Dr. Harry wrote a poem a good bit of Mussar in it:
There is free will, and G-d's Will
Jew can pick whichever they choose
return to the Land they were given
or their very souls could lose
They are happy in their exile
and the blond gentiles look good
enjoy eating juicy ham sandwiches
and don't keep Kosher as they should
Know that their G-d is waiting
and they can return the easy way
or He can make things very hard
and make darkness cover the day … the rest of the poem is about Aliyah. First repent then Aliyah - RP
Jew can pick whichever they choose
return to the Land they were given
or their very souls could lose
They are happy in their exile
and the blond gentiles look good
enjoy eating juicy ham sandwiches
and don't keep Kosher as they should
Know that their G-d is waiting
and they can return the easy way
or He can make things very hard
and make darkness cover the day … the rest of the poem is about Aliyah. First repent then Aliyah - RP
Parsha Behar
25:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying: 2 Speak unto the children of Israel,
and say unto them: When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the
land keep a Sabbath unto the LORD. 3
Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy
vineyard, and gather in the produce thereof.
Eretz Yisrael was the holiest of lands just as
Am Yisrael is the Am Kadosh. Therefore, as the Am rests on the seventh day so
does the land rest in the seventh year. And the main reason comes from
Beresheis 2:3 “And on the seventh Day HE rested”.
4 But in the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest
for the land, a Sabbath unto the LORD; thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor
prune thy vineyard.
The Shmita year is time for the land, yes the
inanimate, to regenerate itself and relax. In our three dimensional world we
cannot see the 11 dimensions of the physical and spiritual worlds as they are.
5 That which grows of itself of thy harvest thou shalt not
reap, and the grapes of thy undressed vine thou shalt not gather; it shall be a
year of solemn rest for the land. 6
And the Sabbath-produce of the land shall be for food for you: for thee, and
for thy servant and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant and for the settler
by thy side that sojourn with thee; 7
and for thy cattle, and for the beasts that are in thy land, shall all the
increase thereof be for food.
The Shmita year is meant for the poor and the
land owner has stocks from his blessings for the next few years that he has
time to sit and learn Torah. It is time to refresh the poor, the soil and the
farmer.
8 And thou shalt number seven Sabbaths of years unto thee,
seven times seven years; and there shall be unto thee the days of seven Sabbaths
of years, even forty and nine years.
The Yovel is a special year. It can come once
or twice in a lifetime if one lives to over 100 years of age.
9 Then shalt thou make proclamation with the blast of the
horn on the tenth day of the seventh month; in the day of atonement shall ye
make proclamation with the horn throughout all your land.
After the conquest and the establishment of the
Ark (Teva) in Yerushalayim, the proclamation was made with a Shofar there and
repeated throughout the land.
10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim
liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof; it shall be a
jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye
shall return every man unto his family.
This was meant to free the Jewish “Slaves” for
they were more like servants with compensation packages. With the compensation
package the Jew could now purchase or receive the non-Jewish “Slave” wife of
his and children and free them. As I wrote the slaves of the Jew were more
domestic servants and the female Jewish “Slave” was meant to be brought up by
the woman of the house to marry so the son of “Master” and become part of the
family or be freed with a compensation package and skills such as sewing,
cooking, cleaning, farming, etc. necessary to manage a household. By being a
slave of the wealthy, one would have an apprenticeship to learn how to act. [An
example of this is not really a slave but the story similar to the one told in the
book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T.
Kiosaki.]
11 A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you; ye shall
not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself in it, nor gather the grapes
in it of the undressed vines. 12
For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy unto you; ye shall eat the increase
thereof out of the field. 13 In
this year of jubilee ye shall return every man unto his possession. 14 And if thou sell aught unto thy
neighbor, or buy of thy neighbor's hand, ye shall not wrong one another. 15 According to the number of years
after the jubilee thou shalt buy of thy neighbor, and according unto the number
of years of the crops he shall sell unto thee.
