Thirteenth day, Yesod of Gvurah (just rec’d)
Hashem’s covenant with us by the nature of being a genuine covenant means that we too have to guard the relationship. The way we connect to others is a reflection of who we are in the dee pest sense. This includes both the way the first aspect of the covenant that Hashem made with Avraham, circumcision (which by its nature is relevant to men). Guarding your speech (and the Talmud says that 9 of the 10 measures of speech were given to women) is another aspect of guarding the covenant (and is called “bris sfasaim” the covenant of the lips). The “weapon” you need to guard the covenant is the will to be a tzadik, to do things on Hashem’s terms even in the face of temptation. This is why Yosef is referred to as “hatzadik”. The desire to stay firm in your commitment to the covenant is called “yesod”- the foundation. It demands strength, “gvurah”. This is what is meant when it says, A tzadik is the foundation of the world.”
Learning to say no to instinctive and base desires strengthens your “tzadik “muscle. Its application includes observing fences to prevent falling (both the kind that each person makes for himself) and the ones established by chazal, for instance maintaining social tznius. Thus you may be familiar with the famous adage, “Wherever you find a fence against immorality, there is where you find holiness”
BETWEEN PEOPLE
1-Be aware that looking for others to show you esteem and to give you status is also considered “desire”. Be careful when you are in a position in which other people show you honor that you may forget that your true goal is to be a tzadik, not to be acknowledged as one.
2-When you have guests over, be a model of the kind of awareness of Hashem’s presence, so that you touch the “tzadik” in them, and they are influenced by your example.
3-Recognize that the fences that are established are for your good, and be supportive of them. Part of the covenant is to affect others which involves both the power of speech and the way in which reproduction physically rather than as an expression of exploitive desire.
Limb-left hand (which is used to be active, but not aggressive. This is the opposite of the right hand, which hints at chessed and demands more vigor).
Time- minchah
Tefillah- the prayer for peace, sim shalom
Divine Name, “Sh-a-day” (which Ramban tells us is the name used for “hidden miracles”)
Day 14, Malchus she’bigvurah
Malchut is kingship. The key to winning your battle with the yetzer hara is believing that you are capable of ruling over your inner kingdom. This is the time not to show weakness or to fall into the trap of compromise. In earlier times a king had absolute power- no one could tell him that he can’t do whatever he wants to do. If you know what you really want to do (which is to live with meaning on Hashem’s terms) you can use your yetzer tov (you love of good) to defeat your yetzer hara.
The strongest weapon you have to rule over yourself is tefillah. It says, “If not for Hashem’s help, you would not be able to prevail over him (the yetzer hara. Unlike a human king, you must realize that there is something to fear-not external enemies, but the barrier that sin erects between you (even your higher self) and Hashem. This is what real “fear of heaven” is about. Don’t weaken yourself by treating your choices lightly. Encourage other people to stand strong, help them believe that they can choose to let the self that they want to be prevail.
One example of this is the way that a Jewish farmer has to keep the laws that are specific to Eretz Yisrael. The yetzer hara will tell him that the fruit of his labors belongs to him, and that giving tithes or keeping shmitta equals deprivation. The yetzer tov will tell him that doing these mitzvos correctly demonstrates the clarity he has in his choice to draw himself closer to Hashem, and to make maximum use of the work he invested in growing his crops to achieve his genuine goal, living on Hashem’s terms. One choice (the one presented by the yetzer hara) makes him more materialistic and egocentric. The other makes him stronger, more self-ascendant and closer to Hashem. This example can also be applied to the way you relate to giving tzedakah.
LIMB- the left hand
TIME-Try to give tzedakah and to show honor to those who learn (who you honor as your generals and officers in ruling your inner kingdom) in the afternoon
TEFILLAH- try to maintain focus whenever the kingdom of Heaven, or Dovid’s ruler ship is mentioned especially at minchah
DIVINE NAME- The name ADNY (which means master) especially at minchah.
15th day Chesed of Tiferes
Think about the love and kindness that Hashem demonstrates moment by moment as He keeps the world alive. The ecosystem is so intricate that nothing is lost or there for no reason. Think of your own body, and what is happening “below the radar” for you to survive. Let the brachah asher yotzar that you say when you go to the bathroom open your mind to the glory of Hashem’s ongoing chesed.
Use this trait in your life by appreciating and mirroring His gifts to you and the world by treating His creations kindly. As you do so, praise Him. If other people admire your abilities, appearance, achievements, etc, praise the One who gave you what you have. This opens the gates and once open, the flow of Hashem’s love and kindness will be strengthened and He will give still more. This should inspire you to serve Hashem with love and enthusiasm and to thank Him for His Torah. The flow of wisdom will increase, and your appreciation of what a marvelous gift the Torah is.
With Others,
Try for a really over-the-top amazing chesed that will inspire the one you are helping to praise Hashem. When you extend yourself to someone in need, do it with joy. If you are unable to do an over the top chesed today (it happens…) do whatever chesed you can with real simchah, a smile, and an open heart.
LIMB - Today, it is your entire body!
TIME - Daytime
TEFILLAH- The brachah for forgiveness, the greatest compassion of all, especially at minchah.
NAME OF HASHEM- Kel (aleph lamed) which means force.
No comments:
Post a Comment