Perek 68
Bentzion Meltzer
“Avoid evil and do good.”1
This means avoid evil by transforming it into good.2
1 Psalms 34:15
2 Ben Porath Yoseph. There are two ways of dealing with evil:
overcoming it and subduing it, or transforming it, as said here. While
the path of overcoming entails a constant struggle and is based on the
perception of inherent evil, the path of transformation entails a
shift in perception; awareness that all perceived evil is in reality
only an illusion. This idea is embedded in the parable of the king who
created walls around him by the use of optical illusions, so that his
son would eventually see through the illusion, and in the parable in
the Zohar of the king who hired a prostitute to entice his son. In
practice, this means that instead of struggling with one’s baser
desires, one should elevate one’s intentions while involved in actions
usually motivated by one’s baser desires.
Translation and Commentary by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett and reprinted
with the kind permission of the Baal Shem Tov Foundation. Please visit
www.baalshemtov.com
Join a class on the Perekim from the Kesser Shem Tov: Shabbos morning
9am in the Shteibel Minyan Beis Medresh
Also, write to Bent...@besht-yomi.org to receive the Teachings of the
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nacha leaf
--
Joseph A. Cleary
I understand what you're saying about turning evil into good, as
it relates to the Rabbi Baal Shem Tov, as it relates to him and a mirror as
he was seen by himself in the mirror image.
As to relating that to the Masque at ground zero, wanting to do
something to stop them is human nature, but letting go of the hatred. Trust
isn't some thing I do as well as trust must be earned.
I wouldn't spray anything or any one with pork grease as in
defiling them we defile our selves at the same time.
As to contacting our elected officials all you'll hear is the
same as I heard here, a bunch of double talk which means nothing.
Do be well and do be careful in the heat.
Shalom, Shalom, Yosef
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bentzion Meltzer" <bzme...@gmail.com>
To: "Teachings_of_the_Besht" <teachings_o...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 8:52 PM
Subject: Perek 68
The Baal Shem Tov taught:
�Avoid evil and do good.�1
This means avoid evil by transforming it into good.2
1 Psalms 34:15
2 Ben Porath Yoseph. There are two ways of dealing with evil:
overcoming it and subduing it, or transforming it, as said here. While
the path of overcoming entails a constant struggle and is based on the
perception of inherent evil, the path of transformation entails a
shift in perception; awareness that all perceived evil is in reality
only an illusion. This idea is embedded in the parable of the king who
created walls around him by the use of optical illusions, so that his
son would eventually see through the illusion, and in the parable in
the Zohar of the king who hired a prostitute to entice his son. In
practice, this means that instead of struggling with one�s baser
desires, one should elevate one�s intentions while involved in actions
usually motivated by one�s baser desires.
Translation and Commentary by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett and reprinted
with the kind permission of the Baal Shem Tov Foundation. Please visit
www.baalshemtov.com
Join a class on the Perekim from the Kesser Shem Tov: Shabbos morning
9am in the Shteibel Minyan Beis Medresh
Also, write to Bent...@besht-yomi.org to receive the Teachings of the
Baal Shem Tov in your email inbox, visit and join a discussion group
on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov at
http://groups.google.com/group/teachings_of_the_besht?hl=en
Publicize the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov To Help Bring
Moshiach Right NOW!
--