In My Rabbi Blog for the Jewish High Holy Days, I reflect on TzimTzum at the Laundry Room.
At the public laundry room recently, I was standing in a tight spot between a wall pillar and the dryers: while starting to load my clothes, I saw someone approaching. In order to let my fellow washer go by, I quickly stepped out of the way. After exchanging a smile, I then continued loading my clothes. Later, after going out to my truck, as I was about to go back into the laundry room, I saw a dog at the door ready to bolt: I waited at the door until the dog’s owner could get to the pet to prevent his canine companion from possibly running into the heavily trafficked road. Small actions albeit; however, lots of little things we do that defer our own priorities, and/or lessen our self-importance, actually go a long way toward reducing potential conflicts and creating harmony in this earthy realm of Malchut.
TzimTzum (contraction, withdrawal, concealment) in Kabbalah (Tradition of Reception), helps us Understand that to make our selves smaller ― through the contraction of ego ― actually serves to expand and harmonize Divinity in our corporeal world. Through TzimTzum we become less full of ourselves and open to Receiving more of the Divine. Just as the Infinite withdrew and concealed the all encompassing Light in the act of TzimTzum, to make room for our existence, so too do we need to allow room for others to shine and sparkle. How about allowing that car ahead of us a chance to merge onto the freeway or change lanes? Why not give a team member some special acknowledgement for a job well done at work? Do we remember to express Gratitude when someone lends us a helping hand? Each day, make it a practice to set aside some time for reflection on what others have done to place your needs above their own and vice versa. By carrying out, and acknowledging, acts of TzimTzum in our lives, we actively engage in Tikun Olam (healing and harmonizing our world). When we make room through TzimTzum Below, we send our Love back Above.
We all learn from each other, so by answering the following questions we provide each other with a wellspring of life experience that we can draw support from during the process of making our own responsible choices and carrying out our own responsible actions. Help encourage and enlighten others by sharing a story, an anecdote or any bissel of Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge from your own life journey…..
Questions for Delving: Can you name some tools, qualities, resources, techniques to help friends and community members to renew their faith and share spiritual inspiration in challenging circumstances that you/they face or situations that you/they encounter? What past experiences have helped you to feel free and expansive in the present? What hopes and dreams for improving our world will you devote yourself to for the future?
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באור אין סוף .... אליה
