Every Small Act Counts: A Journey Through Trust and Redemption

When we think of monumental achievements, we often imagine grand gestures or monumental sacrifices. But Jewish wisdom teaches us that the most profound spiritual growth is built, brick by brick, through small, consistent acts of holiness. Even when we falter—especially when we falter—those efforts remain eternal, woven into the fabric of the universe by HaShem’s design. Let’s explore how our smallest steps toward holiness hold infinite value, no matter the setbacks.

The Role of the Tzaddik: Building Holiness for All

Imagine a master architect who constructs a grand and sacred edifice, brick by precious brick. The Tzaddik, a righteous individual dedicated to the spiritual rectification of the world, sees every one of our small acts of goodness as indispensable materials for this structure. Even when we stumble, our contributions are never discarded.

In the words of the Zohar, “No good desire is ever lost.” A moment of clarity, a fleeting inspiration, or even the faintest effort to serve HaShem is never in vain. The Tzaddik gathers these sparks of holiness and incorporates them into the greater plan for rectifying all souls and all worlds. Just as an artist uses every shade of color to create a masterpiece, so too does the Tzaddik utilize even our smallest efforts to build something awe-inspiring.

Every Good Deed Endures

Have you ever made a resolution to pray more, study Torah, or act with kindness, only to slip back into old habits? It’s easy to feel like those moments of effort were wasted. But the truth is, nothing holy is ever lost. Each small action remains eternally significant, even if it seems overshadowed by later struggles.

Consider this analogy: When we plant seeds in a garden, the results are not immediate. Sometimes the soil appears barren, and we might even forget where we sowed them. But with time, water, and light, the seeds sprout into something far greater than we imagined. Similarly, every small mitzvah, every attempt at self-improvement, is a seed in HaShem’s infinite garden. Even if we stumble or fall, those seeds continue to grow.

As Iyov (Job) 8:7 promises, “And even if your beginning shall be small, your end shall increase exceedingly.” Each small step toward holiness, when repeated over time, builds momentum and leads to exponential growth.

The Power of New Beginnings

One of the most uplifting ideas in Judaism is the ability to start anew. After a fall, even the tiniest spark of motivation or goodness can reignite a soul. When we muster the courage to try again, we set in motion a chain reaction of blessings. The cumulative impact of these small beginnings is far greater than we can comprehend.

Even the process of starting over, time and time again, has deep spiritual meaning. Every fresh attempt adds another layer of rectification to the world, and every moment of effort brings us closer to HaShem. In the grand tapestry of life, each thread we weave becomes part of an eternal design.

The Collective Power of Holiness

Sometimes, we might feel insignificant compared to the righteous individuals who seem to carry the world on their shoulders. But the truth is, each person plays a vital role in the collective sanctity of the Jewish people. For example, a minyan—a quorum of ten for prayer—relies on every individual to achieve its holiness. Even if nine attendees are tzaddikim, the prayers cannot begin without a tenth. The arrival of a seemingly ordinary person elevates the entire gathering.

This teaches us that our presence and participation in holy acts matter, even when we feel unworthy. Just as a single drop of water contributes to the vastness of the ocean, our smallest actions ripple outward, impacting the world in ways we may never see.

Every Act Matters: Your Role in Redemption

Each of us is a builder, contributing to a divine masterpiece far greater than we can imagine. When you act with kindness, speak a word of prayer, or even think a good thought, you are adding another precious brick to the edifice of holiness. Even when you stumble or feel distant, know that your efforts are never erased. They are preserved by HaShem, cherished as part of His plan for the ultimate rectification of the world.

So, take heart. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, every step counts. Every small act of holiness, no matter how fleeting, is eternal. And when you find yourself beginning again—perhaps for the hundredth time—remember that you are not starting from scratch. You are building on the foundation of all your previous efforts, contributing to something wondrous and everlasting.

As the verse in Iyov reminds us, “And even if your beginning shall be small, your end shall increase exceedingly.” Trust in the process. Trust in HaShem. And trust that your journey, with all its ups and downs, is leading to redemption.

Share Your Steps!

What small act of holiness will you focus on today? Whether it’s a kind word, a moment of gratitude, or an extra prayer, every step matters. Share your reflections in the comments below or with your loved ones, and let’s inspire one another to keep building a world of goodness and light.

The Breath of Mashiach: Discovering the Divine Name in Our Lives

In Likutei Moharan II:32:2, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov unveils a profound truth: every individual carries within them a personal aspect of Mashiach. This teaching is both empowering and deeply intimate, showing that redemption is not merely a distant, cosmic event but a personal mission that unfolds through our daily lives and spiritual practices—especially through prayer and hitbodedut (personal, secluded prayer).

Rebbe Nachman begins by connecting Sefer (book) and Shem (name), noting that their shared numerical value of 340 in Hebrew gematria reveals an intrinsic link between a book and God’s Name. A holy book, containing Torah teachings, is not just a repository of words but a vessel for holiness. When such books are circulated, they “spread His Name” throughout the world. This process reveals Godliness and makes a name for the book and its author, embedding divine recognition in creation. The preservation of Torah teachings, even when spiritual challenges arise, becomes a sacred duty to ensure the continued flow of Godliness into the world.

From this outward mission, Rebbe Nachman turns inward, declaring that each of us must safeguard our personal connection to Mashiach. This responsibility is not about lofty expectations or perfection. Instead, it is deeply tied to how we cultivate purity, spiritual alignment, and connection with HaShem. Rebbe Nachman emphasizes that guarding against immorality—particularly in thought and action—protects and strengthens this personal spark of Mashiach within us.

