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As Long as the Candle is Burning \ Rabbi Yisrael Salanter
D'var Torah: ״כל זמן שהנר דולק אפשר לתקן״ ״As long as the candle is burning it is still possible to repair."
Once, as Rabbi Yisrael Salanter was returing home very late at night, he noticed that the shoemaker was still at work. Rabbi Yisrael asked him, "Why are you working so late at night?" The shoemaker replied, "״As long as the candle is burning it is still possible to repair." Rabbi Yisrael gleaned a powerful spiritual message from the simple words of the shoemaker. A burning candle represents the light of the soul. As long as the soul of man is still alive in this world it is still possible for man to improve himself. The purpose of life is character development. Therefore every waking moment of the day is an opportunity for us to repair our character.
Moral: Character rectification is not an impossible task. All it takes is effort. As long as we are alive our effort to improve ourselves will bear fruit.
Application: Reflect on the shoemaker's words: ״כל זמן שהנר דולק אפשר לתקן״ ״As long as the candle is burning it is still possible to repair." Set for yourself a daily time to study Mussar or contemplate on personal growth. Be encouraged by knowing that as long as you are alive you can repair your character traits, just a little more, each and every day. (Based on the Letter of the Ramban) 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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