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How is possible to be humble and happy at the same time?

by Rabbi Baruch Emanuel Erdstein

  

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Humility is generally understood to be the acknowledgment of one’s own insignificance within the general overall scheme of the universe and G-d. When we ponder the awesome, loving, all-knowing nature of the Creator, how can we be anything but extremely joyous at being under His personal supervision?

Only when a person emphasizes his own smallness over G-d’s greatness is there the possibility for depression or insecurity. Essentially, this concentration on one’s self is actually only egotism cleverly disguised.

The focus on G-d’s eminence, His plan for the Creation, and the demand that we be actively involved in its rectification should ignite each of our individual potentials – all in humble service.

Fulfilling G-d’s commandments to our utmost abilities – participating in the reparation of the world – is truly cause for elation. In addition, the open-hearted flowing nature of happiness demands humility. When manifest properly, the two qualities of humility and happiness will be recognized not only as not mutually exclusive, but rather as quintessentially complementary.


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