If you are kind, learn also to be fierce.
If you are wise, learn also to be simple.
If you are fire, learn also to stay cool.
Whatever you find yourself being, be the opposite as well.
Torah Ohr 19b; Likkutei Sichot, vol. 20, pp. 76, 306–307.
From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Subscribe and get your dose daily. To order Rabbi Freeman’s latest book, Wisdom to Heal the Earth, click here.
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Michelle
england uk
August 12, 2017
reminds me of Ecclesiastes - there is a time for everything.
chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16464/jewish/Chapter-3.htm
lovely reminder at times we need to adapt/rise above our nature
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Kristin Braly
Baltimore
August 12, 2017
May I suggest that this principle of opposites, or even paradox, is found in most of the great religions. For myself, the light dawned when I understood that the core reason for my own imbalance was my failure to understand Containment/Release, which represents the female/male principle. Since then, I have found great help in correcting myself, using this principle. As a female, my nature tends to practice containment in excess. So, during times of suffering I practice release. This is hard work, but the result is healing. Reply
Karin Kruger
Oklahoma City, OK/USA
August 11, 2017
Be not that
I had fun playing with this and read it in reverse order ... fierce, kind; simple, wise; and cool, fire. In the process of reversing order, being "simple" impacted me the most.
The words "I believe" that come straight from the heart can be and often are, far more powerful than the wisdom of great scholars - it is far easier to argue in complexity!
My favorite chassidic story is about the peasant who comes to pray; because he doesn't know the formal prayers, he starts with aleph-bet and immediately taken to heaven - Hashem heard him.
Our Rebbe had a way of taking difficult concepts and turning them into simple words that all can grasp - in my opinion, the most profound words are the result of deep thought.
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Irvis
Tirane
July 12, 2015
Is this from the kabbalah? thanks Reply
Brenda
Toronto, Canada
July 10, 2015
Be Both at the Same Time!
We can't even imagine how to be two opposite things at the same time!
- How can we opposite to G_d and be like Him at the same time?
.... to be in self-love and love of others at the same time?
The Kabbalists revealed that the Light transforms our nature during the correction process that all is destined to reach.
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Lois
CA
July 10, 2015
Does this mean don't identify with the ego personalities but rather be flexible and be in spirit which is all of these but none of these? Reply
How to be fierce How should a woman be fierce? I can research throughout the Internet on how to be fierce but I want to know from a Jewish perspective. I have been called out on this many times in my life. I always thought that being kind and understanding was the correct way of being. I'm beginning to see that I'm mistaken but not sure how to change. Please advise. I'm not looking to be fierce to be hateful but to stand up for what is correct and right in the eyes if G-d.