Thursday Elul 2 5703
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Shoftim, Chamishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 10-17. Also 4-6. Tanya: Now the essence (p. 443)...states Scripture. (p. 445).

The Children of Israel are called Eretz Cheifetz, [1] for they possess numerous "precious articles" [2] in the love and fear of G-d, and in fine character traits.

Bringing these traits to the surface depends entirely upon the individual stimulating them.

It is clear that throughout the earth are wellsprings of living water; the difference between them is only that some are near the surface, others far.

Everything therefore depends on the well-digger, his patience and perseverance.

Now since Ratzon ("will") is a superior faculty that "issues decrees," rules over all the other faculties, * and compels them to act according to its orders - it follows that the essential Avoda is to arouse one's will to exercise its effect - both upon the person himself and upon others.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) "The desired land." Malachi 3:12; see Iyar 17.

2. (Back to text) Heb. Chafeitzim, ("articles"), related to Cheifetz in the phrase Eretz Cheifetz.