Rabbi Eliezer said, "Do not be inclined to anger."
The dictum of "Do not be inclined to anger," applies to one’s relationship towards others and just as importantly, it pertains to a person’s relationship with himself!
Once, Rabbi Nosson Wachtfogel went to visit a well-known Rosh Yeshiva, who was ill. The Rosh Yeshiva was agitated with his situation and poured out his heart to Rav Nosson, "I have been given strict orders to stay home and rest. However, I seriously doubt if I have to listen to this advice. After all, if the doctor would understand the importance of my responsibilities at the Yeshiva, he would allow me to go!"
Rav Nosson responded, "I usually don’t disagree with a person who is ill. But in this case, I have to tell you that your attitude is inconsistent with the approach to Divine service that we learned at Kelm (one of the greatest Mussar Yeshivos). Yes, at Kelm we were taught the importance of acquiring reverence of HaShem, character rectification, and introspection. However, the major focus, the primary emphasis - the beginning and the end of our aspirations - was serving HaShem with PLEASANTNESS."
Then with great compassion Rav Nosson began to gently sing the famous words of the Ramban, "Accustom yourself to speak pleasantly to every person, at all times, and through this you will avoid anger."
Then Rav Nosson explained, "The idea to speak pleasantly to every person includes the person himself, i.e., one’s own inner dialogue." His message was - Maintaining your health is part of serving HaShem. Therefore, in your case, where your health is endangered, you are exempt from your teaching responsibilities. It is just as important to treat ourselves pleasantly as well as others!
May we follow this little known - yet invaluable - counsel. HaShem is the ultimate good and therefore all of His service should be sweet, joyous, and pleasant. [Based on Likutie Rishimos of Rav Nosson Wachtfogel]
TODAY: Fine-tune your inner-dialogue so that it flows with pleasantness, optimism, and peace.
Important Numbers
