D'var Torah: Rabbi Akiva saw a man carrying a heavy load on his back. This man sat down to rest and fell asleep. Rabbi Akiva saw a deadly snake approaching the man, ready to bite him. Suddenly another animal sprung up and killed the snake. When the man awakened, Rabbi Akiva asked him to tell him what merit he had that made him worthy of such a miracle. The man answered, "All my life, I never bore hatred towards another person, nor did I ever bear a grudge. If a person did something hurtful to me, I would immediately forgive him. If I could not meet with him to make peace before I went to sleep, I would pray to HaShem to forgive him, even if he slandered me. When people torment me, I forgive them. What's more, I try to do good to those who harm me, even if they caused me to suffer." Rabbi Akiva wept and said, "This man is worthy of such a miracle. He truly has a good heart!"
Moral: When a person goes beyond human nature to overlook the offensive conduct of others, he will merit HaShem's miraculous protection.
Application: Take on the goal of having a good heart. Prepare yourself never to harbor negative feelings towards another person. Be ready to forgive others immediately. Do good to those who harm you. Merit HaShem's blessings and miraculous protection.
(Based on Zohar Mekeitz, as cited in Yalket Me'am Lo'ez)Can there be
