Friday Iyar 23, 38th day of the omer 5703
Torah lessons: Chumash: B'chukotai, Shishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 108-112.
Tanya: The order of (p. 263)...Life of life. (p. 265).

The beginning of one's decline, G‑d save us, is the lack of avoda in davening. Everything becomes dry and cold. Even a mitzva performed by habit* becomes burdensome. Everything is rushed. One loses the sense of pleasure in Torah-study. The atmosphere itself becomes crass. Needless to say, one is totally incapable of influencing others.