CLD #373

For the Lyilui Nishmat of Avraham ben Ester & the Refua Shlema of Mordechai Tzvi ben Sara. Also for SHALOM in Eretz Yisrael!

Our Middot is something we all need to work on constantly. Life is a constant push to become better people based on the Torah HaKdosha’s guidelines. For this, there are many books we should read about Middot (that have also been translated into English in the last decade such as Orchot Tzadikkim, Mesilat Yesharim, Sha’arei Tshuva, etc.).

In Rav Aba Shaul’s book titled Chochma VeMussar (Wisdom and Rebuke/Constructive Criticism) a whole part of the book is dedicated to Mussar. The fifth chapter is talking about Anava (modesty/humility). Due to Septmeber 11 and its importance in recent history (not compared to the holocausts and murders that Jews went through in the last 3000 years), we will speak about Anava and its importance in everyone’s lives, because many Rabbis say that Sept. 11th happened because of the Ga'ava people had and their dependence on money instead of Hashem.

Rav Aba Shaul explains that the Ga’ava (pride) causes one to sin and is a fuel for man that leads him/her to the worst sins. Where does Ga’ava begin? When someone thinks that he deserves everything, a nice place to live in, a good willed and beautiful wife, easy parnasa, and just overall luxuries in life. Even though there is technically nothing wrong with this, one needs to understand that life that Hashem gives us is all based on straight up RACHAMIM (mercy)! Its all in the Chasdei Hashem (good favors of Hashem) that we are breathing every second and second!

When someone lives with Ga’ava Hashem Yerachem, he/she engrosses their time all to themselves, become selfish and people avoid them. With this, the person avoids thinking about Avodat Hashem and doing Mitzvot!

For this, Hashem created in us the ability to OVERCOME anything He puts in our way! So what does that mean? That we have to work on our Anava! One of the foundations of Tshuva is the act of being an Anav, being modest and respectful in a way that is TRUE and not just for show. In the famous book Sha’aei Tshuva, Rav Yonah explains that when one KNOWS his/her Creator (Hashem), then he/she realizes how small and weak the human body is and how DEPENDENT we need to be on Hashem!

At the same time we also need to know to balance this time of humility and modesty and to STAND UP FOR THE TORAH in times where we need to stand up for the Torah, such as being against the gay pride parade or against reform minyanim or even telling your friends how beautiful the Torah is and asking them why they do not go say Thank You to Hashem with an open heart at Minyan!

When one stands up for the Torah, he/she is saying “I am the son/daughter of Hashem.” Be a leader and influence those around you, because to rely on someone else to do the job is to say: “I don’t care.”

SHAVUA TOV!

Yom Kippur is in 28 days.

Rosh HaShanah is in 18 days.

Selichot have already BEGUN!

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