Think You Can't? Think Again!

By Y.Y. Hodakov

I have no idea who my grandfather was talking to on the phone that night, or what the topic of conversation was. All that I remember is hearing him say, in his inimitable tone, Vus Heist Du Kenst Nisht? Un Vus Kenstu Yeh? What do you mean you can’t do it? What are you capable of doing? Without G-d’s help, nothing is possible. With G-d’s help, anything is!

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Once, the Baal Shem Tov’s disciples were asked to help pull a wagon out of a ditch. When they said they were incapable of doing it, the coachman retorted, “You can, but you don’t want to!”

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Once, 1^st century sage Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa saw his fellow townsmen going to Jerusalem with various offerings. He wished to do the same, but there was little he could afford. Outside his town, he found a large stone, which he smoothed and polished, but could not possibly move, let alone carry it to Jerusalem. Nor could he afford what average workers would charge to transport it. At some point, five men appeared, and offered to bring the stone to Jerusalem for a nominal fee, as long as he would also put his hand to the stone and help. This he did, and suddenly found himself in Jerusalem. He turned to pay his “helpers”, but they were gone.

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In this week’s Torah portion, Pekudei, we learn that when the work on the Miskhan (sanctuary) in the desert was completed, they brought it to Moshe.

Throughout their 40 years in the desert, a skilled crew of Levites would dismantle the structure when it was time to travel, and swiftly assemble it once again as soon as they arrived at their next camp site. However, when they first inaugurated the Mishkan, G-d had instructed that Moshe himself put it up.

Moshe was daunted by the size and weight of each of the planks that made up the walls, and he asked G-d, “How is it possible for a human being to erect it?”

G-d replied, “You involve yourself with your hand”, put your hand forward to put it up. It appeared as if he had set it up, but it had stood upright on its own.

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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life? Are you inundated with seemingly insurmountable tasks?

Do what you can. Put your hand forward. Get involved, and know that G-d will help you succeed beyond what you yourself are capable of.

Shabbat Shalom.

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Related links:

For more about my grandfather, Rabbi C.M.A. Hodakov, click here.

To hear the Rebbe tell the story of the Baal Shem Tov, click here.

Man Thinks. And G-d... Smiles?

By Y.Y. Hodakov

Do you have any great ideas that haven’t yet materialized? Do you ever experience genuine inspiration that doesn’t seem to evolve into something more tangible? Do you ever wonder if sometimes it’s just best to stop dreaming?...

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There were five frogs sitting on a log. Three decided to jump into the river. How many frogs were left on the log?

Five.

Just because three decided to jump, doesn't mean they did…

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Someone once approached the 6th Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn (1880-1950) of blessed memory, with an idea for a project. The Rebbe responded by quoting from Mishlei (Proverbs, 19:21), "There are many thoughts in a man's heart, but G-d's plan, that shall stand".

The Rebbe explained: At times we may have a good idea, but its time has not yet arrived. However, if it is G-d’s plan, this idea will materialize. Eventually, it shall stand. It will come to be.

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In this week's Torah portion, Vayakhel, we learn about the Mishkan (Sanctuary) that was built in the desert. In measured detail, we learn of its structure, furnishings, and coverings.

We already learned all of this information, as G-d, atop Mount Sinai, instructs Moshe of the plans. Now, however, we learn of Moshe transmitting all this information to the Jewish people, and – subsequent to what was, arguably, the most successful appeal in Jewish history – the Mishkan actually being built.

Why all the extra ink? Could the Torah not simply have stated that Moshe transmitted G-d’s instruction to the Jewish people, and that they built the Mishkan according to His instruction?

One answer is that we are being taught the importance of actually getting things done, in real time. It was not sufficient for an abstract, spiritual Mishkan to be created in a realm where Moshe alone talks to G-d in heaven. A concrete sanctuary for G-d must be made by everyday people, here on earth.

Perhaps, however, there is another answer as well. Perhaps we are being taught that if our intention is pure, if we devote our minds and hearts – indeed, our very selves – to do G-d's work, we will, eventually, succeed in making it happen.

The Torah is not only telling us how important it is to make it happen. The Torah is also teaching us that if we truly want to, we will succeed in making it happen.

Shabbat Shalom. And, if you "Like" it, "Share" it!