“Kedoshim Tihyu - You shall be holy” (Vayikra 19:2)
Rashi explains: “Be separate from forbidden relationships and from sin, for wherever you find a fence around immorality, there you find holiness.”
In Likutey Moharan lesson 1, Rebbe Nachman teaches the principle of “when one rises, the other falls.” It is impossible for the two “kingdoms”—the side of holiness and the Sitra Achra (the ‘Other Side’)—to function together at the same time.
Therefore, we must do everything in our power to strengthen the kingdom of holiness. This is accomplished in two ways:
The first way, as Rashi explains in the parshah, is to create protective boundaries - fences whose purpose is to prevent the yetzer hara from gaining any foothold. We can see this even in physical matters: when a person refrains from something like sugar, it naturally leads him to refrain from many other types of foods as well. In spiritual matters, this power is far greater.
One less glance at what should not be seen, avoiding or at least limiting the use of tools that can lead a person to sin, and any boundary a person establishes against improper desires - all of this strengthens the kingdom of holiness and subdues the Sitra Achra.
The second way involves recognizing that the Sitra Achra also tries to create “boundaries.” It tells a person: “Today you can no longer come close. You are already too far gone. You’ve caused too much damage. Perhaps another day you’ll serve HaShem…”
In such a situation, we must break that boundary. It does not bring any holiness—only distance—and it strengthens the power of the Sitra Achra.
We are able to break through this by knowing that each day is judged according to the strength and ability we have on that very day.
This is also the idea of Sefiras HaOmer - every single day counts! Every day is counted according to our strength and our circumstances, but we never give up on any day.
May HaShem help us merit to see the strengthening of the kingdom of holiness in the world, until the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days, Amen.
Shabbat Shalom
Chaim Kramer |
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