אות - רעט

The Rebbe once told me, “ Uhn as es iz shoin gar schlecht, iz min zich gar mevatel – When things are very bad, make yourself into nothing.”

I asked him, “How does one make himself into nothing?”

He replied, “ Me far-macht das moil, uhn die oigen, iz men bitul – You close your mouth and eyes, and you are like nothing!”

We can gain valuable insight from these words. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed by the Evil Urge. You are confused and disturbed by evil thoughts that are very difficult to overcome. You must then make yourself like nothing – you no longer exist, your eyes and mouth are closed. Every thought is banished. Your mind ceases to exist.

You have nullified yourself completely before God (see Zimrat HaAretz #64) .