Toras Avigdor (R’ Avigdor Miller Zatzal) in last week’s Parsha (5784) discusses the importance of being alone with Hashem; this is what Avraham Avinu was always doing. He mentions how the holy Baal Shem Tov was alone in the forest for weeks. Also, R' Yoizel, the Alter of Novardok Zatzal had two huts in the forest; one that only his wife knew about (and no one else could get to him), the other, only his Talmid, R' Yoel Baranchik Zatzal knew about. I can’t agree more than to the greatness of being alone with Hashem.
The Alter of Novardok Zatzal says that Hashem is the Shoresh (source) of all your Hatzlachos. This turned me on big time! You want to be successful? Keep going back again and again to the Source of all goodness Who controls everything, and is stronger and more powerful than Hamas and your issues and crazy problems and relationships, your health, your learning Torah and Shviras HaMiddos, your very life!
Every time you run to Him, you are demonstrating that by you, וֹדַּבְלִּמ דוֹע ןיֵא (there exists no power other than Hashem) is real, and as a result Hashem will give you much more than other people. When I’m alone in the car, or taking a walk, I’d much rather chap a schmooze with Hashem than learning or listening to tapes, etc.
The more you’re with Hashem, the better! And for sure, Hashem appreciates your preferring His company than to all your friends and relatives! (Of course, use your Sechel as always.)
About Mussar
R' Yerucham Levovitz Zatzal said that Mussar is a “goldgrube” (goldmine), since learning Mussar saves a person from judgement in Olam HaBah. R' Chatzkel Levenstein Zatzal said that an Oved Hashem has a different Cheshbon than others. R’ Mordechai Schwab Zatzal said that to be considered an Oved, you have to serve Hashem beyond the way one normally serves him. Even if he makes an effort that goes a little beyond one’s natural inclinations.
I double-checked this story: An old Novardoker who used to give out Sifrei Mussar, came in a dream to someone (who is still alive) who is doing the same thing, and he told him that because he spread Mussar, he was Zoche to come to his place in Gan Eden in only ½ hour after his Petira.
They say that people who had tremendous Yissurim, Rachana Litzlan, go straight to Gan Eden. In Novardok they also say: וֹא מוּ ָס וֹא ר רֵסיַיְתִי “Either learn Mussar, or suffer Yissurim. Mussar and Yissurim have the same Shoresh (root). Make life easy and get involved in Mussar, and: יֵרְשַׁא ְקְלֶחםֶכ fortunate is your lot. Mussar is Gevaldig; it shows that you’re trying to improve. And even if you don’t succeed, יֵﬠָבּ אָבּיִל אָנָמְחַר Hashem is interested in our intentions. It shows Hachna'a and admittance that you need to improve. Hachna'a and Hoda'ah are #1 forms of true Teshuva.
