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Does Pride Fit With Spirituality? \ The Prophets of Israel D'var Torah: "HaShem said: Let not the wise man praise himself with his wisdom, and let not the strong man praise himself with his strength, let not the wealthy man praise himself with his wealth. Rather, let him take pride in this, that he knows and understands Me, for I am HaShem Who practices kindness, justice, and righteousness" (Yermiyahu 9:22). There are many types of personal accomplishments, some regarding secular subjects, and some regarding the spiritual realm. The Prophet Isaiah revealed that none of the secular attainments are worthy of personal pride. We might have assumed that the many fields of Torah knowledge and observance are all worthy of pride. However the Prophet Isaiah revealed that the sole spiritual attainment that is worthy of pride is the wisdom of clearly knowing and sincerely believing in HaShem, the Creator of heaven and earth!
Moral: Knowing HaShem is the true purpose of our existence, and is the only attainment that gives us a healthy sense of personal pride. In this light, the Torah encourages us to take pride in our knowledge of and faith in HaShem.
Application: Each time you recite the "Shema Yisrael" increase - just a little more - your awareness of and faith in HaShem. Take pride in growing your knowledge of HaShem. Sense how your knowledge and trust in HaShem grows progressively stronger and clearer each day. (Based on the commentary of HaRav Moshe Rosenstein)
The Salant Foundation is currently looking for a Shul or community to partner with us in sharing the merit of the unique and important Salant Kollel. There are practical and easy ways (such as adoptakollel.org) to create a special mutual relationship between the Kollel and a Shul or community. If you think your Shul or community or workplace might want to participate in supporting the Salant Kollel, please contact Rabbi Zvi Miller at salantorg@gmail.com, and we will discuss how to implement your idea. Thank you! |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph. R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel Javayeer z"tl
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel
Tzvi ben Chana Leah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Chaya Leah bas Sara Chaya Shaina Chana Bas Itcha
Netanel Ilan ben Shayna Tzipora
Shumel Ben Navat
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