[Continued from last week.] We know that we were given mitzvos only for things we can control. So, when we are engaging in the horrors of war, we have a mitzvah: “Not to fear and panic,” which means that we have control, not to fear. How does this work? Let’s continue with the letter of the Tzemach Tzedek.
A person has 3 garments: Thought – Speech – Physical Action. [They are called garments, because just as you can change your clothes, you can change what you are thinking, talking and doing. – Tanya.] A person has free choice of what he thinks about, and does. Even if he is afraid, he can remove this fear by not thinking and talking about it, steering his mind and speech even in the opposite direction. And this is what we were told: Al yeirach levavcha - Do not soften your heart – meaning: Do not focus and think of what brings upon you, fear. This is what the Rambam says on this pasuk in Hilchos Melachim, perek 7 [Halacha 15*] that someone who frightens himself, violates a lo sa’aseh negative commandment.
As soon as he stops thinking of this negativity, automatically the fear will dissolve, or at least it will be as if it is dormant and not felt. Within a few days these negative thoughts won’t even enter your mind. This is the lo saaseh of “al yeirach levacvcha.” – Do not welcome these thoughts willingly.
==== Igros Kodesh Tzemach Tzedek P20.
To be Continued – To substitute the negative thoughts that keep propping up.
*Rambam: Once a soldier enters the throes of battle, he should rely on the Hope of Israel and their Savior in times of need. He should realize that he is fighting for the sake of the oneness of God's Name. Therefore, he should place his soul in his hand and not show fright or fear. He should not worry about his wife or children. On the contrary, he should wipe their memory from his heart, removing all thoughts from his mind except the war. Anyone who begins to feel anxious and worry during battle to the point where he frightens himself violates a negative commandment, as it is written (Devarim 20:3): "Do not be faint-hearted. Do not be afraid. Do not panic..."