This idea finds deeper expression in a verse from Lamentations: “The breath of our nostrils, the Mashiach of God.” Rebbe Nachman explains that Mashiach is closely tied to the sense of smell, which symbolizes spiritual sensitivity and purity. Just as a pleasing scent can captivate and draw attention, the spirit of Mashiach, both within us and in the broader world, will attract souls to HaShem. This divine “fragrance” signifies life, vitality, and a profound recognition of HaShem’s presence.

The connection to smell is not coincidental. In Jewish tradition, the sense of smell has a unique purity—it was untouched by sin in the Garden of Eden. It represents a direct, uncorrupted link to the soul. Rebbe Nachman teaches that the anointing oil of Mashiach will carry this sacred fragrance, drawing people toward holiness and awakening recognition of HaShem’s Kingdom.

At the heart of this teaching is the practice of hitbodedut—personal, secluded prayer. For Rebbe Nachman, hitbodedut is the primary way to safeguard and nourish the spark of Mashiach within us. It is through authentic, heartfelt dialogue with HaShem that we maintain our spiritual vitality and refine our character. In hitbodedut, we confront our struggles, seek guidance, and reconnect with our divine purpose. These moments of prayer are like the breath of our nostrils, infusing life into the spark of Mashiach within.

Rebbe Nachman’s teaching reminds us that this process is both deeply personal and profoundly practical. Each time we choose to live with spiritual integrity—guarding our thoughts, speaking truth, and choosing actions that reflect holiness—we preserve and expand the divine Name within ourselves. This is not limited to grand gestures; even the quiet, seemingly small victories in daily life strengthen our connection to Mashiach.

For example, imagine someone grappling with feelings of frustration or despair. Instead of succumbing to negativity, they step outside for a moment of hitbodedut. They pour out their heart to HaShem, asking for strength and clarity. In that moment of prayer, they align themselves with the divine, breathing new life into their spirit. These small, intentional acts of connection are what keep the spark of Mashiach alive.

Rebbe Nachman’s teachings extend beyond personal redemption to include how we contribute to the world. Whether through Torah study, acts of kindness, or creative works inspired by holiness, we are actively spreading God’s Name. Each of these actions becomes part of the collective mission of redemption.

Ultimately, this lesson is a call to return to prayer, to hitbodedut, and to the daily work of living with intention and purity. The spark of Mashiach is within each of us, waiting to be fanned into a flame through our choices and our connection to HaShem. With every sincere prayer and every step toward holiness, we help draw the world closer to its ultimate purpose. Redemption begins with the breath of our nostrils, the whisper of hitbodedut, and the sacred fragrance of lives lived in alignment with divine truth.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.

Tears That Transform: Unlocking Torah Wisdom and Breaking Spiritual Barriers

Rebbe Nachman’s teaching on tears in Likutei Moharan II:30 can feel both mystical and deeply practical. Let’s explore this profound idea with a touch of clarity, breaking it down and adding a metaphor to bring it closer to everyday experience.

Imagine Torah insights as life-giving water locked deep underground. To access this water, you need to dig through layers of earth with hard, dedicated work. In this analogy, the “digging” is done with the heart—not a shovel. Tears are the purest expression of that effort. They are the soul’s way of reaching for something higher, a raw outpouring of longing and connection. When you cry from a place of deep yearning—whether from frustration at a lack of understanding, a thirst for spiritual closeness, or even the pain of life’s struggles—those tears act like a key, opening channels to the wisdom and nourishment of the Torah.

Rebbe Nachman adds a twist to this metaphor: it’s not just about accessing wisdom but about overcoming obstacles. He explains that Esav’s tears, famously shed when he lost his father’s blessing, represent forces of spiritual opposition. These tears sustain the barriers that block spiritual growth, much like stones obstructing the flow of water. When we cry holy tears—tears born of prayer, study, or a yearning to connect with HaShem—they counteract Esav’s tears, breaking down these barriers and allowing the water of Torah to flow freely.

Think of it like a dam holding back a river. Esav’s tears fortify the dam, keeping the waters of insight and connection from reaching us. But when someone sheds holy tears, it’s as if they’re chiseling away at the dam, breaking through the blockade and letting the river flow again.

Here’s a practical example. Imagine someone struggling with understanding a particularly challenging Torah concept. They sit at their table, surrounded by books, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. At some point, they let out a sigh, bow their head, and a tear slips out as they whisper, “HaShem, help me understand.” In that moment, something shifts. They find clarity—not necessarily an answer, but a deeper connection to the process. Those tears become the turning point, transforming frustration into a doorway for insight.

This idea isn’t limited to Torah study. Any time we face a spiritual block—whether in prayer, relationships, or personal growth—the act of crying can help us break through. Tears born of sincerity and yearning are like letters sent directly to Heaven, carrying with them the message of our deepest desires.

Rebbe Nachman’s teaching also challenges a common perspective on tears. In a world that often views crying as a sign of weakness, he reframes it as an act of spiritual power. Crying, in his view, is not about despair but about connection. It’s the soul’s way of softening the heart, removing barriers, and inviting divine wisdom and compassion.

So, the next time you feel the sting of tears welling up—whether during prayer, Torah study, or even the struggles of everyday life—know that they are more than an emotional release. They are tools of transformation, breaking down spiritual walls and opening the gates to insight, growth, and redemption. In those moments, your tears are not a sign of failure but of profound strength, chiseling away at the dam and allowing the rivers of holiness to flow freely.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.