Although we more or less know when the Shmita
Year is there is a problem interpreting if the Yovel is 50 full years after the
last one and then starts the Shmita cycle or if the Yovel is the first year of
the next cycle. If we think of the horn or siren going off on Yom Kippur in
5734 which was right after Shmita then the next cycle would be 5784 but if we
would count it the other way then we would be off for current Shmita cycle and
5785 would be the year. I like the first idea but liking and what is so may be
quite different so we await Moshiach soon.
16 According to the multitude of the years thou shalt
increase the price thereof, and according to the fewness of the years thou
shalt diminish the price of it; for the number of crops does he sell unto thee.
17 And ye shall not wrong one
another; but thou shalt fear thy God; for I am the LORD your God.
One can rent a field from the day after the
Yovel until the time of the next Yovel based on current or recent crop yields.
When the Yovel comes, the land must revert to the previous owner.
18 Wherefore ye shall do My statutes, and keep Mine
ordinances and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. 19 And the land shall yield her fruit,
and ye shall eat until ye have enough, and dwell therein in safety. 20 And if ye shall say: 'What shall we
eat the seventh year? behold, we may not sow, nor gather in our increase'; 21 then I will command My blessing
upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth produce for the three
years. 22 And ye shall sow the
eighth year, and eat of the produce, the old store; until the ninth year, until
her produce come in, ye shall eat the old store.
So it was in 5732 that the land yielded enough
for three years until the harvest of the 9th year. However, we do
not officially hold by the Yovel until all the tribes are back on their
portion.
23 And the land shall not be sold in perpetuity; for the land
is Mine; for ye are strangers and settlers with Me. 24 And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a
redemption for the land.
Rabbi Avraham Kuk Zal allowed for the selling
of the land to work it in the new Yeshuv which was good for non-religious
Kibbutzim and Moshavim. However, the stricter Rabbis said that the land could
not be sold as ones sell Chametz on Pessach or rents out its space. The land of
Eretz Yisrael is not for sale to non-Jews.
25 If thy brother be waxen poor, and sell some of his
possession, then shall his kinsman that is next unto him come, and shall redeem
that which his brother hath sold.
If a brother or father has become in direr
straights, it is up the family to try to redeem this as one redeems a loan but
not everytime this can be the case. Therefore:
26 And if a man have no one to redeem it, and he be waxen
rich and find sufficient means to redeem it; 27 then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore
the cost unto the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return unto his
possession. 28 But if he have
not sufficient means to get it back for himself, then that which he hath sold
shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubilee;
and in the jubilee it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.
It shall return to him, his children or his
greater family brothers and nephews.
29 And if a man sell a dwelling-house in a walled city, then
he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; for a full year shall he
have the right of redemption. 30 And if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then
the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him
that bought it, throughout his generations; it shall not go out in the jubilee.
Unlike the land of Israel which came through inheritance
from the days of Yehoshua Bin Nun, a house in a city may be passed from father
to son. However, once sold he has one year to try to redeem it. Otherwise, it
becomes property of the new owner.
31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall round
about them shall be reckoned with the fields of the country; they may be
redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubilee.
Non-walled cities are like fields. However, in
our day with explosives that can destroy city walls, it is an academic exercise
except for farms of a Moshav or Kibbutz every other house would be as if it
were in a walled city.
32 But as for the cities of the Levites, the houses of the
cities of their possession, the Levites shall have a perpetual right of
redemption. 33 And if a man
purchase of the Levites, then the house that was sold in the city of his
possession, shall go out in the jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the
Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 34 But the fields of the open land
about their cities may not be sold; for that is their perpetual possession.
Land of the tribe of Levi belongs to them.
35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and his means fail with
thee; then thou shalt uphold him: as a stranger and a settler shall he live
with thee. 36
Take thou no interest of him or increase; but fear thy God; that thy brother
may live with thee.
