| Thursday | Elul 2 | 5703 |
| Torah lessons: | Chumash: Shoftim, Chamishi with Rashi. | |
| Tehillim: 10-17. Also 4-6. | ||
| Tanya: Now the essence (p. 443) ...states Scripture. (p. 445). | ||
The Children of Israel are called eretz cheifetz,1 for they possess numerous "precious articles"2 in the love and fear of G‑d, and in fine character traits. Bringing these traits to the surface depends entirely upon the individual stimulating them. It is clear that throughout the earth are wellsprings of living water; the difference between them is only that some are near the surface, others far. Everything therefore depends on the well-digger, his patience and perseverance.
Now since ratzon ("will") is a superior faculty that "issues decrees," rules over all the other faculties,* and compels them to act according to its orders - it follows that the essential avoda is to arouse one's will to exercise its effect - both upon the person himself and upon others.
