NOV. 5, ‘25 // it?) and promptly escaped, the money safe in his possession. (Gittin; 47) That was Reb Shimon ben Lakish, a man who would do the Mafia proud. He once saw the Amora Reb Yochanan bathing in the river, and swam across to rob him with such masterful energetic strokes, that Reb Yochanan was left open – mouthed. He told him, “Your strength belongs to the Torah!” It was unfathomable. Can a criminal who struck terror in the hearts of all who met him, turn his life so completely around? Apparently, Reb Shimon could. His encounter with Rebbi Yochanan left such an impression on him, that he quit his lifestyle, and threw himself into Torah learning. As he invested his whole self in his new passion, his persona changed, bit by bit. Soon, a spiritual giant emerged, Reish Lakish, an Amora who married Reb Yochanan’s sister. Throughout Shas, we see the famous discussions between Reb Yochanan and Reish Lakish. Their Torah is eternity. 8 Do these stories apply to us? Nah, you think. I am what I am. Rooted in reality, set in stone. Change, deep real change is for others. For me? A fantasy, a mirage, an unreachable goal. I’ve tried and failed too many times to count. I know myself. Do you? Perhaps you’re not looking deep enough. Maybe there is more to you, than meets the superficial eye. Ever heard of the man that woke up in the morning, looked into the mirror and said, “I know who you are, but who am I?!” Look closer. Look inside. Beyond appearances, there is a soul full of light and purity. A neshama that was breathed into us by Hashem himself. Ever practiced mouth to mouth resuscitation? Breathing into that dummy, was giving him part of yourself – the air within you. When Hashem blew into us our neshamas, he gave us a fragment of himself. Thus every Jewish soul, is a piece of Godliness. A real, live part of our Creator. (Zohar) Just as our Creator is infinite, so are our souls forever. Its glow is never diminished, its potential never destroyed. Somehow though it often goes into hiding, fearing the forces that block its light: It was a dark stormy night when thieves broke into the house of Eizik Chelemer. Hearing noises, Eizik woke up, panic stricken. Strange men were rampaging through his house opening doors and drawers, searching every nook and cranny. Terrified, he jumped out of bed, and hid in a large crate, pulling its dome shaped cover over his head. Meanwhile the thieves ransacked his home. They went from room to room finding nothing besides poverty. Finally they came to the bedroom. Seeing a large crate they opened it with glee, only to find Eizik crouched inside, cowering in fear. It was a funny sight. “Hey, Eizik!” They shouted, slapping his hunched back. 150
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