This can be
any fellow Jew. However, if to support his failing business a loan with
interest is possible as it is a business proposition.
…39 And if thy brother be waxen poor with thee, and sell
himself unto thee, thou shalt not make him to serve as a bondservant. 40 As a hired
servant, and as a settler, he shall be with thee; he shall serve with thee unto
the year of jubilee. 41
Then shall he go out from thee, he and his children with him, and shall return
unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return. …45 Moreover of the
children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them may ye buy, and of
their families that are with you, which they have begotten in your land; and
they may be your possession.
These could be nowadays non-Jews or Ger Toshav
but not a Ger Tzeddek who is a ben Yisrael aka Jew in every way.
46 And ye may make them an inheritance for your children after
you, to hold for a possession: of them may ye take your bondmen forever; but
over your brethren the children of Israel ye shall not rule, one over another,
with rigor.
As I have written above about the freed “slave-servant”
using compensation to redeem his wife and children and they become full Bnei
Yisrael as any convert.
47 And if a stranger who is a settler with thee be waxen
rich, and thy brother be waxen poor beside him, and sell himself unto the
stranger who is a settler with thee, or to the offshoot of a stranger's family,
48 after that he is sold he may
be redeemed; one of his brethren may redeem him;
This happened during the Middle Ages with
brutal Nobles who sort money or the Queen of Austria Maria Theresa did with the
Jews of Prague to return to the city.
49 or his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any
that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be waxen
rich, he may redeem himself. 50
And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he sold himself
to him unto the year of jubilee; and the price of his sale shall be according
unto the number of years; according to the time of a hired servant shall he be
with him. … he shall not rule
with rigor over him in thy sight. 54 And if he be not redeemed by any of these means, then he shall
go out in the year of jubilee, he, and his children with him. 55 For unto Me the children of Israel
are servants; they are My servants whom I brought forth out of the land of
Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Remember who made and kept you rich and him
poor.
26:1 Ye shall make you no idols, neither shall ye rear you up a
graven image, or a pillar, neither shall ye place any figured stone in your
land, to bow down unto it; for I am the LORD your God. 2 Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am the
LORD.
This applies not only to Shabbos Kodesh, Yom
Kippur (Shabbos Shabbaton), Yomim Tovim but also to Shmita Years and the Yovel.
This is the L-RD telling us “Shabbos! Shabbos!” not simple Rabbis or Charedim
but L-RD who passed over us in Mitzrayim and killed their first born. It is
time for us to harken and repent with observance. It hurts me like a brother to
see some of my readers on-line when it is Shabbos over in Israel but still
Shabbos in the USA or Shabbos has come in Israeli time while I am on the East
Coast way before sundown. If I, a simple mortal can see you, all the more so
our CREATOR since nothing exists without HIM!
55-minute Shiur on an introduction to Perkei Avos. https://thursdaynightshiur.com/pillars-of-the-world-an-introduction-to-pirkei/
Omer
counting continued. https://www.aish.com/h/o/t/48969716.html
Day 27 ― Yesod of Netzach: Bonding in Endurance
Bonding is an essential quality of endurance. It expresses your unwavering commitment to the person or experience you are bonding with, a commitment so powerful that you will endure all to preserve it. Endurance without bonding will not endure.
Exercise for the day: To ensure the endurance of your new resolution, bond with it immediately. This
Day 28 ― Malchus of Netzach:
Nobility in Endurance
Sovereignty is the cornerstone of endurance. Endurance
that encompasses the previous six qualities is indeed a tribute and testimony
to the majesty of the human spirit. Is my endurance dignified? Does it bring
out the best in me? When faced with hardships do I behave like a king or queen,
walking proudly with my head up, confident in my God-given strengths, or do I
cower and shrivel up in fear? Exercise for the day: Fight for a dignified cause.
