Pleasure Anger & Talking Parrots פרשת ויצא תשפ״ג
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Pleasure Anger & Talking Parrots
A Harvard study on anger found that when a person is in a state of anger with hostile behavior, it also activates the amygdala. The amygdala is an almond–shaped part of the brain, associated with emotions. Particularly fear, anxiety, and anger. Few things have caused as much ruin as anger and temper. Maimonedes warns of the danger of anger.
In Lekutei Torah -Vayeitsei- the Alter Rebbe explains why G-d created in us anger and bad characteristics, מדות רעות, in the first place.
The Alter Rebbe explains that when a person talks, it doesn’t generate laughter, but when a talking parrot talks, it creates laughter and joy. ציפור המדברת. This is because there is no novelty in a human being talking. We see it all the time. But a talking bird is a novelty. Therefore we laugh and enjoy the unusual new phenomenon.
Similarly, G-d intentionally created anger, bad characteristics and personality traits. G-d wants the תענוג נפלא, great pleasure of laughter and joy created by the novelty of a person who transforms the negative into a positive. Darkness into light.
Anger and negative personality traits are created in order for a person to have the opportunity and merit to transform them into a positive. When a person transforms their passions for the physical world and dedicates their emotions to enthusiastically and passionately serve G-d alone, then this fulfills the purpose for which G-d created the world. Making a home for G-d in our physical world.
Chabad Chassidus explains that when we engage in the pleasures of the physical world for the purpose of honoring G-d, then our pleasures become “holy pleasures”. Such as, eating delicious foods to honor the Shabbos, using beautiful silverware and elegant tableware to honor a Jewish Holiday or being financially successful in buisness in order to be able to give charity with an open hand and strengthen Judaism etc.
Chabad Chassidus explains that when we engage in the pleasures of the physical world for the purpose of honoring G-d, then our pleasures become “holy pleasures”. Such as, eating delicious foods to honor the Shabbos, using beautiful silverware and elegant tableware to honor a Jewish Holiday or being financially successful in buisness in order to be able to give charity with an open hand and strengthen Judaism etc.
The Alter Rebbe explains, this is why our Father Yaakov -Jacob- traveled from Be’er Sheva to Choron. Because Sheva means 7 in Hebrew and it corresponds to the 7 basic human emotions.
Yaakov succesfully journeys to Choron, the city whose sinful behavior causes Heavenly anger. חרון אף של עולם. But Yaakov transforms the anger and 7 emotions into holiness, laughter and pleasure by redirecting the negetive human emotions into an instrument and vehicle to serve G-d, even in such a low place as Choron.
Yaakov succesfully journeys to Choron, the city whose sinful behavior causes Heavenly anger. חרון אף של עולם. But Yaakov transforms the anger and 7 emotions into holiness, laughter and pleasure by redirecting the negetive human emotions into an instrument and vehicle to serve G-d, even in such a low place as Choron.
This is true Teshuva - Return. To “return” the negative energies of the world to their holy original source. To serve G-d with a passion, a fiery love and enthusiasm. Making this world a better place for all of humanity. A home for G-d.
Yaakov says ושבתי בשלום אל בית אבי, ״ “I will return in peace to the home of my father. Yaakov’s ifather is Yitzchok. The Prophet tells us that when Moshiach arrives we will say to Yitzchok “You are our father” כי אתה אבינו. Because Yitzchok in Hebrew means to laugh. Yitzchok gives us the strength to laugh and transform the darkness into light, pain into laughter, sorrow into pleasure, exile into redemption.
Yaakov says ושבתי בשלום אל בית אבי, ״ “I will return in peace to the home of my father. Yaakov’s ifather is Yitzchok. The Prophet tells us that when Moshiach arrives we will say to Yitzchok “You are our father” כי אתה אבינו. Because Yitzchok in Hebrew means to laugh. Yitzchok gives us the strength to laugh and transform the darkness into light, pain into laughter, sorrow into pleasure, exile into redemption.
This gives us motivation and inspiration:
When we encounter negative traits within ourselves, such as anger, temper and misplaced fiery passion, we should know that this is a hidden treasure. Because we can transform these emotions, we can redirect them and use them to make G-d laugh with great pleasure.
We can be like the “Talking Parrot” who causes the King to laugh and enjoy. The more anger and temper you may have, the greater the treasured gift you can give to our beloved Father in Heaven to enjoy!
We can be like the “Talking Parrot” who causes the King to laugh and enjoy. The more anger and temper you may have, the greater the treasured gift you can give to our beloved Father in Heaven to enjoy!
When we see a child or an adult with a temper, we can encourage them to redirect their powerful energies and use it as the greatest gift to G-d.
Never crush the feelings of a child or an adult. They may have been born with these natural negative tendencies. G-d wired them this way. Encourage them to look for the potential positive treasure within them and to discover the gifts they have which G-d has been waiting for since creation. Everything can be used for a positive.
You are a beautiful person. A holy soul. Even anger and negetive habits are potentially a treasure!
Never crush the feelings of a child or an adult. They may have been born with these natural negative tendencies. G-d wired them this way. Encourage them to look for the potential positive treasure within them and to discover the gifts they have which G-d has been waiting for since creation. Everything can be used for a positive.
You are a beautiful person. A holy soul. Even anger and negetive habits are potentially a treasure!
G-d is waiting for you to make Him laugh!
3 messages based on the teachings of the Rebbe:
1) Peace is when two opposites reconcile. As we say in our prayers “G-d makes peace in Heaven”. The angel of water, Michoel and the angel of fire Gavriel, both make peace for the honor of G-d. Never give up pursuing peace. The harder it seems, the greater the reward. When both parties put their ego aside for a higher cause then everybody is happy and they enjoy the peace.
2) It is hard to connect a hard surface to a hard surface. You may need a soft liquid in the middle to bring them together. When pursuing peace don’t use a hard approach. A soft gentle approach will make it easier to help both parties to connect. Our Sages teach us: The world was created for peace.
3) If a child or a young person unfortunately abandon the Jewish way of life, the reason may be connected to their lack of feeling pleasure of Judaism. Look for creative ways to make Judaism a pleasure and they will automatically gravitate towards Judaism. Every Jew deserves your unconditional love and dedication.
The young generation is full of great potential. Never belittle or insult. Always look for the happy and joyous way and you will be successful. Happiness and joy break through barriers. If one is not successful they must reevaluate their approach. With love, joy and happiness we can change the world. Maximize your leadership!
Lchayim
Velvl
Rabbi Velvl Butman
Executive Director
Chabad Lubavitch of Westchester County
Sharing the joy and meaning of Judaism unconditionally!
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