Tanya: Chapter 38 - Part 5

In a dark world shines good deeds; ascend don't descend! I am a person with an extreme passion for giving and have such a strong devotion to helping others that quite often I get asked why I am so nice when I give what seems my last bit of sustenance. On the animal level kindness seems similar to weakness. This can be true if the receiver is an enemy and when revealed this kindness must be returned with severity as moshe deals with pharaoh. As we know evil is more powerful than kindness. I can't rationalize my behavior in a capitalist system except that truly I must be an authentic Cohen. Even though there is no temple built the Torah states we must build a home for G-d down here and to accomplish this task we must truly believe we have the capacity and discipline! In the back of most minds I believe lingers some doubt. Then we become passive and jealous of others. These lectures confirm what I always have felt in my heart and thank you want so much for not letting me believe in other ways of finding self worth. Reply