Once Upon a Chasid Stolen Wisdom

Stolen Wisdom

When you go forth to war upon your enemies... and you capture a captive (Ki Seitzei 21:10)

Also from one’s spiritual enemies one must “capture a captive.” Anything negative in man or in the world can be exploited for the good, if one learns how to derive from it a lesson in the service of the Creator.

Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov

Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli said:

1. Whatever he does, he keeps to himself.
2. He is willing to take risks to attain his goal.
3. He does not distinguish between ‘major’ and ‘minor’ things, but takes equally exacting care of each and every detail.
4. He invests great effort in what he does.
5. He is swift.
6. He is always optimistic.
7. If at first he fails, he is back time and again for another try.

By Yanki Tauber
Published by Kehot Publication Society