Novardok: The Ruach and Spirit of Novardok
In Novardok they used to look for as much Ruach as possible. It gives you Simcha and energy, and Chi'yus in whatever you do. Like it says about the people who built the Mishkan, that they had a: רוּחַ חָכְמָה כח ג “Ruach” Chochma, meaning not just “dry” Chochma; rather a “spirit” of Chochma. i.e., when you’re on fire with the Yesodos that you talk about. Mussar B'hispa'alus and learning Gemara with a Bren, or dancing and singing, are all forms of Ruach.
For the creation of the Bigdei Kehuna, Hashem told Moshe to speak to all: חַכְמֵּי לֵּב כח ג “Chachmei Lev”. Notice how the Borei Olam (Creator of the world) doesn’t want “Stam” Chachomim, but Chachmei “Lev”. וְיָדַעְתָ הַיוֹם וַהֲשֵּבֹתָ אֶל לְבָבֶךָ ואתחנן ד לט To know (in your mind), and let it penetrate into your heart. There are plenty of bright people who can say beautiful Pshat'im and nice Divrei Torah. However, they aren’t ready to “live” their words, because they don’t learn Mussar B'hispa'alus, or look for some other Eitza, like Tefila.
People with Ruach need less sleep and food. The Novardokers used to use the big-time millionaires as examples for Avodas Hashem; they are so thrilled with the millions that they are making, that they don’t become: מְּצומְּצָם stuck and narrow-minded with the petty worries of the average person. They have no time to be small and bicker, with all kinds of limitations that hold them back from their mission in life.
