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We are continuing to post pieces from the latest Contemplative Writing workshops.
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This beautiful piece is from the prompt for Kaptzin Pasha, regarding the mitzvah we find ourselves most drawn to.
Water
by Charlene Hakimi
The mitzvah I feel most draw to performing is Netilat Yadayim. I love the water. Water is so beautiful and mystical to me. It is a liquid, a thing, that comes from the Earth, or the sky, or the Heavens, or HaShem Himself. It is clear yet full of all nutrients. It goes in my body easily. I thirst for water. I love to drink it, and I love to swim in it, and I love to stand under it. I love the feeling of water on my hands.
The other mitzvah that I am drawn to perform in the future, very soon G-d willing, is the mikveh. That is my ultimate goal. I am so excited to put not just my hands but my whole body in the water, enveloped by something physical that represents HaShem.
The mitzvah of Netilat Yadayim has saved me from the Kaptzin Pasha and has also brought out the Kaptzin Pasha in me. I used to be so vigorous with this mitzvah that my hands were very dry, and it became a burden to me. It had to be perfect. When I cooled down and learned the halacha better, I was able to enjoy it much more without the stringencies. I learned from this experience that the love of the mitzvah is more important than the stringency of it.
Netilat Yadayim saved me from the executioner because it made me think about the importance of going to the bathroom. It showed me that I took using the bathroom for granted. The fact that I had a process in the bathroom that had to do with G-d showed me hat G-d even takes care of the lowly things in our lives. He cares for every part of us. He trained me to go from the Sophisticate to the Simpleton in that way.
You’re invited: Sign up today for BreslovWoman’s Zoom intermediate writing workshop. You’re encouraged to take Intro to Contemplative Writing before taking this class. Class will run between one hour and fifteen minutes and one and a half hours, per session.
You’re invited: Sign up today for BreslovWoman’s third Zoom introductory writing workshop.
Happy Chanukah!
We are continuing to post some of the pieces from the latest Contemplative Writing workshops.
More workshops will be coming shortly after Chanukah, IyH. Please sign up to receive emails via this blog (see the right sidebar for sign up) and/or to the whatsapp group where you will receive timely updates and daily Breslov audio mini-lessons click to join.
Gut Shabbos Chanukah
Reflections on the Story of Kaptzin Pasha
Adina Segal
There is a lot of depth and ambiguity in this story and I am sure I am scratching the surface. To me, the Sultan represents our desire to be accepted, to have chein bestowed onto us by others. Even if only emotionally, it is possible to feel completely “burned up” by non-acceptance of others in our lives. Kaptzin Pasha represents the yetzer hara, particularly as it comes in the guise of low self-esteem and self-consciousness. The Mohel represents our struggle as Jews in this world- between conformity and maintaining our uniqueness. The Jew could have let his fear and desire to please the Sultan completely take over and not fulfil the mitzvah to which he was totally committed. He chose not to and that ultimately saved him in the end.
This struggle is highlighted by the concern around “bad breath”. Unlike body odor, bad breath can be controlled by not talking- basically containing oneself. Interestingly, Kaptzin Pasha does not tell the Jew to not speak. He tells him to cover his mouth with a handkerchief. The can allegorically refer to the pull Jews may feel to “cover up,” pass and assimilate. Interestingly, this strategy, which often resonates with many Jews, is foiled in the story by Kaptzin Pasha, who makes it a liability for the Jew. It is through being proud and steadfastly Jewish and maintaining observance of mitzvos, even when pressured by the Sultan, which ultimately saves the Jew.
I find it interesting that only after Kaptzin Pasha is killed, the Jew and the Sultan can attain a rapprochement and actually communicate with each other. I think it is a powerful lesson about the need to move past our insecurities in order to communicate with others when we are uncertain where things stand. As a therapist, I can tell you that nothing good comes from triangulating communication between people!
I think the ultimate message of the story is to give chizuk to us by reminding us that by holding on to mitzvos and our identity as Jews not only will be saved but the whole world will benefit and recognize Hashem.
The Mitzvah of Candle Lighting
by N.
Lighting candles each week is the mitzvah I am committed to. It speaks to me because it’s an unspoken connection to the divine light, the spark that lights up inside and around me and connects to Hashem. It is way bigger than me, yet so subtle and reminds me that I am divinely loved and part of the great symphony of life itself. It is a light of hope and unity. Just the fact that fire can be created by striking two objects together is awe inspiring in itself. It helps save me from my own inner executioner by reminding me what is truly real – the light of Hashem. So much negativity, challenge and temptation lies in the material world and it’s easy to get caught up in fear and doubt. The mitzvah of actually creating fire, breathing, praying and welcoming the day of the soul is enough to bring me back to the true ‘life’ within and remind me of what is truly important. I’ve always felt connected to fire, the color, the beauty of the flames, the organic movement. It feels like something is speaking through the fire, through the flame. This beauty is always awe inspiring and mesmerizing, a true testament to Hashem’s glorious light. Candles mark the beginning of breaking up the mundane in order to align with glory, something I value and cherish.