‘Yayhofchu Yamim Eilu L’sasson U’lesimcha’
POSITIVITY
In the early 1700s, the tzaddikim nistarim put in effort to strengthen Yiddishkeit among Am Yisroel. Yet, it was all in a way of mussar - rebukes and warnings. The message that came across is that on all sins, even minor sins, G-d will judge harshly, r”l.
The Baal Shem-Tov introduced a new method to strengthen Am Yisroel in Yiddishkeit by inspiring them with positivity. Most important of all is for Am Yisroel to focus on their ma’alos and the good that they do, and thus to arouse rachamei Shamayim.
==== Igros Kodesh HaRaYYatz, V4 P291.
The Baal Shem Tov was 11 years old when he was accepted into the group of tzaddikim nistarim, hidden tzaddikim. Three years later, when he was 14 years old, the Baal Shem Tov introduced his new positive way. The Baal Shem Tov also introduced that while the tzaddikim were looking out for the welfare of the ruchnius of Klal Yisroel, they should also consider and do personal favors b’gashmius for a Yid as needed. The tzaddikim nistarim accepted his method. It has been very successful ever since. Many would say that today, this is the only way.
The Rebbe always encouraged people to busy themselves with focusing on and honing their ma’alos and strengths and be less busy focusing on and fixing their weaknesses.
We should focus and talk about the ma’alos of Yidden in general, and then Hashem will do the same. Thus, ‘Yayhofchu yamim eilu l’sasson u’lesimcha'!
