| Keter Shem Tov: Volume 2: 256 |
 |
 |
| Written by Bentzion of Medziboz |
 "The entire world is nourished in the merit of My son Chanina"1 The Baal Shem Tov taught: This means that Chanina opened up a new channel of bringing Divine beneficience
into the world. This is also the meaning of a miracle: Initially, a miracle is above nature [The Hebrew word for miracle - nes - means elevated]. After the first time it happens, though, it becomes part of nature. This is what happened to the Beis Yoseph (Rabbi Yoseph Karo). He toiled and toiled until he reached an understanding of a certain text. But shortly afterwards he overheard someone saying that very same interpretation, and he became very upset. The Ari z"l explained to him, "You opened up the channel so that others can receive the same." This is the meaning of the verse, "If you follow My statutes . . . . I will provide you with rain at the right time."2 After a new channel of Divine effluence has been opened, whether this is a new channel of wisdom or a new channel of serving G·d, this becomes a natural path that causes a new path of material blessing to open as well. However, one must not follow this new path in a rote way and remain stuck there. Instead, one must continue to ascend to higher levels to open up yet another new path. Hence, "If you follow My statutes," [always opening up new spiritual paths,] this will cause the opening of new channels of material blessing, so that, "I will provide you with rain at the right time." And this is the meaning of the verse, "Blow in the New Moon a shofar . . . . for it is a statute for Israel, a judgment for the G·d of Jacob"3 : Why did the verse invert the proper sequence of words, and not say, "Blow a shofar in the New Moon"? The answer is that the "New Moon" is an allusion that the blowing should be done with freshness, that it should not be a rote ritual. For otherwise, when "it is a statute - a rote ritual - for Israel," there will be "judgment for the G·d of Jacob." 1Brachos 17b 2Leviticus 26:3-4 3Psalms 81:4 Translation and Commentary by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett and reprinted with the kind permission of the Baal Shem Tov Foundation. Please visit www.baalshemtov.com Join a class on the Perekim from the Kesser Shem Tov: Shabbos morning 9am in the Shteibel Minyan Beis Medresh and around 2pm after Shabbos lunch at 7495 Malibu Crescent, Montoya Estates East. Also, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov in your email inbox, visit and join a discussion group on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov at http://groups.google.com/group/teachings_of_the_besht?hl=en Publicize the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov To Help Bring Moshiach Right NOW! Publicize the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov to Bring Moshiach NOW! Bentzion Meltzer 954.242.9208 www.besht-yomi.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it http://groups.google.com/group/teachings_of_the_besht?hl=en http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stories_of_the_Baal_Shem_Tov/ 
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (0)
 Write comment
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Subscribe