During the fifth week of counting the Omer, we examine
and refine the emotional attribute of Hod or humility. Humility ― and the
resulting yielding ― should not be confused with weakness and lack of
self-esteem. Hod or humility is modesty ― it is acknowledgment (from the root
of the Hebrew word "hoda'ah"). It is saying "thank you" to God.
It is clearly recognizing your qualities and strengths and acknowledging that
they are not your own; they were given to you by God for a higher purpose than
just satisfying your own needs. Humility is modesty; it is recognizing how
small you are which allows you to realize how large you can become. And that
makes humility so formidable.
A full cup cannot be filled. When you're filled with
yourself and your needs, "I and nothing else", there is no room for
more. When you "empty" yourself before something greater than
yourself, your capacity to receive increases beyond your previously perceived
limits. Humility is the key to transcendence; to reach beyond yourself. Only
true humility gives you the power of total objectivity. Humility is
sensitivity; it is healthy shame out of recognition that you can be better than
you are and that you can expect more of yourself. Although humility is silent
it is not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven
qualities of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and
sovereignty.
Day 29 ― Chesed of Hod:
Loving-kindness in Humility
Examine the love in your humility. Healthy humility is
not demoralizing; it brings love and joy not fear. Humility that lacks love has
to be reexamined for its authenticity. Sometimes humility can be confused with
low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility brings love
because it gives you the ability to rise above yourself and love another. Does
my humility cause me to be more loving and giving? More expansive? Or does it
inhibit and constrain me?
Exercise for the day: Before praying with humility and
acknowledgment of God, give some charity. It will enhance your prayers.
Day 30 ― Gevurah of Hod: Discipline
in Humility
Humility must be disciplined and focused. When should
my humility cause me to compromise and when not? In the name of humility do I
sometimes remain silent and neutral in the face of wickedness? Humility must
also include respect and awe for the person or experience before whom you stand
humble. If my humility is wanting, is it because I don't respect another?
Exercise for the day: Focus in on your reluctance to
commit in a given area to see if it originates from a healthy, humble place.
Day 31 ― Tiferet of Hod: Compassion
in Humility
Examine if your humility is compassionate. Does my
humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social or does it express
itself in empathy for others. Is my humility balanced and beautiful? Or is it awkward?
Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to humility. If you
lack humility, try acting compassionately, which can help bring you to
humility.
Exercise for the day: Express a humble feeling in an
act of compassion.
Day 32 ― Netzach of Hod: Endurance
in Humility
Examine the strength and endurance of your humility.
Does my humility withstand challenges? Am I firm in my positions or do I waffle
in the name of humility? Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak
and insecure. Netzach of Hod underscores the fact that true humility does not
make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary,
humility gives you enduring strength. Is my humility perceived as weakness?
Does that cause others to take advantage of me?
Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the strength of your
humility by initiating or actively participating in a good cause.
Day 33 ― Hod of Hod: Humility in
Humility
Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the
question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it. Am I
afraid to be too humble? Do I mask and protect my modesty with aggressive
behavior? Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility
humble? Or is it yet another expression of arrogance? Do I take too much pride
in my humility? Do I flaunt it? Is it self-serving? Is my humility part of a
crusade or is it genuine?
Exercise for the day: Be humble just for its own sake.
Day 34 ― Yesod of Hod: Bonding in
Humility
Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought
to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one
that comes out of humility. Does my humility separate me from others or bring
us closer? Does my humility produce results? Long term results? Does it create
an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build.
Exercise for the day: Use your humility to build
something lasting.
Day 35 ― Malchut of Hod: Nobility in
Humility
Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence
of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic.
Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is
not humility at all. Does my humility make me feel dignified? Do I feel alive
and vibrant?
Exercise for the day: Teach someone how humility and
modesty enhance human dignity.
