Stolen Wisdom

When you go forth to war upon your enemies… and you capture captive (21:10)

Also from one's spiritual enemies one must "capture captives." Anything negative in man or in the world can be exploited for the good, if one learns how to derive from it a lesson in the service of the Creator.

- Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov

Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli said:

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 takes equally exacting care of 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 is back time and again for another try.