THOUGHTFUL PONDERING

Dear Family,

I hope everyone is well.

Mazal Tov Channah on your upcoming birthday next week. Wishing you a wonderful year with much growth and happiness

Mazal Tov Rivky on your birthday next week, one day later. Wishing you a year with much nachas from your Family, and with much joy.

Mazal Tov Talya (Bassin) on your birthday tomorrow. Wishing you continued success with your excellent work at school, and this should be with much joy. I got your note about your Project on Your Family Roots, and look forward to sending you all the information you are looking for!

I have already wished Gavriel Mazal Tov for his birthday, but because it is today, I would like to wish him again, to have an amazing year!

There was an interesting Hayom Yom this week which I wanted to share, as follows:

'Man should PONDER THOUGHTFULLY on how great are the kindnesses of the Creator.

Ie To ponder on how, such a puny and insignificant being, Man (the smallest of the small), can bring such great delight to the Greatest of all greats, of whom it is written 'There is no delving into His Greatness'

Therefore, Man should always be inspired to perform his avodah (service) with an eager heart and spirit!'

And this can be understood better from this week's Sedra Vayishlach, where we see that Torah alternates using the names Yaakov and Yisrael, for our Forefather.

The Chassidic Masters point out that Yaakov refers to the aspect of Servants to Hashem.

And Yisrael refers to us as Children to Hashem.

This can also be reflected within each of us.

At times in our life we are in the spirit of Esau, just getting through our material lives. The Jacob aspect of our nature will be fighting the battle with Esau, and be keeping Judaism just as a duty when possible, and without much love, as a servant

And then there are times when the Yisrael aspect of ourselves, overcomes the apathy and materialism of Esau, when we do a mitzvah with love and enthusiasm as a child.

So why does Torah continue to use the name Yaakov, even after he has conquered Esau, and has been given the name Yisrael? (which seems like a higher level?)

This is to indicate that Torah values both names and both Services.

1. There is great value in also doing a mitzvah even when we lack the joy and desire
2. And to point out that the opportunity to experience the joy and fulfilment of a mitzva, is always accessible for us - IF WE PONDER THOUGHTFULLY.

Gut Shabbos to all.