A selection from the Rebbe Rashab’s Hemshech Ayin-Beis (pg. 146-148), dealing with t’shuva at the levels of Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshama. * Presented in the Month of Elul, when we make a soul-assessment of our service of G-d throughout the year.
The illumination of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy is in the field, not in the desert. A desert is at the level of “‘a land that is not cultivated,’ which are those deeds, words spoken, and thoughts which are not for G-d’s sake.” In order to receive the illumination of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy requires at least the arousal of the acceptance of the yoke of the kingship of Heaven, represented by leaving (the desert), to go at least to the field, to greet the king.
R’ Menachem Bakosh lives in Adei Ad, an isolated place with no fence surrounding it, deep in the heart of hostile Arab territory. * He reaches out to youth in the area, not only to strengthen Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisroel but also to show them the beauty of Torah and Chassidus. * He describes his work as well as his life under the shadow of the sword, which can at any moment destroy their homes.
September 7, 2012