The Chassid in the story continues to follow his Rebbe’s directives despite experiencing financial hardship, demonstrating his commitment to personal effort in his spiritual journey. * On the Hayom Yom entry for 24 Tammuz
by Bing AI
The Hayom Yom entry for 24 Tammuz is a teaching of the Tzemach Tzedek: “A pnimi (someone with deep inner integrity and awareness) is a chassid for whom the very notion of asking his Rebbe for a blessing for success in serving Hashem is ‘empty talk.’ This person understands that the approach should be to ‘let the work fall heavily on the people.’” This saying emphasizes the importance of personal effort and responsibility in spiritual growth.
This idea is illustrated in a Chassidic story that takes place at a wayside inn, where a group of Chassidic merchants from towns and villages across Russia and Poland were warming themselves by the fire. They were all traveling to the great annual fair at Leipzig. The conversation turned to the greatness of their Rebbes, and each Chassid shared stories about the miraculous powers of their respective Rebbes. One Chassid, who had remained silent, was asked to share a story about his Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom DovBer of Lubavitch. He told the group that he had once consulted with his Rebbe about purchasing a forest, which ended up being a financial disaster for him. When asked what the miracle was, he replied: "That my relationship with the Rebbe has nothing to do with his wonder-working powers. That I continue to follow his directives in every area of my life. The miracle is that I am his chassid." (Chabad.org)
This story illustrates the idea that true spiritual growth comes from personal effort and dedication, rather than relying solely on external blessings or miracles. The Chassid in the story continues to follow his Rebbe's directives despite experiencing financial hardship, demonstrating his commitment to personal effort in his spiritual journey.
There is deep importance in personal effort and responsibility. By putting in the effort ourselves, rather than relying solely on external blessings or miracles, we can achieve true and lasting spiritual growth.
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