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The Dignity of Man \ The Wisdom of Our Sages
D'var Torah: After finishing his lecture, Hillel told his students, "I am going to perform the Mitzvah of bathing in the bathhouse." They asked, "Is bathing in the bathhouse a Mitzvah?" He explained the meaning of his words, "An earthly king appoints a servant to clean the royal statues that are formed in the likeness of the king. It is befitting for the honor of the king that the statues of his image always be clean. How much more so, is it a Mitzvah for man, who is created in HaShem's likeness, to honor the King by washing his face." The holy Image of HaShem -- His goodness and holiness -- shines upon the countenance of man. Therefore, it is a special Mitzvah for man to honor HaShem, by cleansing his face because his countenance shines with the pure Image of HaShem.
Moral: The pure image of HaShem that is etched upon the countenance of man, reflects his holy soul which emanates from the Holy One, May He be blessed.
Application: Envision the holy sage Hillel washing his face with the intention of honoring HaShem. When you wash your face remind yourself that you are created in the Image of Hashem. Contemplate on your inner purity, goodness, and holiness. Shine with the dignity and nobility of one who is created in the Image of HaShem.
(Based on Orchos Tzadikim)
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