We recite in the Hagadah: ‘It is a mitzvah upon us to relate the story of the exodus from Egypt.’ Rav Yechiel of Alexander zy’a explains that the main purpose of this mitzvah is for it to leave a long-lasting imprint upon the one who performs it. Thus, the mitzvah is ‘upon us’, as it is meant to improve us and bring us to a higher level. It’s imprint is meant to be upon us all year.
More in this printout
- Healed Through Traveling to a TzadikThe Bais Avrohom of Slonim explains how traveling to a tzadik for spiritual guidance can inherently heal and purify a person's soul, as seen in a Karlin story.
- Learning Torah Fixes Damages Done Through SpeechExplore how Torah study serves as the ultimate rectification for the spiritual damage caused by lashon hara and improper speech, based on Midrashic and Chassidi
- Thinking During the HakafosRav Bunim of Peshischa shares a powerful story about the importance of guarding one's speech and maintaining holy thoughts during the Simchas Torah hakafos.
- The Punishment for One Who Speaks BadlyThe Dubno Maggid explains why a metzorah is brought to a kohen, illustrating the immense power of speech and how words determine spiritual status.
- Shemiras HalashonA powerful story about the Chofetz Chaim's strict adherence to Shemiras Halashon when his guide spoke disparagingly about a wealthy man's character.
- Those Who Speak Lashon Hara Have no Share in Olam HabaA powerful account of the Chofetz Chaim's tear-filled address to the Radin Yeshiva regarding the severity of machlokes and the consequences of lashon hara.
- A Twitch of the NoseRav Moshe Midner explains how a simple facial gesture like wrinkling one's nose can constitute lashon hara, using a proof from the Torah's description of anger.
- There is No Heter for Lashon HaraA teaching from the Chazon Ish in the name of the Chofetz Chaim explaining that while some halachic leniencies exist for other laws, lashon hara has no heter.
- A Heter Meah Rabbanim for Lashon HaraRav Naftali Amsterdam highlights the irony of people seeking complex legal permissions for minor prohibitions while casually speaking forbidden lashon hara.
- Every Second One Closes His Mouth, He Merits a Hidden LightThe Chofetz Chaim explains the immense spiritual value of silence, citing the Vilna Gaon's teaching on the hidden light merited by those who refrain from speech