In Parshas Va’eschanan, Moshe Rabbeinu continues his last speech to Klal Yisrael and tells them, “Anochi omed bein Hashem uveineichem — I stand between Hashem and you.”
A classic Chassidic interpretation of this passuk from the Zlotchover Maggid explains that it is the “Anochi — I,” the feeling of self-importance, that comes between a person and Hashem. It’s the person’s own ego that gets in the way of connecting to Hashem.
It’s so simple and so profound.
This is true in personal relationships as well. When a couple has shalom bayis, the Shechinah rests in their home. But if the spouses’ egos create friction between them, this will come between them and Hashem and drive the Shechinah away from their home.
All too often, ego centered battles are provoked over minor issues. Once someone is struggling with something, it doesn’t seem petty to him, no matter how small it may be. This is why it’s important to get an outside opinion to make sure it’s not just an ego inflating matter.
