Saturday, September 1, 2012

Elul 14

People can only learn what their heart desires. (Babylonian Talmud, Avodah Zarah 19a)

Desire or lip service do not serve us well when focusing on the act of Teshuvah (turning ourselves). That drive, that devotion is actualized when we feel it at our core, and ready ourselves to stay the course. There are many moments in our lives when we have already committed ourselves (i.e. long meetings and work hours, regular temptations we fight against).These are the moments where we teach ourselves about our true desires and commitments. The prophet Jeremiah instructed the Israelites to circumcise their hearts, so that they would always be faithful and in covenant with God. So, too, with our passions, our hopes, and our desires.

Identify those passions and desires in your life. For extra credit, make it a dialogue with God!


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