Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe

Intellect is inadequate because not all things can be explained. Intellect needs faith.

Faith is impotent because truth remains forever unreal. Faith needs intellect.

But they are opposites, as contradictory as nothingness and existence. Faith surrenders. Intellect asserts its own reality.

Miraculously, there is wisdom: The vision to see the truth as it is and quietness to let it enter without loss.





A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
30 Cheshvan, 5764 * November 25, 2003

Abraham worshipped idols as did his father, Terach. Abraham was an intelligent man, as was Terach. But Abraham came to recognize the falseness of the idols, while Terach stayed behind.

Because Terach never truly believed in the idols and never truly worshipped them. But when Abraham worshipped idols, it was with all his heart, mind and soul, every hour of the day and night. It had to be real. Everything Abraham did had to be real. And therefore, he found truth.

Do you only believe when you can see with your eyes? When your prayers are answered and miracles carry you on their wings? Or do you also believe when circumstances fly in your face?

The beginning of all paths and the foundation of all ascents is to open yourself to receive from Above.

And how do you receive from Above? By being empty -- because a full vessel cannot receive, while an empty vessel has a hollow to be filled.

That is why we must run from depression; because in a depressed person there is no room left to receive anything. A depressed person is too full of himself.

But a humble, open spirit is vibrant with joy.