[David]

In Shamati here, what does the word ‘necessarily’ add?

“The Baal Shem Tov said that he who says that there is another force in the world, namely Klipot (shells), that person is in a state of “serving other gods.” It is not necessarily the thought of heresy that is the transgression, but if he thinks that there is another authority and force apart from the Creator, by that he is committing a sin”

[David]

Question: How is Purim considered to be an open miracle and Chanukah not?

[David]

Thanks. I’m glad, naturally, that it resonated.

On that track, articles that speak to me are Rav’s articles ‘Toward An Altruistic Connection’ and  ‘Do It Instead Of Me!’

Thanks again.

 

[David]

I’m hesitating to write this but I am just juxtaposing a couple of things – my tribe, my people, I dwell among my people – and the illusion of separateness and the trying to correct that and reclaim the sense of the connectedness of everyone. Perhaps a counter-argument could be made that it is precisely when I do not feel a connection but only a sense that this other deserves to be loved – that this is the better example of bestowal because then it is not because the recipient is ‘mine’ or ‘of me’ at all.

[David]

Thank you. After I posted the question I realised that ‘for her name (shem) is the more ‘accurate’ translation – and thanks for your amplification – it makes it easier to perform the action and recognise that it is incomplete.

[David]

Hi, could I have some guidance?

‘For Her sake’, and ‘For Her name’ both translate as Lishma. ‘For Her sake’ has always felt slightly out of reach to me – a bit ‘in the head’ – but ‘For Her name’ says to glorify the Creator in everything you do. There may be a more nuanced meaning in For Her sake, and it even feels odd to be asking a question that hinges on language, but I would appreciate your thoughts.

[Author]

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