Love of Gd

Hi,

Preface: In the 'Shma' we read that we are instructed to love Gd "b'Chol M'odecha," with all of our resources.

R' Yisrael Meir Kagan, also known as the Chafetz Chaim, wrote:

"In our poverty, we have not reached this trait - to give all of our wealth for the honor of Gd. At least, we should agree to love Gd and His Torah as we love one of our children.

"For example: If one had 6 children, how much would he spend for one of them - to feed them, to clothe them, to teach them Torah, to marry them off, etc? There are great expenditures involved. Now if he had 7 children, he certainly would make the same expenditures for the 7th.

"So a person is obligated to see the honor of Gd and His Torah at least as one of his children, and not to spend less on the honor of Torah and Gd than he would for one of his children. If he reaches this level - then he is fortunate, and it will be good for him."

(Commentary of Chafetz Chaim to Devarim)

Have a great day,
Mordechai