The Saba of Kelm taught, "A little bit holds a great deal."
Meaning, there are some things in life that produce a powerful benefit
in small doses. One of these "small dynamos" is encouragement. For
instance, when HaShem appointed Yehoshua to succeed Moshe as the leader
of Klal Yisrael, Moshe said to him, "Be strong and courageous."
Yehoshua
was the greatest student of Moshe and a Prophet. Nevertheless, Moshe
recognized the importance of encouraging him. The words of Moshe
strengthened Yehoshua and he succeeded to bring the People of Israel
into the Land of Israel and conquer the thirty-one kingdoms.
Encouragement
can also be effectively applied to oneself. For instance, when Klal
Yisrael engaged in harlotry with the Midianite women, all of the
leaders stood by in a state of helplessness. Pinchas ben Elazar,
strengthened himself and found the courage to stand up to - and put an
end to - the immorality.
If not for his action, the entire
nation would have died. Therefore, the "little bit" of pulling himself
together, produced "a great deal." Specifically, his heroism saved the
entire Nation of Israel.
May we strengthen ourselves as well
as other people in Torah study, good deeds, and virtue of character. A
"little" encouragement will be the catalyst of "a great deal" of
wisdom, kindness, and elevation.
[Based on Ohr RaShaz of the Alter of Kelm, Rav Simcha Zissel]
TODAY: Encourage yourself and strengthen a friend - and generate a great deal of goodness.
Important Numbers
