Dreaming of Mesirus Nefesh
The Rebbe Rav Elimelech famously authored the Tzetel Kattan, a 32-point guide to the aspiring eved Hashem. In the very first chapter, the Rebbe writes, “At every moment that one is idle from Torah learning, and especially when he sits alone in a room or lies in bed unable to fall asleep, he should picture and imagine that there’s a great and fearsome fire burning in front him, reaching to the heavens, and for the sake of the sanctity of Hashem, he breaks his nature and jumps into the fire to sanctify Hashem’s Name.”
Why So High?
One may ask, why did the Rebbe Rav Elimelech begin with such a lofty madreigah? This may cause someone who sets out to study the Tzetel Kattan to think that this document is designed for the exalted Yidden of yore... not for those of our generation.
In addition, one may ask, we know, based on the sefarim hakedoshim, that one must go step by step in avodas Hashem when setting out on this journey, yet here, out of the gate, the Rebbe begins with something seemingly so lofty and distant.
Setting Aims
But here lies a yesod in which we all must have great clarity: We must have a clear and concise picture of our ultimate goal for where we’re headed in life.
When we want to travel to a certain destination, there are many ways we can get there. We can go by bus, a car, or bicycle, for example. But this much is certain: If a person gets into a car, he must have a clear destination in mind. You won’t find a person traveling in his car aimlessly, without a destination in mind. “Where are you going?” “Ah, I don’t know, but it’s fine... it’s warm in here.”
The same applies to our approach to Yiddishkeit. There are many ways to get where we need to go. There are the mitzvos of kibbud av v’eim, there’s limud haTorah, and so forth. But we must look ahead to the true goal. “Where do I want to arrive with all these mitzvos that I perform?”
Beginning With the Endgame
The first thing a person must know is that he’s here for a reason—and that is to become close to the Ribbono shel Olam!
This is what the Rebbe is teaching us here: When faced with the choice of remaining alive or giving up your life al kiddush Hashem, which will you choose? Which way will you go? Choose your destination. The Tzetel Kattan is a document of directions of how to get where we want to go, but we must first know the destination.
Point to Ponder
Where Am I Headed?
Yahrzeit of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizensk - 21 Adar
