The seductive nature of power

Hi,

"R' Yehoshua ben Perachyah said: Initially, if anyone had told me to take a position of authority, I would have bound him up and thrown him to the lions.

"Now [that I have been made the Nasi, the leader of the Jews in Israel], if anyone would tell me to descend from my position I would pour boiling water over his head!"

[R' Yehoshua ben Perachyah is describing the seductiveness of political power.]

(Talmud, Menachot 109b)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

The energizing effect of Gratitude

Hi,

"When a person understands the truth of the great value of the mitzvot, and the greatness of his obligation, his heart will certainly be energized for his task and he will not be weak in it.

"What will increase his energy, though, will be an examination of the great good which Gd performs with each person at every instant, and the great miracles He performs with a person from the moment of birth until the final day."

(R' Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, Mesilat Yesharim [Path of the Just], Chapter 8)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

Sins from before conversion?

Hi,

"R' Yosi said: Gd punishes a convert to Judaism for actions which preceded his conversion.

"R' Yehudah said: Gd does not punish him; he is like a newborn person."

(Masechet Gerim 2:6)

For thought: How is conversion different from repentance?

Have a great day,

Mordechai

The pauper's gift

Hi,

"When a pauper brings a simple, inexpensive grain offering to Gd, it is considered before Gd as though he had brought his very soul to Gd."

(Talmud, Menachot 104b)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

Preparing the home for Shabbat

Hi,

One should make sure to execute all of the preparations for Shabbat before Shabbat begins, so that he enters the day with the house looking attractive and dignified. This includes making the beds, cleaning the rooms and having the table set nicely.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 262:1)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

Do you live your learning?

Hi,

"Ben Azzai taught: If one's mind is at ease despite his knowledge (meaning that his studies do not make him uneasy about the way he lives  his life), this is a good sign for him. Otherwise, it's a bad sign for him."

(Avot d'Rabbi Natan 25:1)

Have a great day,

Mordechai