Alei Shur, the contemporary ethical classic, states: Every person must know that he or she has importance. There, the Midrash (Tanna DVei Eliyahu, Ch. 25) is quoted: A person must ask, When will my deeds reach the level of the deeds of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? My deeds? Should we set our sights that high? Alei Shur continues: Whenever one does not set his sights upon perfection, it is very difficult for him to attain it. When one does set his sights upon it, however, it is easily attainable. To underline this concept, we need only to consider some of the luminaries of our past and the obstacles they overcame: Joseph (sibling rivalry; alien environment); Moses (speech impediment); Rabbi Akiva (began Torah study at an advanced age); Onkelos, author of the Targum of the Torah (a convert); and more. If any of them would have thought that he could not possibly excel, he would have assured his own failure. Instead, each set his sights upon perfection -- and attained it. Do you strive for spiritual excellence? Do you set your sights as high as they could be set? Do you ask yourself: When will my deeds reach the level of the deeds of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Do you seek to achieve as much as you possibly can, in the performance of all mitzvot? Do you set high goals for yourself in both the commandments between man and God (such as Shabbat, prayer, kashrut, and Torah study) and the commandments between man and man (such as charity, helping others, and playing a leadership role in kindness projects)? Remember: If you believe that you will fail, you probably will. If, however, you believe that, with Gods help, you can succeed and even excel, you are on your way. Set your sights high -- and dont look down.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:00:37 +0000
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