| "And speak to the rock…" (Bamidbar 20:8)
HaShem commanded Moshe Rabbeinu to speak to the rock so that it would bring forth water for the people to drink. Instead, Moshe struck the rock with the staff in his hand to bring out the water.
In Likutey Moharan 20, Rebbe Nachman explains at length the subtle flaw in this act. Causing water to emerge from a rock represents drawing Torah from its supreme, hidden source. When a tzaddik teaches Torah, he must have in mind that the goal is to subdue the negativity within the listeners through compassion and gentle pleading—not, G-d forbid, through force or harshness. That is, the tzaddik must never think that because of his righteousness he has the right to simply overpower others' negativity or distance them from evil by striking it away.
Reb Noson asks: What practical lesson can we, who are not tzaddikim, learn from this? After all, we don't have the power to subdue the evil within ourselves—let alone in others.
He answers with a profound teaching: Don't force the process.
You're trying to reach a certain level in serving HaShem and it's just not happening? Then go slowly. The key is not to try to "beat down" the evil within you through harshness and bitterness—like telling yourself, "Why am I not there already?" or feeling broken and angry at yourself. Instead, approach the inner struggle with mercy and sincere prayer. Say: "Please, Master of the World, help me get closer to You. Help me fulfill Your will."
The redemption will come. All that's needed is patience.
May it be HaShem's will that we merit to subdue the evil within us only through compassion and heartfelt prayer—and that we soon see the true and complete redemption. Amen.
Shabbat Shalom | 
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