Apter Rav
Before he passed away, the Apter Rav said: “When I ascend to Shamayim, they will ask me if I davened, and I will say ‘I davened, but I could have davened better.’ They will ask me if I learned Torah, and I will say: ‘I learned, but I could have learned better.’ They will ask if I did chessed and I will say: ‘I did chessed, but I could have done more.’ Then they will ask me if I loved Yidden, and to that I will be able to respond and say: “Yes! I loved Yidden!”
Therefore, he instructed that on his tombstone it says: “Po nitman ohev Yisroel – Here lies a lover of Yidden.”
Apter Rav
When a person throws his desire behind his back and pays no attention to the physical aspect of the food, but rather to the spiritual vitality that is assimilated in that food, he elevates the holy sparks in that food. Then that act of eating is considered Divine service in lieu of a sacrifice, and the table is like the altar that atones, for his eating is in holiness.
Beis Aharon
The best way to become focused on Avodas Hashem is by distancing yourself from the distractions of the physical world, and the best way to distance yourself from the distractions of the physical world is by focusing on Avodas Hashem.
Lekutei Harim
The very name of the month “Nissan” contains the power to transcend nature and bring miracles to the Jewish people. During this month, every Yid has the ability to break through natural limitations, overcoming challenges and breaking free from places where he once thought only a miracle could save him.
Piaseczner Rebbe
Engrave this rule upon your hearts: If even the simplest Jew would hear the voice of his soul, listening to its groans of suffering and its songs of joy, its triumph when it progresses and its uproar when it falls – he could fill a thick book with just the occurrences of one day alone.
Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk
Rabbi Mendel of Rimanov was sitting among many guests around the table of Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk, but he himself was not eating. Reb Elimelech asked him, “Reb Mendel, why are you not eating?” Rabbi Mendel answered, “No one gave me a plate.” Reb Elimelech asked someone to bring Reb Mendel some food. They brought him his portion, but still Reb Mendel did not eat. Again Reb Elimelech asked him, “Reb Mendel, why are you not eating?” Rabbi Mendel replied, “This time they forgot to bring me a spoon. Reb Elimelech said with a bit of anger: “Reb Mendel, when you ask the Ribbono Shel Olam for a meal, you must ask Him for a plate and a spoon too!'”
Maharal
Hashem Yisborach chose the Jewish people because of their essence, not their deeds. One should never think that Hashem’s choice is dependent on their actions—embracing them when they follow His ways but rejecting them when they do not. If the Jewish people truly internalized this, the nonsensical thought that Hashem, G-d forbid, could be repulsed by them, would never cross their mind.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 29.