Today, Chesed is The Main Thing:
Sefer Ohr Elimelech (Gemilus Chasadim, Ois 37) quotes Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk zy”a as saying that until the era of the Arizal, the world stood on the pillar of Torah. The other two pillars – those of avodah and gemilus chasadim – were merely secondary, as Torah was the main thing. From that time until now, however, the pillar of gemilus chasadim was the main one. He concludes: “This means that a person is permitted to give precedence to chesed over the other pillars.”
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.
- 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
- Rapidly Ascending From Idol Worshippers to Lofty HeightsDiscover how Rav Dovid of Lelov inspired Dr. Bernard's transformation and why the transition from idol worship to holiness can happen in an instant.
- 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