CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS MATTOT-MASEI
"And we brought an offering for Hashem; whatever each person found of gold vessels, anklet and bracelet, ring, earring, and clasp, to atone for our souls before Hashem" (Bamidbar 31:50).
The concept of Torah study and immersion in a mikva as conducive to purification of the heart permeate the writings of the holy Baal Shem Tov and his disciples. His great grandson, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev, teaches that in "spirituality, when one's thoughts are focused on the magnitude of Hashem and on His holy Torah, and move from one thought to another, a spiritual heat is created by the friction of the thought movement that is passed down to the heart and sets the heart ablaze in yearning for Hashem. This is the principle heat of the element of fire (Likutei Moharan I:156)".
The above concept is the key to a superb spiritual ploy for teshuva and soul correction, which works much the same as libun, literally "whitening", or koshering a metal utensil by heating it until it becomes red-hot in a fire. Once the metal object or utensil is red-hot, all non-kosher substances that may have been absorbed in that utensil become null and void, and the utensil is rendered kosher. According to Rebbe Nachman's principle, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem excites the heart and thereby creates a spiritual fire that burns away any forbidden thoughts that may have lodged in the heart. As such, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem is capable of "koshering" the heart the same way that a blazing flame dislodges and destroys absorbed non-kosher substances from a skewer or grill.
The ability of contemplating the magnitude of Hashem in purifying the heart has important and far-reaching ramifications. Contrary to what many think, a person doesn't have to subject himself to fasts and self-flagellation in order to purify the heart and get close to Hashem. On the contrary; by taking a walk in a lush green pasture, gazing at the royal-blue sky and contemplating the Creator of the sunset's dazzling gold and crimson rays, one's heart is kindled with the love of Hashem. A heart that blazes with the love of Hashem burns away the love of material follies and bodily lusts.
The Jewish commanders who led the attack on the Midianites were amazed with their own success in battle – not a single soldier of the 12,000-man task force was killed, wounded, or missing in action. As tzaddikim, they knew that Hashem was responsible for their amazing success. They contemplated the greatness of Hashem, and their hearts were set afire with the love of Hashem, and were completely purified. With the love of Hashem burning in their hearts, they came forth to offer the gold and valuables that were seized in the war as a gift to Hashem.
"And we brought an offering for Hashem; whatever each person found of gold vessels, anklet and bracelet, ring, earring, and clasp, to atone for our souls before Hashem" (Bamidbar 31:50).
The concept of Torah study and immersion in a mikva as conducive to purification of the heart permeate the writings of the holy Baal Shem Tov and his disciples. His great grandson, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev, teaches that in "spirituality, when one's thoughts are focused on the magnitude of Hashem and on His holy Torah, and move from one thought to another, a spiritual heat is created by the friction of the thought movement that is passed down to the heart and sets the heart ablaze in yearning for Hashem. This is the principle heat of the element of fire (Likutei Moharan I:156)".
The above concept is the key to a superb spiritual ploy for teshuva and soul correction, which works much the same as libun, literally "whitening", or koshering a metal utensil by heating it until it becomes red-hot in a fire. Once the metal object or utensil is red-hot, all non-kosher substances that may have been absorbed in that utensil become null and void, and the utensil is rendered kosher. According to Rebbe Nachman's principle, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem excites the heart and thereby creates a spiritual fire that burns away any forbidden thoughts that may have lodged in the heart. As such, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem is capable of "koshering" the heart the same way that a blazing flame dislodges and destroys absorbed non-kosher substances from a skewer or grill.
The ability of contemplating the magnitude of Hashem in purifying the heart has important and far-reaching ramifications. Contrary to what many think, a person doesn't have to subject himself to fasts and self-flagellation in order to purify the heart and get close to Hashem. On the contrary; by taking a walk in a lush green pasture, gazing at the royal-blue sky and contemplating the Creator of the sunset's dazzling gold and crimson rays, one's heart is kindled with the love of Hashem. A heart that blazes with the love of Hashem burns away the love of material follies and bodily lusts.
The Jewish commanders who led the attack on the Midianites were amazed with their own success in battle – not a single soldier of the 12,000-man task force was killed, wounded, or missing in action. As tzaddikim, they knew that Hashem was responsible for their amazing success. They contemplated the greatness of Hashem, and their hearts were set afire with the love of Hashem, and were completely purified. With the love of Hashem burning in their hearts, they came forth to offer the gold and valuables that were seized in the war as a gift to Hashem.
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