THEMES of Featured Chasidic Masters Articles
Intermediate
When a person realizes G-d is in all of his hardship, then his trouble ceases to exist.
In all suffering, there exists a spark of holiness from G-d, although it is hidden within many garments. When a person realizes this, then the afflictions themselves cease to exist. Even if a person does not perceive the spark of holiness in the sufferings themselves, his belief that G-d is with him will help him eventually come also to this realization.
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Kabbalah describes a love beyond all.
"And Judah drew near to him and said, 'Oh my lord'"
The Baal Shem Tov reads Judah's words as not being addressed to Joseph, but to G-d Himself. When he drew near to "Him" and praised and exalted Him, the affliction was annulled. Then, the very source of his problem - the evil viceroy of Egypt - turned out to be his beloved brother, whose intentions were only for their good. |
There are people who conduct their lives according to the laws of nature ("Judah"), and people who live their lives above the laws of nature ("Joseph").
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Intermediate
Chassidic masters state that by looking, we actually influence the object we see.
When Jacob was informed by his sons that Joseph was alive, he remarked: "My son Joseph still lives. I shall go and see him before I die."
Shem miShmuel teaches that vision is an "outgoing" activity, a form of spiritual energy emitted by the eyes that actualized our vision. The Chassidic masters further comment that by looking, we actually influence the object we see. |
