Dont burn out! - Shemini

If a person wanted to run a mile in a certain time, he would have to train harder in order to beat the obstacles and complete the goal. The problem is that, by putting so much effort into accomplishing the goal, we can get hurt and therefore undermine future attempts.

In this week's parsha, we read about how Nadav and Avihu had a huge drive to be with Hashem. This was so much so that, for them, reality didn't exist because there was nothing but Hashem. By having this overpowering thirst for godliness, they couldn't survive in this world anymore. As such, Hashem consumed them along with the karbonos they were offering.

We can learn a lesson from Nadav and Avihu in that we can't lose sight of the importance of our human existence. Hashem wants us to be close to him! However, by overworking or not taking care of our physical bodies, we can destroy the prospects of a Dira Btachtonim (House for Hashem among the material world).

Join me this week by taking on a mitzvah of your choice. Instead of burning out or getting consumed by it, we could do it with a little more effort than before and create the house for Hashem immediately!

Good Shabbos

All the best

Avrohom Y Ross