"It is a Mitzvah to give tzedakah with kindheartedness and joy, as Scripture writes (Devarim 15:8), "You shall surely open your hand to him." We need to be more conscientious with the Mitzvah of tzedakah than any other Mitzvah because giving tzedakah is a sign of a tzakid, a descendant of Avraham Avinu! As the verse writes regarding Avraham Avinu (Bereisheit 18:19), "For I have loved him, because he will charge his children...to give tzedakah." Quote from"Sefer Chareidim," written by Rabbi Elazar Azcari, of Blessed Memory.
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The Miracle of Repentance \ Planting
“Man is like the tree of the field” (Devarim 20:19).
This verse reveals the secret of “Repentance.” The process of planting involves digging into the earth and placing a seed in the soil. The farmer covers the seed with earth and waters the seedling. In a few days the seed begins to decay in the soil. Miraculously, the decomposed seed reacts with the earth and begins to sprout. Soon a new shoot appears above the surface of the earth and in good time will blossom into a new tree that will bear countless fruits. Each fruit will contains seeds, and each seed has the potential to bear new trees, ad infinitum.
A parallel process takes place with “Repentance.” The “sin” is similar to the seed that we plant in the soil. When we are filled with remorse over our misdeed, it is like the decomposition of the seed. However, the “sin” does not disappear. Miraculously, it transforms into a great merit!
Every misdeed contains the power of “metamorphosis.” Just as planting a seed initiates the process of converting the decayed seed into beautiful new fruits, so too, the Mitzvah of Repentance converts the iniquity into a beautiful Mitzvah! The remorse of the the person who committed the misdeed, is the catalyst that reverses his sin into a great Mitzvah.
On one occasion, Nebuchadnetzer was inspired to sing praises to HaShem that would have surpassed the the Psalms of King David. HaShem sent an angel to slap his face, in order to silence him from singing to HaShem. If Nebuchadnetzer had the inspiration to praise HaShem with such wonderful praises, why did Heaven withhold him from offering his songs to HaShem?
While Nebuchadnetzer was highly inspired to praise HaShem, he did not uproot the negative impulse from his soul. Whereas, King David toiled with great intensity to uproot the negativity from his spirit. Therefore, even though Nebchadnetzer had the potential to praise HaShem so magnificently, his praises of HaShem had no roots and would be scattered like the chaff. Conversely, King David weeded out the darkness from his soul. His praises were rooted in holiness, purity, and eternity.
Let us recognize the great Miracle of the Mitzvah of Repentance. HaShem, in His infinite compassion, grants us the opportunity to transform our bitter sin into a “sweet fruit.” Through Repentance we transform the darkness of the past, into brilliant light that shines forever.
Let us grasp the Mitzvah of Repentance and convert our misdeeds into wonderful merits!
(Based on Tomer Devorah of the ReMak, and Kubutz Sichos of Rav Nosson Wachtfogel, Parasaht Kedoshim)
