The Secret of Being a Positive Influence
Devorah, the Prophetess, served as the judge of Israel for forty years. The Torah calls her a "fiery woman," implying she had dynamic spiritual powers. Her name, Devorah, means "bee." The bee has two opposite characteristics: it gives a bitter sting and it produces sweet honey. Meaning, Devorah stung, i.e., aggressively attacked her own negative character traits within herself. By purging and purifying herself, she emerged with a sweet and holy personality that influenced and inspired Klal Yisrael to return to HaShem.
Lesson: The most effective way to influence others is by focusing and rectifying your own inner imperfections.
App: Instead of taking others to task, concentrate on correcting your own shortcomings and inner flaws; let your sweetness uplift others to return to the path of HaShem and His Torah.
(Based on the commentary of Ohr Torah to Shoftim) |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph
Refuah Shieimah Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Etta Refuah Shleimah R' Pinchas ben Gittel Rus |
