Dedicated in loving memory of Shalom Yoseph ben Leiba Zlotta
The Invaluable Power of Bringing Joy to Others
Yaacov blessed Yehudah with the words, "A smile is greater than milk." This conveys the ideal that bringing a smile to your friends lips is more beneficial than giving him a glass of milk." In other words, bringing joy to your fellow is more important and more worthy than any material pleasure that you grant to him. In this light, the Vilna Gaon said, "The majority of the Torah and its fulfillment is rooted in the principle of bringing joy to other people.
Lesson: Just as the body needs to be nourished, the spirit -- even more so -- needs to be nurtured and encouraged. The purpose of most of the Torah and its Mitzvos is to bring joy and happiness to our fellow man.
Visualization: Envision being in the presence of Avraham Avinu. Imagine his smiling, glowing, and friendly countenance. See him greeting you with welcoming words, happiness at seeing you, and great love. Experience a great inner joy, confidence, and inner peace. Notice the glowing smile that has formed on your lips. Internalize Avraham's love to your heart, and bring joy to everyone.
(Based on Kesuvos 111b, as explained in Shalom B'Ohelecha)
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