Written by Daniel Shasha
The Torah cautions, "One must not afflict their fellow" (25:14). The Chafetz Chaim asks, our Sages teach that every ‘es’ comes to include something, so what is the ‘es’ here teaching us? He answers that the verse is also commanding us not to ‘afflict’ and be hard on ourselves. We are commanded to treat ourselves with the appropriate respect that a child of Hashem deserves and not to view ourselves in a negative light. Indeed, Rabbeinu Yonah teaches that it is imperative that we constantly focus on our positive qualities (Shaarei Avodah, ch. 1). Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz commented that focusing on our positive qualities is even more important than focusing on our shortcomings (Daas Chochmah Umussar Vayechi)
Chazal teach that each person is obligated to say, “The world was created for me.” (Sanhedrin 37a). In the inspiring words of Rav Shlomo Wolbe, “There has never been anyone exactly like you, and there will never be another you until the end of time. We must remember that we are a precise combination of talents... the entire world is waiting for us, no other person in the world can accomplish our mission in life.” (Alei Shur vol.1 p. 26)
One time, Rabbi Naftali Amsterdam poured out his heart to his beloved Rebbi, Rav Yisrael Salanter. He passionately exclaimed “Rebbi, if only I possessed the heart of the Yesod Shoresh Ve’Avdoah, the sharp mind of the Shaagas Aryeh, and your sterling character traits then I would be able to serve Hashem.” Rav Yisrael replied, “Naftali, with your heart, your mind and your character traits, you can be a true oved Hashem! (Alai Shur vol.1 p.38)
