Dear readers,

Ever study a particular Torah text, only to think the idea seems to repeat itself?

I remember one such occasion as a yeshivah student.

We were studying a particularly difficult and lengthy chassidic text. I had asked my teacher/guide why three pages were spent saying what appeared to be the very same thing over and over again. He looked at me and smiled, “When the text seems to be repeating itself, it’s a sign that you are studying it superficially. Learn it again, focus on the nuances, and you’ll notice the profound manner in which this idea is developed.” Sure enough, he was right.

And this lesson can be applied in so many areas of Jewish life: I just said these words of prayer yesterday . . . Another Seder . . . Didn’t I hear this story before? . . .

When a prayer, mitzvah, or Torah idea begins to feel stale, it’s helpful to ask if we’ve properly focused on that particular concept and thought about what it means to us at that moment. A good prayer is different from yesterday’s. Even though I am saying the same words, my perspective and awareness have been honed. And taking a moment to pause, reflect and focus can bring new meaning and depth to any mitzvah.

Enjoy your read!

Yisroel Cotlar,
Responder for Ask the Rabbi @ Chabad.org