| Yaacov blessed Yehudah with the words, "A smile is greater than a glass of milk." This conveys the ideal that smiling to your friend is more beneficial than giving him a glass of milk. A smile is a spiritual sunshine that nurtures the soul of your friend. In other words, the love expressed through a smile to your fellow man is more vital to his well-being than even the most basic nutritional sustenance. Even more, a smile is more critical to the very life of your friend, than is food and drink! 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.
Just as the body needs to be nourished, the spirit -- even more so -- needs to be nurtured and encouraged. The true fulfillment of the Torah is bringing love and happiness to our fellow man.
Today: Envision being in the presence of Avraham Avinu. Imagine his smiling, glowing, and friendly countenance. See him greeting you with welcoming words 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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