אות - רלב

This same man told me that he wanted to speak to the Rebbe many times, but could not open his mouth when he was with him. He found it impossible to tell the Rebbe what was in his heart. One Friday afternoon when he was attending the Rebbe, he decided that he would speak to the Rebbe right away, but was unable to open his mouth.

As the Rebbe was dressing after his bath, he asked the man to pass him his shoes. As the man handed over the shoes, the Rebbe said, “Make a habit of speaking to God. Then you will also be able to speak to me.”

The man followed this advice and was able to speak to the Rebbe. However, he still found it very difficult to express himself.

The Rebbe said, “A warrior girded his loins to overcome a mighty wall. When he came to the gate, he found it blocked by a spider web. Can you imagine anything more foolish than retreating because of a spider web blocking your path?” [The parallel is obvious.]

He said, “The main thing is speech. Use it and you will win every battle. You can meditate in thought, but the most important thing is to express it in speech.”

This parallel teaches a most important lesson. You may find it difficult to speak with God. You might also find it difficult to speak to a true tzaddik. This difficulty is great foolishness. It is mere laziness and bashfulness and a lack of virtuous boldness. 337 Cf. Beitzah 25b; Avot 5:20; Likutey Moharan I, 22:4, 147, 271; Likutey Halakhot , Matanah 5:11; ibid., Ma'akeh 4:2.

You are ready to use your speech to overcome the great battle against the evil within you. You are on the verge of victory and are about to break down walls with your words. The gates are ready to fly open. Should you then not speak because of mere bashfulness? Should you hold back because of a minor barrier like this? You are about to break down a wall. Will you be discouraged by a spider web?

This same man told me that the Rebbe prescribed that he spend two hours each day in secluded prayer. For an hour he was to meditate and prepare himself to speak. When his heart was awakened, he should then speak to God for another hour.