Rapidly Ascending From Idol Worshippers to Lofty Heights:
As is well-known, Rav Dovid of Lelov zy”a brought the famous Dr. Bernard back to Yiddishkeit. Dr. Bernard did teshuva and eventually became a rebbe and renowned tzadik and was known as Rav Chaim Dovid Doctor of Pietrikov zy”a.
During his first visit to Rav Dovid, the Rebbe immediately began speaking to him about lofty topics of avodas Hashem. Rav Chaim Dovid was amazed. He didn’t know how he could be expected to discuss such matters with the Rebbe while he was still irreligious.
Rav Dovid told him, “We learn this from the Torah. Klal Yisroel was told to draw forth and buy sheep. Chazal learn this to mean that they were commanded to draw their hands away from idol worship. As soon as they stopped worshipping idols, they were ready to bring a holy Korban Pesach.”
More in this printout
- Hints to All MoadimRav Boruch of Mezhibozh explains how the Parshios from Bo to Ki Sisa contain thematic hints to all the Jewish holidays, from Pesach through Purim.
- The Plague of Being Unable to See One's FriendRav Yaakov Emanuel Koppel explains that the plague of darkness represents the spiritual failure of being unable to see and respond to the needs of one's fellow.
- The Tzedakah One Gives Speaks on His BehalfA teaching from Rav Meir of Premishlan on how every piece of bread given to the poor advocates for a person in Heaven, followed by a miraculous story of rescue.
- Today, Chesed is The Main ThingRav Elimelech of Lizhensk explains that since the era of the Arizal, the pillar of gemilus chasadim has become the primary foundation for the world's existence.
- The Treasure of BitachonExplore the Lisker Rebbe's insight on why Bnei Yisroel borrowed Egyptian gold, revealing that true wealth lies in bitachon rather than material possessions.
- One Who Trusts in Hashem Merits Receiving His ChesedExplore how bitachon (trust in Hashem) directly influences Divine kindness, featuring insights from the Magid of Mezheritch and the Chozeh of Lublin.
- Animals Want to be Fed by HashemThe Tiferes Shlomo explains Tehillim 104:21, suggesting that lions roar in complaint because they would prefer to receive food from Hashem like herbivorous cows
- Emunah is a Segulah for a Long LifeDiscover how emunah and bitachon serve as a segulah for longevity, featuring insights from the Tiferes Shlomo and the Kotzker Rebbe on Chavakuk 2:4.
- The Booty Was a LoanRav Moshe of Lelov and the Ropshitzer Rebbe explain why Bnei Yisrael borrowed Egyptian gold to ensure they would never want to return to Egypt due to their debt
- Hashem Skipped Our OpeningRav Boruch of Mezhibozh explains how Hashem skipped the requirement for our initial effort during the Exodus from Egypt because Bnei Yisrael were at a low level