Sublime

The Baal Shem Tov taught that those we perceive as our adversaries carry hidden parts of our own selves; instead of striving to suppress our “enemies,” we should pray for them, for in redeeming them we redeem the lost parts of ourselves.

A person may be totally unable to study Torah —whether because he is an ignoramus or because he is without a book, on a journey or in the desert, etc. But if his heart burns with desire and yearning to learn, the very desire and longing he has are “learning from a book” (142).

There is a form of atheism from which there is no return. But the melody of the truly great Tzaddik has the power to raise up the souls which have fallen into this

Bitochon is not euphoric escapism; it does not absolve an individual of taking responsibility for his future, and acting accordingly. It means that as a person acts, he realizes that his efforts are dependent on G-d’s providence, and he relies on G-d and trusts Him totally.

Business activity is wholly Torah. Therefore during the time a person spends on his work he should bind his thoughts to Torah alone, and in particular to the laws which are clothed within the activities in which he is engaged (280).

the chassid thought, “What is more important: my spiritual experience on Yom Kippur or the fact that I can get this family out of the dungeon earlier?” He did not have to think long. His entire life was directed towards others, not to himself.

A person must be at peace with himself. It is no good if the different aspects of his character are in conflict with one another. He must also achieve harmony in his relationships with the outside world. Regardless of whether things are good or bad, he must always look for God in whatever happens to him. He should not allow himself to be thrown off

Nahmanides’s deployment of Isaiah 58 means that the prophetic call to desist from weekday pursuits, to steer clear of conversational topics involving business, and to avoid the frenzied rush to acquire material goods results in an expansive appreciation of the world and all its inhabitants, especially the needy (Is. 58:6ff.), and this is the centra

When people dance and clap their hands the harsh judgements are sweetened (10:1).