Do you sometimes try to avoid hard work?  Do you at times want to retreat when a task becomes challenging?

It is natural to react this way. Jewish wisdom teaches us that we have a “natural soul,” that always wants the easy way out. The Chasidic masters call this soul the Nefesh Habahamit (lit. “the animal soul”).

We also have a G-dly soul. This soul is motivated and is prepared and willing to take on the hard and daunting tasks of life. The key is to align ourselves more with our G-dly soul.

This week we begin reading the 3rd Book of the Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus). This Book primarily deals with “Sacrifices,” and all the intricate and complicated laws and details that are associated with it.

The Midrash compares the Book of Vayikra to the light that G-d shone on the first day of creation.

“Rabbi Simon says, “And G-d saw the light that it was good,” this corresponds to the book of Vayikra (Leviticus).”

A complicated book about “sacrifices,” is called “good”.
The message here is an important one. Hard work is good. Yes, it requires a lot of effort, time, preparation, and perseverance. But the result is immensely rewarding.

We also remember that G-d runs the world and guides our every step. So we know why the challenge or task came our way, it’s because we have what it takes to accomplish it.

The harder the task, the greater the satisfaction and reward at the end of it all.

The Book of Vayikra teaches us to value hard work and effort. Not to be deterred and despondent when it comes our way. But rather, to see it as a new opportunity to find what is truly “good” in life.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Zalman and Esty