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Reb Zusha

The Maggid of Mezritch once sent a Yid to the Rebbe Reb Zusha, to learn from him how to live a grateful and happy life despite his many challenges. When he arrived at Reb Zusha’s house, he saw the terrible poverty and illnesses his family lived in. Despite this, they were all cheerful and happy. When he told Reb Zusha why he had come, Reb Zusha was surprised. “Why did the holy Rebbe send you to me? He should have sent you to someone who has experienced suffering!”

Sparks from Berditchov

The greatest honor Hashem has is when those farthest from Him are drawn toward His service. Our avodah, flawed and incomplete as it may be, is so very precious to the Master of the world for it carries with it so many struggles that are unique to being human. It is specifically in the place where there is such tremendous accessibility to impurity that the door to holiness is wide open.

Arizal

When one is davening to Hashem for the things he needs, such as food, livelihood and healthy children, one should daven with the intention to fulfill the mitzvah of our Creator, who instructed us to daven in a time of need. One should demonstrate that Hashem is our G-d and we are His nation, and our eyes look up to Him like a servant to his master, with complete reliance, as we know that no help can be received unless it is from Hashem.

Tiferes Shlomo

One should instill in his heart and remind himself that the spirit of Hashem is within him, giving him life at every moment. Every single Yid has within him a resting place for the Divine Presence, and the light of Hashem radiating within him from the highest of spiritual worlds.

Reb Zusha

I learned seven things from the thief: 1) What he does, he keeps to himself. 2) He is willing to take risks to attain his goal. 3) He does not distinguish between “major” and “minor” things, but exacts care equally for each and every detail. 4) He invests great effort in what he does. 5) He is swift. 6) He is always optimistic. 7) If at first he fails, he comes back time and again for another try.

Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk

Once, the Rebbe Reb Elimelech was in the bathhouse when another man entered. The man had traveled from Hungary expressly to see Rebbe Elimelech, but did not know what he looked like. They began to converse and when asked the reason for his visit, the guest revealed that he had come to see the Rebbe. “Have the lies about this fraud and con artist really reached as far as Hungary?” Rebbe Elimelech said to the guest. The guest grew angry at this insolence. “You criminal!” he shouted. “How can you speak so regarding a righteous Tzaddik?” Later the visitor from Hungary dressed up in his finery to meet the Rebbe. He was struck dumb with shame and shock when he realized that the man in the bathhouse whom he had berated and insulted was none other than the holy Tzadik himself. The Rebbe said to the guest, “Do not worry. You spoke the truth – and also I spoke the truth!”

Ramban

The purpose of all the commandments is that we believe in our G-d and be thankful to Him for having created us. For we know of no other reason for the first creation, and G-d the Most High has no demand on the lower creatures, except that man should know and be thankful to G-d for having created him.