not only for relationships, but also with lessons that we learn throughout our lives. Many times, one will receive inspiration, whether it is from a great speech, deep quote, or intriguing book. That is all the first light, the feeling of inspiration. However, that first light is only worth its power if we apply and achieve the second light, which is to act upon our inspiration and invest on it. May we all receive inspiration from the many valuable lessons in our lives and achieve the second light by applying and establishing these lessons to accomplish great heights. (By Natan Alper) For more information about upcoming Chazaq events and programs, please Visit https://www.chazaq.org/ Together We Can Make A Difference, To donate online to CHAZAQ please visit https://www.fidelipay.com/chazaq