Listening to Life's Messages - Part 7

00:01 Behemshech in continuation to the earlier installments where we discussed that one can and needs to derive lessons in life by listening to life's messages and incorporating or internalizing them in one's personal service to the Creator. We now continue with installment number seven, elaborating on additional messages in life as they were articulated in the previous Rebbes and primarily in the Rebbes' talks and writings. The profession of a storekeeper. A parallel exists between teaching Torah and a commercial venture. An entrepreneur attempts to advance his business by establishing it in a busy location. Then he tries all types of novel ideas to attract the attention of the passers-by. The potential customers may be too preoccupied to notice the store and may pass it day by day without stopping in. However, the owner hopes to implant his presence in their mind for the day when they need something, recall the presence of the store and drop in to make a purchase. The same principle applies when choosing a venue for the learning of Torah. Classes and study sessions should be held in a location that is visible and accessible to the public. A person who has repeatedly passed through the area without stopping may suddenly find his interest aroused and walk in to see what is being offered. All efforts must be made to publicize classes and encourage others to join. Also, in keeping with a successful marketing strategy, a good merchant sells no merchandise before its time, but waits until the right moment when profits will be greater.

02:17 So too is it with Hashem and the goodness he exhibits towards the creation. Even though it may appear that the good he bestows on us is not forthcoming, it is likely that within a short time, divine benevolence will prove to be much greater than at first perceived. Now we go on to the profession of a tailor. The purpose of a sewing needle is to attach two objects to each other. In reference to the service of Hashem, this corresponds to tying together the higher and lower realms. A process that is achieved through the soul's descent into the physical body in order to make a dwelling place for Hashem in this world. Because the soul is the vehicle that forges this connection, it is referred to as a needle, quote-unquote. Moreover, the soul's descent into the body represents a merging of higher and lower orders, since it is a manifestation of Hashem himself, clothed in the most physical aspect of creation, the body. Specifically, in the use of a needle, there are two components. The first is the point, which pierces the garment being sewn, while the second is the thread that is drawn through the hole. The combination of these two elements defines the process of sewing. In our godly service, the point of the needle that which penetrates the garment alludes to a person's ability to nullify the growth, materialism of the world and prepare it to be a receptacle for divinity. The thread, the actual medium of sewing, refers to Torah mitzvahs through which

04:29 the implementation of godliness is realized in this world. We will, im yirtzeh Hashem, continue in the next installment.