We all know what the gemoro tells us: “mah lehalon omeid umeshamesh af kan oimeid umeshamesh”, and we have no doubt that the Rebbe is continuously davening and working and toiling to draw drown brochos for us in all areas in which we need them, both physical and spiritual. Yet, we have to realize that ultimately these brochos are dependent on us. It’s up to each and every individual chosid to strengthen his tie with the Rebbe, in order to be a worthy recipient of the brocho. As is illustrated in the example in the story, this is accomplished – in part – by reducing our connection and exposure to secular influences, in whatever shape or form they come in.
This has special relevance now, in the summer months. Bochurim or off from Yeshiva (unfortunately), and balebatim may be planning their vacations etc., and all around the danger of exposure to secular influences – whether newspapers or books or magazines or computers etc. (and that’s without even mentioning unclean images that accost us from all sides) – is so much greater. At this time we have to remember who we are and what we represent, and not spare any effort to cement our connection with the Rebbe, and keep it clean of any foreign substances.
In short; make a strict schedule, and spend your time learning and davening, so that you won’t be open to other pursuits. Besides that it’s the right thing to do, it’s to best way to ensure our being the recipient of all of the Rebbe’s brochos!
ON A PRACTICAL NOTE
One of the challenges to learning in the summer is the lack of structure. So, if this will be of any help to anyone, I will be posting the marei mekomos (nigleh) for our curriculum of the summer, so that whoever wants to do so can join in. We will be learning interesting and general sugyos (based in bava kama), and each will last about 1-1.5 weeks (so that you can join for any part). I will try to do this as regularly as possible, and post whatever ha’oros we come up with, and if any of you join, you’ll hopefully send us your ha’oros, וממילא רווחא שמעתתא.
The main thing is: before the summer starts, pick your subject and your schedule, and make sure to fill your days in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
