Chassidim often derive lessons even from the secular and the mundane. Anything that adds inspiration, even if it has no basis in Torah, is worthy of learning and repeating. In Torah, there are acronyms that serve as symbols alluding to a certain group of ideas. These symbols seem to have no personal connection with that which they represent, yet one may derive significant lessons from them too.

In reaching out to one’s fellow Jew, one can derive guidance from the acronym associated with the Hebrew (and English) word טנק, tank, which is used to overcome obstacles and succeed in battle.

The word tank stands for the second half of the acronym alluding to the sections of the Mishnah: Taharos, Nezikin and Kodshim.

To apply this to our life: One who is striving to impact his fellow Jew must realize first and foremost [the importance of] taharos; i.e., he must be purified and totally rid of any self-motives and insincere interests. Second, if he adheres to this, the result will protect the recipient from any harm, as is the meaning of nezikin. Finally, one reaches the level of kodshim (sanctity). By affecting one’s fellow Jew [in a positive way,] one makes a sacred dwelling place not only by removing the negative but also by increasing the positive and good. This is certain to bring a measure of success and to help overcome any negative experience. This is a lesson that one can learn from a tank — a very mundane object.

Sichos Kodesh, 12 Tammuz, 5734