During the sixth week of counting the Omer, we examine
and refine the emotional attribute of Yesod or bonding. Bonding means
connecting; not only feeling for another, but being attached to him. Not just a
token commitment, but total devotion. It creates a channel between giver and
receiver. Bonding is eternal. It develops an everlasting union that lives on
forever through the perpetual fruit it bears.
Bonding is the
foundation of life. The emotional spine of the human psyche. Every person needs
bonding to flourish and grow. The bonding between mother and child; between
husband and wife; between brothers and sisters; between close friends. Bonding
is affirmation; it gives one the sense of belonging; that "I matter", "I am significant and important". It
establishes trust ― trust in yourself and trust in others. It instills
confidence. Without bonding and nurturing we cannot realize and be ourselves.Day 36 ― Chesed of Yesod: Loving-kindness of Bonding
Love is the heart of bonding. You cannot bond without love. Love establishes a reliable base on which bonding can build. If you have a problem bonding, examine how much you love the one (or the experience) with which you wish to bond. Do I try to bond without first fostering a loving attitude? Is my bonding expressed in a loving manner?
Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the bond you have with your child or friend through an act of love.
How Curious George escaped the Nazis.
Chassid
or Rebbe by Rabbi Y. Tilles
His first-born child, their daughter Sheindel, had reached the age for them to begin seeking her intended soul-mate, yet he had no funds available whatsoever for the expenses of the wedding and for the purchase of furniture and other basic needs. Still, he did not deem it appropriate to trouble the Rebbe, his spiritual master, with his financial needs.
The Rebbe read the list of names and requests thoughtfully, then raised his eyes towards Yitzchak and asked, "What about your first daughter, Sheindel - isn't she due to get married? What will you do about the expenses?"
The chasid shrugged helplessly, too shocked by the Rebbe responding to his thoughts instead of his written words to be able to speak.
"If so," smiled the Rebbe, "I recommend that you take my advice. On Thursday, tell your family you have to leave for a few days. Then pack what you will need and travel to the town of Dorna and spend Shabbos there."
Yitzchak returned home in high spirits. He hadn't the slightest idea why the Rebbe had instructed him to go to Dorna, a popular tourist site in the summer,* but now, in the midst of the freezing snowy winter, would feel more like a deserted ghost town. Nevertheless, he trusted that this expedition would be his path to salvation.
* Today called Vatra Dornei, a town in the north of Romania with a population of 13-14,000, according to the 2011 census. (Google)
He arrived in the evening. Friday found R. Yitzchak pacing aimlessly the streets of the Jewish section of Dorna, dressed in his Shabbat bekasha (long robe) with his streimel (expensive round fur hat) crowning his head. He had no idea where he was going or what he was supposed to be doing, but he trusted that Heaven would guide his steps.
A local woman happened to glance out her window and saw this impressive-looking stranger passing her house. "Look!" she exclaimed excitedly to her husband. A tzadik (holy man) has come our town! Hurry and invite him to be our guest."
The husband ran to do his wife's bidding. In tones of great respect he invited the 'tzadik' into his home.
Yitzchak thought at first that the man was teasing him. "I am not a tzadik," he replied firmly; "just an ordinary Jew."
"Wow!" thought the townsman. "Not only is he a tzadik, he is also humble. A true tzadik!" His joy was boundless when the distinguished visitor agreed to accept his hospitality offer. The proud couple proceeded to treat their surprise guest as if the king himself had come to grace their home.
The word quickly spread to the Jews of Dorna: a tzadik had arrived and would be staying in their town through Shabbat. Many put aside their busy preparations for the holy day just hours away and hurried to be in the presence of the holy man.
Most came with requests for blessings, some came just to stare. To all Yitzchak kept vehemently protesting, "I most definitely am not a tzadik. You are mistaken!" This only resulted in the opposite of what he intended. It was like pouring oil onto a fire that shoots up the flames.
The pressure for him to accede to the many requests for blessings grew increasingly intense. No one even bothered any more to listen to his denials. He felt forced to assume the role that was being thrust upon him. Otherwise there would be no relief.
