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Hillel said, "If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?" (Ethics of the Fathers 1:14).

These words have come down through the centuries as a beacon of light for spiritual living. Improvement of one's character must begin with a diligent search, and with the assumption that we are far from perfect and hence there is a great deal of work to be done. We cannot depend on others to make us aware of our character defects, because people are polite and tend to give compliments rather than the truth, which they think may offend us. Therefore, we must begin the work ourselves.

But since we are very likely to be blind to our own shortcomings, we may be unable to find them if we search alone. We must therefore enlist the help of others. We must also, in a considerate and benevolent manner, try to help others in their spiritual growth. Both of these concepts are contained in "If I am only for myself what am I?"

Hillel recognized the resistances we have to changing our character, and the ubiquitous tendency to postpone any changes until tomorrow, a tomorrow that is always receding. Therefore, "If not now, when?"        

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ARTICLES

A Talk with the Potter

"Parable and Meaning"

Don't Look Down!  

It's the Thought That Counts

"Setback or Opportunity?"

Conversations with G-d

Lessons From Elana

Hamkir Es Mikomo 

Trying to Grasp G-d 

TEN STEPS TO GREATNESS 

By Rav Avigdor Miller ZTK

Ascent and Descent

Does It Really Matter To G-d What We Do?

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Two different views....or not?

(c) Copyright by Rabbi Nosson Slifkin 2002, zoorabbi@zootorah.com. 

There are two stories about great rabbis which, when I first heard them, I thought to be contradictory.

The first concerns the late Manchester Rosh Yeshivah, Rabbi Yehudah Zev Segal z”l. When traveling near the Empire State Building, he was urged by his traveling companions to take a detour and see this famous monument. “Only,” he replied, “if you can assure me that when I get up to Heaven, G-d will ask me if I saw the Empire State Building.”

The second story concerns Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch. He once went out of his way to see the Swiss Alps. When asked why, he replied, “Because, when I get up to Heaven, I want to have an answer when God says to me, ‘Nu, Shimshon, what did you think of My Alps?’ ”

Do these stories present a contradiction? It could be that they reflect a difference in the worldviews of Rabbi Hirsch and Rabbi Segal. But it could also be that there is a critical difference between them. The Empire State Building is a man-made creation. One might choose to admire such things, but there is no essential obligation to do so. The Swiss Alps, on the other hand, are God’s own handiwork.

“Lift up your eyes upon high, and perceive Who created these!” (Yeshayah 40:26). We have an obligation to contemplate the beauty and remarkable design of the natural world. This is not only to help us improve our awareness of His role as a Creator; it also serves, as Rambam explains, to help us develop our love of Him and our awe of Him. Man’s creations might look impressive, but God’s creations are unique.

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Halachot

Priceless Integrity

Middos

The Way of G-d

Introductions to Sefarim

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The man whispered, "God, speak to me". And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.  So the man yelled "God, speak to me". And the thunder & lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen. The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see. And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle"  And a life was born. But the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me, God, and let me know you are here".  Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

 I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted. even in our electronic age . . . so I would like to add one more: The man cried "God, I need your help" . . .  and an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement. But the man deleted it and continued crying..... The good news is that you are loved.  Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

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"I am not what I ought to be,
    what I want to be,
    Not what I am going to be,
    But thankful
    That I am not what I used to be."

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Rav Nachum Zev explains that when a group of people is sitting, you can’t tell when one of those people can’t walk. It’s only when they get up and walk away that you can tell. The same is true with Jews keeping the Torah’s laws. The way to really tell if someone is keeping the commandments the way they should is by observing them as they “walk” in the world. It’s critically important to follow the Torah’s rules, and to understand them. But the final charge is that when we’re faced with everyday trials and temptations, we don’t give in to temptations, maintain those Torah standards, and walk the TRUE walk of life!

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The order of the brachos havdalah:
1) hagafen- using your mouth
2) bisamim - using your nose
3) ha'eish - using your eyes
4) hamavdil - using your brain

Look at the way the face is made up. We start at the bottom with our mouth and then move up madregos until we are on top, at the brain. That's the way we have to serve G-d. Start low and go higher and higher!

by Rav Kook

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1) A person is to conquer his jealousy by knowing one's boundaries and limitations.  

2) A person can overcome vanity by being more flexible and yielding to others, and not being stubborn because of his honor.   

3) A person should be like a pot, which joins  two opposites together (fire and water), even though at times it may get a bit burned in the process. One should be involved in helping others and not constantly asking what is in it for me? 

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