Contemplation

  
   A most used expression in Chassidus is 'Hisbonenus' - contemplation. Often we wonder: What does this mean? Can I really do this?

   Yes you can. We all have the mechanism in us to properly contemplate, it's just that we use it for other things. For example, if someone offends you, the natural instinct is to chew it over. Why did he say that? What did he mean? How can I teach him a lesson? Moreover, we speak about it to our friends to get more insight into the matter.

   If spiritual matters are as pertinent to us as the physical, we'd be able to contemplate about it. The problem only lies in the fact that it isn't as important.

   Now we've got homework.
 

Whos' Fault?

  
   The story is said about R' Yoshe Ber Soloveitchik that he approached his son on his wedding day and said to him:

  "Do you see all the important guests that have come to celebrate? Don't think they came for you; they came because of me!"

   Said son to father: "If that's the case, why are there not more of them?"

   His father replied: "That's because of you, son."

   At a Farbrengen I recently attended, the Mashpia explained: All the good things that are accomplished by Lubavitch are a result of our Rebbe. As for all the negativity and turning-off that occurs, we can only blame ourselves. We are the humans who make mistakes and thereby have a negative impact on others.

   Either way, I thought it was a point worth mentioning.