With a sigh he accepted the request notes signed with personal names and mothers' names, reading each one and reluctantly muttering a blessing. Of course each time he told the person they were making a terrible mistake, but those words were ignored while the blessings received hearty 'Amen's.
His heart was breaking from sorrow and worry. "Oy, my soul! What will be, what will be! They are clothing me in a glory that is not mine. Me, a tzadik? I am guilty of deceiving an entire population!"
A few minutes more passed when suddenly they heard someone screaming outside the house. "Let me in to see the tzadik. You must let me in. NOW!"
The door to the room burst open and a distraught man rushed in. Focusing on Yitzchak, he shouted, "Rebbe! My little daughter is critically sick. At this moment she is fluttering between life and death. Rebbe! You must save her. PLEASE!"
Yitzchak the chasid felt as if he was about to faint. "Now the life of a child has been placed on your shoulders," he berated himself. "This is too much already." His lips trembled as he choked back tears. "She should have a complete healing," he pronounced.
In synagogue on Shabbat, Yitzchak was escorted to the most honored seat. In the midst of the prayers, the congregation was interrupted by the loud entrance of the man with the sick daughter. Crying and laughing simultaneously, he called out, "Holy Rebbe! My daughter got better. She has recovered completely!"
Everyone present was astonished. It was difficult to digest at first the miracle that had taken place. Their already great esteem for their newly found Rebbe multiplied immeasurably more.
Nor did it end there. On Saturday night, before the agitated chasid could depart for home, he was visited by the head of the Dorin Jewish community accompanied by his wife. Politely and with much respect, they requested a blessing for children, because they were already married for seventeen years but had yet to be blessed with offspring.
"Oh, no!" thought Yitzchak. "Not this too!" He managed to mutter a blessing in a low voice, and then left the house and the town absolutely as speedily as he could, terrified that otherwise he might have to field even more impossible requests.
As Yitzchak was striding along the road that led out of Dorna, he saw in the distance a horse drawn carriage wheeling towards him. As it drew closer, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. Inside it was his Rebbe, R. Naftali of Rofshitz!
Yitzchak the chasid burst into bitter tears. He wordlessly thrust his hand into his right pocket and pulled out a wad of all the request notes he had received. Then he put his other hand into his left pocket and retrieved all the money he had been given in Dorna. With a pleading look he extended both handfuls toward the Rebbe.
"I'll take the notes; you keep the money," the Rebbe said calmly, with a smile. "Use it to arrange a fine wedding for your Sheindel."
This the chasid did, but only a year later the same dire need raised its head again. It was time for his second daughter, Chaya, to marry, and not a coin remained from the money amassed the year before.
In trepidation Yitzchak went once more to seek R. Naftali's blessing and advice, praying mightily that the Rebbe not send him to Dorna again, or any other similar location. The pain and shame from the previous year's frightening expedition was still reverberating in his mind and heart.
With a sense of impending doom, he heard the Rebbe order him to Dorna again. For a brief moment he thought to resist, but then his complete trust in his Rebbe re-asserted itself. He went home and organized everything he needed to take along.
His arrival in Dorna was greeted with wild excitement. The community leader was so beside himself with joy and gratitude, he seemed prepared to prostrate before Yitzchak and kiss his feet.
"This is truly divine inspiration!" he exclaimed. "Just this week my wife give birth to a son - a result of your blessing, of course! - and now suddenly you appear, just in time to honor us with your participation in the brit mila circumcision ceremony tomorrow. Rebbe, Rebbe; how can I possibly thank you sufficiently!"
The whole town was in an uproar. Many dozens of people came flocking just to gaze at the face of the miracle-working tzadik.
Yitzchak stared at the crowd assembled in his honor. At that moment a seductive thought crept into his mind. "Maybe it is actually true that my blessings helped them? Maybe I really do have much merit in Heaven?"
