ISBN 1-8814-0076-X
5764 • 2004
This book was born out of my own search for strength and inspiration. In times of spiritual need, I have turned to our chassidic writings for direction and guidance. Seeing the results in my life and in the lives of others with whom I have shared these treasures, I came to the realization that a collection of selected stories and teachings would be uplifting and encouraging to my fellow Jews.
Someone may ask, "How do these stories relate to me? After all, they are dealing with holy people who stood on a much higher level than the average person."
Regarding chassidic stories, the Rebbe has said: "If, by Divine Providence, these stories have been passed down to us, this is a clear indication that they apply to us, too. Being a Jew with a G-dly soul, each one of us can also be expected to live up to these standards."[1]
This is reflected in the words of the Alter Rebbe:[2] "Every Jew possesses within him a spark of Moshe our Teacher." Thus one should never feel that a lofty level of refinement and G-dly service is beyond his reach and expectations. Just as our great tzaddikim and chassidim lived up to certain levels and achievements, so can we, commensurate with our level.
In my work as a rabbinic chaplain, I have found that the biggest obstacle to a person's spiritual growth and peace of mind is worry and anxiety. Not only does this prevent people from living joyfully in the present, but it can actually interfere with the flow of Divine blessings destined for them. The wisdom of Torah and Chassidus teaches us that the more one can remove worry from his life, the more he becomes a vessel for these blessings.
This is alluded to in the Hebrew term for worry, d'agah. The word consists of four of the first five letters of the Hebrew alphabet (alef, beis, gimmel, dalet, hei). Why is the letter beis missing? The letter beis stands for berachah, "blessing," and bitachon, "trust." Where worry resides, blessing and trust do not dwell.
The antidote to our worries has been prescribed to us by our Sages, who teach that having a positive outlook toward life's challenges actually helps bring about a positive outcome. This is illustrated in the Talmud by Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu whose unwavering belief in his adage "Gam zu letovah - This too is for the good" miraculously transformed the potential tragedies in his life to good. In more recent times, the Tzemach Tzedek, the third Rebbe of Chabad, encouraged us to "Tracht gut vet zain gut - Think good and it will be good" as a real solution to our difficulties and challenges.
May we merit that our belief and trust in G-d and our assiduous efforts in personal refinement will usher in the immediate Redemption with Mashiach, our righteous redeemer.
Rabbi Dovid Shraga Polter
Oak Park, Michigan
Yud Shvat, 5764 (2004)
I offer my humble gratitude to the One Above for granting me the merit to use His teachings in the hope of inspiring others - and to my Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who continues to inspire me and drive me beyond that which I could ever accomplish on my own.
My warmest thanks go to the entire staff of my publisher, Sichos In English. To my editor, Rochel Chana Schilder, for her unending patience and meticulous editorial assistance, especially for providing continuous insight and encouragement in a complex undertaking. To Rabbi Arel'e Raskin for his erudite expertise, Yosef Yitzchok Turner for his skillful preparation of the manuscript for publication, and Rabbi Yonah Avtzon for his overall coordination and tireless involvement in seeing the final product come to fruition.
To my colleagues in Oak Park, Rabbi Moshe Zaklikofsky and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Gourarie, for their invaluable assistance. To my chaver, Dr. Baruch Silverstein, for his professional advice in meeting standards of achievement.
To my beloved parents, Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe Yerachmiel Polter, whose devotion to their children's education is a model of commitment to Jewish values. And to my parents-in-law, Rabbi and Mrs. Azriel Schanowicz, whose righteous example of living a Torah lifestyle I value and admire. Lastly, my wife, Rochel, whose binah yeseirah (added measure of wisdom) contributes volumes to our home and family, serving as the support for our family. May Hashem grant us the strength to continue to share and care. Together may we enjoy further nachas from our children, may they live long and healthy years. And to our children, for challenging me in the quest of Torah knowledge. They are the impetus that drives me to search for more meaningful answers.
Notes:
- (Back to text) Likkutei Sichos, vol. 15, p. 130.
- (Back to text) Tanya, ch. 42.
