Emuna Daily

Continuing on yesterday’s theme, R’ Elimelech Biderman explains based on the Sfas Emes that when one is ready to make sacrifices and guard his eyes to keep the Torah, he is living with mesirus nefesh. The sefarim describe the great purity and perfection that one attains when he sacrifices his life for Hashem’s honor, and dies al kiddush Hashem. However, an even higher level, says the Sfas Emes, is when one lives his life with mesirus nefesh and lives al kiddush Hashem.

If I am ready to give my life for Hashem, shouldn’t I be able to give away a taavah (desire) for Hashem?  If a taavah is forbidden or improper, shouldn’t I refrain? Holding back is far easier than sacrificing one’s life… ~ The Bnei Yissaschar

Rabbi Leib Chasman related that he once ate a Friday night meal at the home of the Chofetz Chaim.  He was very surprised that the song, Shalom Aleichem, which is usually recited before the meal, was not said until after they recited Kiddush and began to eat.  Rabbi Chasman asked the Chofetz Chaim why he had reversed the order.

“Most probably you are hungry,” said the Chofetz Chaim, “and I wanted you to eat right away.  The angels (who are greeted with the recital of Shalom Aleichem) are not hungry, and they can wait.” ~ Hameoros Hagdolim

A person must be constantly on guard when he feels himself undergoing a period of spiritual descent, not to lose himself entirely. The plunge in itself is usually far more damaging than the level to which one has descended.

If a person does take hold of himself, not losing his self-control under any circumstances, he will succeed in regaining his former stature, perhaps even being uplifted by his trying experience. ~ R’ Chaim Shmuelevitz zt”l

One’s trust in God during times of tragedy and darkness should stem from knowledge that God can rescue him from any difficulty, and that His salvation can come as swiftly as the blink of an eye.  Therefore, one must remain hopeful even when death is imminent, as the verses say “Though he slays me, I will still trust Him” (Iyov 13:15) and, “Trust in Him at all times.” (Tehillim 62:9). ~ Rabbenu Yonah

Love of all creatures is also love of God, for whoever loves the One loves all the works that He has made.  When one loves God, it is impossible not to love His creatures.  The opposite is also true: If one hates the creatures, it is impossible to love God Who created them. ~ Maharal of Prague

More important than who one’s grandparents were, is who one’s grandchildren will be. ~ R’ Shlomo Riskin