Yitzchak marveled how different this Shabbat was than the one he suffered through the year before. This time he was no longer bothered by the praise and adulation being thrown his way. Indeed, the opposite was more the case. He was enjoying all the attention and glory; he felt for him it was a period of elevated spirit.
Saturday night he left Dorna, his small suitcase filled with the monetary contributions the townspeople were happy to bestow upon him, even more than the year before. This time the Rebbe did not drive out to meet him, so after a few minutes at home, he walked quickly to the Rebbe's house to tell him all that happened.
Much to his surprise though, the Gabbai, the Rebbe's attendant, would not allow him to enter. When pressed for an explanation, he said curtly, "I was told not to let you in."
Over the next few days the scene repeated itself many times. The Gabbai kept refusing him entrance. Finally, Yitzchak decided that he would wait outside the Rebbe's door, and as soon as the Rebbe would came out, he would confront him about the reason for his rejection.
He stood there for what seemed an eternity until the Rebbe eventually emerged. Before Yitzchak could utter a word, the Rebbe addressed him directly.
"Oho! Here is the great tzadik who has merit in Heaven. Waiting for me are sick people, barren women, men in strangling financial predicaments. Perhaps you are able to bless them? As for me, I receive only ordinary Jews, not tzadikim such as yourself."
Yitzchak the chasid realized immediately that the Rebbe had perceived the enticing but silly thought that had entered his mind in Dorna - that it was in his own merits that the blessings he had proclaimed were fulfilled, and not the Rebbe operating through him.
He firmly removed all such feelings from his heart. R. Naftali sensed the return of his Chasid's humility and was pleased. Yitzchak left the Rebbe's house accompanied by warm blessings, secure in his status as a chasid who knows his true place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Source: Translated-adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from the Hebrew weekly, Sichat Hashavua #1412 (5774/2014)
Biographical note:
Rabbi Naftali of Rofshitz [of blessed memory: 6 Sivan 5520 (the same date and year as the Baal Shem Tov's passing!) - 11 Iyar 5587 (1760-1827 C.E.)] became the Rebbe of many thousands of chasidim. He was noted for his sharp wit and humor and his illuminating aphorisms. Some of his teachings are collected in his works, Zera Kodesh, Ayalah Sheluchah, and Imrei Shefer. Many stories about him appear in the book, Ohel Naftoli.
Connection: Seasonal -- Thursday, Iyar 11, the 192nd yahrzeit of the Rofshitzer.
The truly humble and heart felt blessings of one fearing G-D came true the first time. One must be careful to remain humble and pious and not let ‘success’ enter one’s head.
From
Denise Rabbi Norman Lamm discusses how he helped develop the weapons for
Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/video-project-tells-tales-of-american-jews-who-helped-fledgling-israel-take-wing/
Did
Hitler escape Germany and had is double killed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XunZh7hG56U
Likud
fails to get Charedi Woman to defect from Blue and White. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262971
Attorney
General says Netanyahu’s lawyers refuse to accept material. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5507787,00.html
Teva
accused of price fixing. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262988
84th
Infantry Div. member and Holocaust victim reunite. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5508992,00.html
Inyanay Diyoma
Dutch
Soccer fans beat Jew sing SS Songs. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262977
Patriot
Missiles to the Middle East. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262971
Likud
fails to get Charedi Woman to defect from Blue and White. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262971
Attorney
General says Netanyahu’s lawyers refuse to accept material. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5507787,00.html
Teva
accused of price fixing. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262988
Iran
could attack Israel using its proxies as the Gulf heats up. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5507717,00.html
Ukrainian
Jews disagree on antisemitism. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262989
Synagogue
in Central Israel and Cemetery vandalized. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262975
Again
“Satanic Jews”. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262970
Border
Wall being funded partially by Pentagon. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/262983
Assessment
Iran behind tanker attack. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263107
