because my soul is not a raisin
the ultimate purpose
via zakyitro.com
Parshas Korach, 5768
excerpts from a discourse of Rav Itchie Mayer Morgenstern
“The entire congregation is holy; why do you lift yourselves above the kahal of Hashem?” Korach claimed that there were many varying purposes one could focus on while engaged in serving Hashem. He argued with Moshe who said that all of one’s work should be to strengthen his nekudas ha’emunah, his faith. Korach’s claim in essence was that there is more to serving Hashem than focusing on faith.
This is the significance of the question Korach asked Moshe: “Does a tallis made entirely of techeiles require the affixing of techeiles, the ritual blue strings?” The strings are meant to remind us of the majesty of the ocean and sky which enable one to reflect on the Throne of Glory. Korach thought surely not, since the entire garment reminds one of Hashem. Similarly, he felt that the nation of Israel represents just such a tallis.
Since we are all holy, what need is there for tzaddikim, spiritual leaders, to show us the path to holiness? Moshe replied that even such a tallis does in fact require techeiles in its strings just like any other. A “tallis of techeiles” can be understood to mean many different “tachlios,” or purposes. Korach felt that when one has many different purposes - like learning, doing kindness, and other good acts - why does he need to always remember the one tachlis of emunah? Moshe replied that one must always remember that the underlying purpose of all acts is to build emunah, faith.
agree to disagree
via soferoftzfat.com
Parshas Korachi, 5769
excerpt from a discourse of the Biala Rebbe, shlita
Just as we are certain that our opinion is correct, based on our experiences and outlook on life, others are just as sure that their own opinions are correct. Sometimes both opinions can be correct, each in its own way, even if they contradict one another, as the Gemara states regarding the extensive debates of Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel, “Both opinions are the words of the Living G-d.”
How can two Sages both speak “the words of the Living G-d” if one rules that something is permitted, while another rules that it is forbidden? Which ruling did Moshe actually receive on Har Sinai?
a whole broken prayer
Who said that you are supposed to daven with a whole heart? Perhaps you are supposed to daven with a broken heart?
Rav Meir of Premishlan
the future is already shining
via shefagallery.com
Parshas Korach 5768
D’ei Chochmah L’nafshechah, “Let your soul know wisdom”
From the discourses of Rav Itchie Mayer Morgenstern
One must know that what will come about in the ultimate future is not merely relegated to that time. The more one focuses on and yearns to connect to this state of reality, the more that future reality is drawn into his life experience in the here and now. This is the deeper meaning of the Name of Hashem spelled Yud-Kei-Vav-Kei. While one is not permitted to pronounce this Name as it is written now, one should have its meaning in mind when saying it. The meaning one should have in mind is: “Was, Is, and Always Will Be.” This alludes to the fact that one can access all the levels and illumination that will be in the future now. The supernal illumination is already shining. The more one focuses on these delights of the future, the more one draws them to him and they become part of his present life.
warriors of faith
"Most fighters put faith in their power; our power is in our faith!" Abir Aluf Mori Yehoshua Sofer shlit'a
a precious gem
Toldos Adam, Rebbe Yehoshua of Ostrova, the father-in-law of the first Biala Rebbe, in Zemiros Shabbos, p.352
The most important part of a Jew is his inner essence, which is beyond our ability to comprehend. Even the angels have no grasp of the inner essence of Israel. In the future, in the age of Moshiach, this inner essence will be revealed. It is like a precious gem. Before it has been cut it seems like a simple rock, and only after it has been polished does its true beauty show. So too, a Jew's spiritual beauty many not be apparent, but in the future his essential goodness will be revealed.
This concept is hinted at in the verse, "Love your neighbour as yourself; I am Hashem." Our love for eah other must be like Hashem's love for us; a love for the inner essence within each Jew.
