Sunday, May 20, 2012

CLD #597



For the Ilui Neshama of Avraham ben Ester ZT’L.
When one begins construction on a plot of land, especially in New York where chances are the land is occupied with another building, they begin by demolishing the building and digging to construct a foundation for the new home/building structure. There is no difference in the concept of Middot and the life long task of perfecting them (our characteristic traits).

When one begins to get into a life of Torah, they understand that with it comes the responsibility of becoming a better human being in general. Such Middot like Zerizut (speed), Anava (modesty), Ga’ava (pride), Ka’as (anger), Ahava (love), Rahamim (mercy), etc. all need to be magnified in their intensity and thought out well in order to reach some Jewish stabilization of personality.

Sp what does this have to do with construction? Before we begin we must face an identity reality check. We must understand to the deepest level who we are as a Jew and who we are as a human being. Get deep into yourself and figure out what makes you tick, what makes you overjoyed, what makes you cry and definitely what makes you passionate and truthful. These key questions help us dig deep into ourselves before we begin establishing a foundation. It is pretty self explanatory. Before building a structure we need to clear out the space it will stand on.

However, with Middot its much more than clearing the space underneath it. It is actually digging deep under that spot to have a solid foundation where it can stand forever. The only way to reach that level is by learning the appropriate Mussar books.

B’H we should have the zechut to take at least 30 minutes out of our busy day to learn the depth behind Mussar. Rabbis say if one only has a little time in the day it is better to learn Mussar before anything.

SHAVUA TOV!

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