Iran
shows how they can disrupt oil flow. https://www.debka.com/irans-special-marine-unit-sabotaged-tankers-fujairah-was-outside-us-saudi-uae-purview/
120,000
troops ready to go if Iran acts ups. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263103
Kosher
passengers not welcome on this airline. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263067
Netanyahu
and the Likud closes Har HaBeis to Jews. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263100
UN
envoy warns of Gaza War this summer. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5508598,00.html
Breaking
the silence tries to ruin Eurovision. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5508362,00.html
Time
to end the Charade all the true Jews have left Ethiopia the rest of the people
are certified non-Jews. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5507828,00.html
IDF
ready for Gaza attacks during Euro Contest. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5509478,00.html
Second
attack on Gulf Oil. https://www.debka.com/second-attack-on-gulf-oil-drones-drop-explosives-on-two-saudi-oil-pumping-stations/
The other
antisemitic Congresswoman. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/13/trump-slams-congresswoman-tlaibs-holocaust-comments-she-obviously-has-tremendous-hatred-of-israel-and-the-jewish-people/?utm_content=news1&utm_medium=daily_email&utm_campaign=email&utm_source=internal/
Computer
generates a Eurovision Song. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3762110,00.html
Iranian
Nuclear Stalemate Fishman: https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5508361,00.html
Polish
antisemitism continues. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/13/as-antisemitic-protocols-are-distributed-on-streets-of-warsaw-polish-government-snubs-visiting-israeli-delegation/?utm_content=news1&utm_medium=daily_email&utm_campaign=email&utm_source=internal/
Diane
Bederman on the Nakba. https://dianebederman.com/the-nakba-the-disaster-catastrophe-cataclysm-and-the-shame/
Mel
Gibson to play Rothschild. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/13/mel-gibsons-role-in-upcoming-film-satirizing-rothschild-family-raises-eyebrows/
Arab
terrorists hack Israeli Broadcast. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263161
Iran
already dropping commitments. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5509478,00.html
Jewish
local woman attacked in Sweden. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/14/jewish-woman-critically-wounded-in-sweden-stabbing-attack/?utm_content=news1&utm_medium=daily_email&utm_campaign=email&utm_source=internal/
Israeli
Companies may sue French Company that pulls of bid. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/14/israeli-companies-threaten-lawsuit-against-french-company-after-it-pulls-out-of-planned-bid-on-jerusalem-light-rail-project/?utm_content=news1&utm_medium=daily_email&utm_campaign=email&utm_source=internal/
Iranian
backed Jihad wants a new war. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/14/irans-faction-in-gaza-tries-to-drag-israel-into-a-new-conflict/?utm_content=blog1&utm_medium=daily_email&utm_campaign=email&utm_source=internal/
After
terror successes, the next target for Iran is the Golan: https://www.debka.com/the-golan-is-next-after-iran-hit-3-gulf-oil-targets-say-rev-guards-associates/
Earthshaking
events off the coast. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263209
Photos
of Israeli Spacecraft on the Moon http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263204
US
evacuates non-essential people from Iraq. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263187
We
must not surrender to threats. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263215
The
book that is 17times worse than Mein Kampt: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263201
Ed-Op
Yemeni: Netanyahu making Israel into Turkey. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5508937,00.html
Good
for Hi-Tec Israelis bad for ignoramuses. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5510061,00.html
EU
to check into Arab hatred in text books. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5509778,00.html
Analysis
US-Iranian conflict will include Israel. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5509602,00.html
Theoretically,
the Likud may not form the government and there will be new elections. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/263230
Young
ALS patient faces hate after seeking treatment in Israel. https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/05/15/europes-youngest-als-patient-faces-wave-of-online-hate-after-seeking-treatment-in-israel/?utm_content=news1&utm_medium=daily_email&utm_campaign=email&utm_source=internal/
Have
a wonderful and peaceful Shabbos,
Rachamim
Pauli
