Sunday Elul 19 5703
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Nitzavim-Vayeilech, First parsha with Rashi. Tehillim: 90-96. Also 55-57. Tanya: XVI. My beloved (p. 477)...folio 80. (p. 479).

When the Alter Rebbe was still in Vitebsk he once expounded on the verse "You stand...[1]" Taking Eitz (wood) as an idiom of Eitza (counsel), he interpreted "choppers of wood" to mean that one must chop out "the many thoughts (counsels) in the heart of man." [2]

"Those who draw water," he interpreted - one must drain out the water that "makes all enjoyments grow." [3]

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Devarim 19:9, 10.

   The verses read (in part): "You stand today, all of you, before the Eternal your G-d...; ...from the choppers of your wood to those who draw your water."

2. (Back to text) Mishlei 19:21.

3. (Back to text) See Tanya Ch. 1.

   "The appetite for pleasures (derives) from the element of water, for water makes grow all kinds of enjoyment."