232. Powerful Beauty - Daily Dose of Wisdom

Never underestimate the power of a simple, pure deed done from the heart.

The world is not changed by men who move mountains, nor by those who lead the revolutions, nor by those whose purse strings tie up the world.

Dictators are deposed, oppression is dissolved, entire nations are transformed by a few precious acts of beauty performed by a handful of unknown soldiers.

In fact, it was encoded by Maimonides in his code of law, “Each person must see himself as though the entire world were held in balance and any deed he may do could tip the scales.”

Light Power

Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.

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December 28, 2011

Powerful Beauty

I can't count the number of times I've heard in synagogue "Pray as if everything depended on G-d. Act as if everything depended on you." (Excuse me if I misquote.) Is this from the Pirke Avot?
Anyway, that has always "spoken" to me, admonishing me to once again (and I feel this "theme" over and over in Judaism) "be G-d's partner".
I believe the mere acts of "beauty" or "acts of lovingkindness", if done by all of us "fellow travelers" in all Jewish denominations (such as Reform, as I've been reared and educated in), one by one, we can have the exponential power of "one". Now wait a minute...where has that been before me? Oh, the One...Beauty is in all the acts of kindness, tzedakah, and mitzvot we perform. But Power is there as well, because once again, by being in partnership with the One, we can have power beyond our wildest dreams. Not to move mountains, but to build a better world, where peace is not only atainable, but the normal state in which we live in this fragile planet.

Susie Kahn Parker
Northridge, CA

December 27, 2011

tipping the balance

I think this is a perfect meditation. May G_d help me to keep this in mind always, that my acts shall not be careless.

Julie
Durham, UK

December 27, 2011

doing good things

Another Rabbi said that even he who gives a drink to a child will not lose his reward. How generous is the Lord Almighty Holy G..d of Israel. We are astounded by His majesty and graciousness and Holiness.

KLH
Lenexa, Ks

December 17, 2009

Transformation

Rabbi Freeman - I want to take this opportunity, during Chanukah, to say thank you for these amazing Daily Doses. They bring light to my soul each and every day. Each and every one of them. I share them. I think about them. I go out and live differently because of them. Thank you so very much.

Liz
Marietta, GA

December 17, 2009

Maimonides

I admire Maimonides. He wasn't your predictable sage and teacher in fact his actions and thought were quite thought provoking. This Rabbi is a reason the Jewish people have survived and will continue to prosper, for his words continue to be relevant today and will continue tomorrow into an eternal mana from heaven.

Sam
Castro Valley, CA

December 17, 2009

Powerful Beauty

It is so good to read the emphasis i always encounter in the daily doses about the simple acts of an individual.

That IT can make a difference, that we are significant parts of life and that what we do whoever we are does has meaning!

Karin