Dvar Torah for Anytime

(Illustration by Issachar Ber Ryback)

Received via e-mail from Rabbi Ozer Bergman:

This used to be popular, i.e., more well-known and widely circulated, in the early days of what later became known as "the baal teshuvah" movement. I haven't seen or heard it in a long while, so when I saw it last motzei Shabbos (Saturday night), I decided to send it out and post it.

The author of Shmuot Tovot reports that the following was said by "the great luminary," Reb Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch, of blessed memory, to the holy master, Reb Meshulam Zushia [aka the Rebbe, Reb Zushia] of Anipoli, when the latter drew himself close to the path of Reb Dov Ber.

In the service of the Creator, you should teach yourself three things from a child:

[1] Always be happy;

[2] don't be idle;

[3] cry for what you want.

And seven things from a thief:

[1] He works at night;

[2] if he doesn't get what he wants the first night, he works for it a second night;

[3] they all love each other;

[4] he'll work hard for something small;

[5] even though he worked hard to get it, it's not worth a lot to him -- he'll sell a $5 item for pennies;

[6] even if he gets pummeled and tortured, he remains firm in his conviction;

[7] he loves his craft and wouldn't trade it or exchange it for anything.

The Shmuot Tovot concludes: Dear reader -- reflect and consider the profundity of these words and the advice for serving God they contain.