213. Acharei: Feel Doomed? Dig In & Don't Run

This incredible Sicha addresses when we want to run away from the world and we feel doomed to mess up.Chelek Chof Zayin pg 116. This incredible Sicha addresses when we want to run away from the world and we feel doomed to mess up.The Torah waits until Parshas Acharei to teach the lesson from the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, that we need to stay in this world, and not just get enveloped in the spiritual one. Many parshios we have discussed the beauty, the mishkan, the korbanos - all the lofty goals we have in this world, and then we have the parshios that face tumah, tumah of animals, and then tumah in ourselves. This message comes only after we’ve faced the realities of impurity in the world and within ourselves. The Rebbe responds to the two extremes a Jew might experience: either wanting to escape the world in spiritual ecstasy, or feeling overwhelmed by its darkness and wanting to give up. The Torah’s answer is clear—we must engage with the world, not escape it. Torah gives us the power to elevate the world, and not to be afraid of it. Holiness is found not in running away, but in working within the “muck” of life with the clarity of Torah, the strength of the soul, and the knowledge that even when we fall (and we possibly will) - Yom Kippur is there for us. You have Torah, you have clarity, you have a neshama, you will be able to make the choices. What about the feeling of dread? Its temporary. A feeling of calm, of rest, of certainty, of empowerment, step by step, Will I mess up? Possibly, dont worry there is Yom Kippur. This learning is sponsored by Chaya Aydel Seminary in Hallandale Fl where warmth, depth, and personal connection create a powerful year of growth. Right now, they’re running a campaign to support their incredible work with each individual student considering donating and making a difference in the lives of their students. You can check out their campaign here https://Charidy.com/cas/ssw