By Emmanuel Sorek
Dvar Torah Editor
The Likutei Moharan, written by Rebbi Nachman of Breslev, paints a vivid picture of a scenario where someone finds themselves in the midst of the most breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by towering mountains, lush valleys, orchards bursting with ripe fruit and the sun setting in the distance, it is a scene of unparalleled beauty. However, there's just one problem. The person is so captivated by a tiny coin held close to their eye that they miss the spectacular view before them entirely.
In the beginning of Parashat Mishpatim, we explore the laws concerning the עבד עברי. After six years of serving their master, the עבד עברי faces a choice: to embrace freedom or commit to another fifty years of servitude, symbolized by piercing their ear. This raises a simple yet profound question: why would anyone willingly choose to remain enslaved instead of enjoying their freedom?
Rabbi Yitchak Malka offers an insightful perspective, suggesting that uncertainty can trap us into a state of slavery. The ability to exercise free will is a divine gift bestowed upon us by Hashem. When we find ourselves unable to exercise this gift, we parallel the עבד עברי. Similarly, we can find ourselves involved with distractions that prevent us from fully experiencing life's richness. In today's world, we are constantly bombarded by distractions that divert our attention, obscuring the beauty that Hashem has surrounded us with. It's worth asking ourselves: what's holding us back from embracing life to the fullest? What's standing in the way of our journey towards spiritual growth and bringing the Geula one step closer? Most of the time it is something as small as a coin preventing us from reaching our potential. Let's toss that coin away and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the world around us.
Shabbat Shalom
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