Can We Really Change?
A man once complained to Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov: “I saw it written in a holy book that if a person refrains from speaking of trivial matters for forty days and gives up all material pleasures for that same period, he will merit that the prophet Elijah will reveal himself to him and teach him the secrets of creation. Well, I did exactly that: for forty days I ate only hard bread and water, deprived myself of sleep and otherwise afflicted myself; above all, I guarded my tongue and spoke of no worldly matters. Yet the prophet Elijah did not appear!”
“Come with me,” said the Baal Shem Tov.
They went out into the courtyard, where the Baal Shem Tov led the way to his stables. “You see that fellow over there?” he said to his visitor. “For the last forty days, he hasn't spoken of trivial matters. In addition, he leads an extremely ascetic existence. He hardly sleeps and subsists only on hay and water. He even walks around with nails in his shoes. Nevertheless, he has yet to receive a visit from Elijah. Because, unfortunately, he's still a horse...”
This Tuesday, the 19th of Kislev / December 16th is known as the “Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism”. On this day in 1798 the teachings of Chassidic thought and philosophy were introduced to the “common-Jew” for the very first time in history. In the context of the above-mentioned story, we might say that the mission statement of Chassidism is to transform our inner animal and our natural disposition towards the mundane into a mature and G‑dly human being. This change, in the imagination of Chassidism, is not meant to be a superficial or fleeting experience (like just avoiding trivial speech); it is a profound and life-altering metamorphosis.
Chassidus teaches us that we can truly transcend our nature and rise above negative and self-centered reality.
And so, as we usher in this Shabbat that precedes this special day, I challenge each of you to immerse yourselves in the waters of Chassidic teaching and taste, firsthand, the eternal wisdom that continues to be the best recipe to change our lives. (It’s the best self-help book ever printed!)
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Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
