Lech Lecha-Yaakov Halach L'Darcho
"Keep on Trucking!'
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
In this week's parsha of Lech Lecha Hashem tells Avraham Avinu to leave Haran. Throughout the narrative of the parsha we see Avraham enduring many tests. In a similar vein we face many tests in our lives especially after we complete the cycle of the Yomim Tovim of Tishrei. As the month of Cheshvan sets in, a month without a Yom Tov, often a time when the skies become cloudy and the cold returns, we can begin to feel a certain melancholy appear on our horizons. We may feel sad about the things we should have but as of yet have not accomplished. We also might be down about about a physical or spiritual part of our lives that is not going the way we perceive that it should. Before we know it we've made an appointment with our therapist to work it through.
As chassidim we should ask ourselves what view the Rebbe's would have on this situation. When we take out the Rebbe's Igros Kodesh we will find different letters where the Rebbe discusses this topic.
The Rebbe often refers to perek 26 of the Tanya in which the Alter Rebbe says that the source of all sadness comes from the yetzer hara. He says that we are involved in a constant struggle to overcome the tactics of the yetzer hara. In order to be successful it is of utmost and critical importance not to be weak, complacent, lazy or to give up. If we fall prey, chas v'Shalom to this kind of thinking, we would loose our strength. Therefore our first and foremost responsibility is to avoid any sadness or resignation.
In volume 20 page 323 of Igros Kodesh the Rebbe descibes how to stay far from any type of sadness. He says that when we start our day with Birchas HaShachar and even before with Modei Ani, by simply remembering what the prayer means we will be brought to the greatest joy. (Meaning; that if we realize that Hashem has created us, placed within us our neshama, taken care of all of our needs, and that it is Hashem NOT US that is truly in control how could we or how would we ever think anything but happy thoughts?)
In a different letter in volume 6 page 246 the Rebbe wrote to an individual who was struggling with what he described as his lowly spiritual level. First the Rebbe tells him how lucky every Jew is to have; "ner mitzvah vTorah ohr- the candle of mitzvos and the light of the Torah" and that this awareness should be a source of joy in life. Then, addressing his inquiry directly, he asks him how he can be certain that his self evaluation is accurate and not instead an exaggerated and unrealistic imagination of his true circumstances.
The Rebbe continues to say that even if there is truth in his assessment, he should compare two possibilities. If a person was unaware of the fact that he was not well, without realizing it he would act in ways harmful to his health or not seek a cure to get better. This would continue until Hashem, who works 'behind the scenes' and orchestrates circumstances beyond the persons control will ultimately bring the situation to this person's attention. So now that he's assessed his situation he has hope to move in a positive direction, to do things that will cure him and be sure to stay away from further harm. In such a situation he should be happy, not sad, as he is well on the way to good health.
From these letters from Igros Kodesh we can learn to apply the Rebbe's approach to most of our daily challenges. First we need to begin with Modei Ani, to be aware and grateful that Hashem has created us, placed within us our neshama, taken care of all of our needs, and that He is in control and everything that is happenning is b'Hashgacha Protis. Then, if i still feel guilty or sad because of some poor choices i have made, then i first need to check that i haven't unwittingly blown things out of proportion because of my lack of objectivity. If after speaking to a mashpiah, [or in cases of physical ailments or business issues etc., a doctor or lawyer etc.] my concerns are confirmed as real, it is necessary to create a plan of action to correct the situation. This also includes regular review and updating of the plan. Then i need to rejoice over the fact that its been caught a day earlier and not a day later. I can now avoid living in the dark and continue forward in the path of Hashem.
May we merit the compleat refua with the coming of moshiach now!