Ch. 1

There are personal and physical traits we all know of. But there are traits of the soul as well, which we're largely unaware of.

The ability to surrender to G-d's will and wishes is such a trait, Ibn Pakudah let's us know. Undoubtedly because it's a human capacity that touches upon what's most purposeful about us -- the service of G-d.

Surrendering comes down to being humble and self-depricating; to setting self aside and allowing for the other. And it manifests itself in soft and hushed tones, and in a willingness to acquiesce to the other even when assertion would logically be called for.

But as we indicated last time, there's sound and unsound surrender; times when it's appropriate, and times when it's not. We'll lay out the differences next time, and more.

Copyright © 2004 by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman and Torah.org

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