In today’s Ha Yom-Yom (an anthology of aphorisms and customs arranged according to the days of the year), the Alter Rebbe related this verse from Vayikra 6:6 and further expounded one of the teachings of the Maggid of Mezeritch: Though Fire descends from above,spontaneously, it is a Mitzvah to bring from the “ordinary,” by man. (This fire that the Maggid is talking about is a heavenly fire which descended miraculously both in the sanctuary in the desert and the Temples in Jerusalem).
Nevertheless, the fire had to also be lit by man. Man’s action is an awakening from bellow which engenders an awakening from above.
In truth the world works in a miraculous way, but to be able to access the miracle it has to be made seen as if we ourselves did it as an ordinary natural occurrence.
It is a positive Mitzvah to kindle a fire on the Altar. “Altar” refers to “the man who offers of you.” The offering itself is insufficient. Man must kindle a fire on the offering that is “of you.” The Maggid taught this lesson to the Alter Rebbe ten times to engrave it in the ten powers of his soul!
We all need to learn this lesson well, we are all in need of this constant fire which we ourselves have to be the first to light.
To receive blessings in our lives it has to come from us.
#hayomyom
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