Weekly Dvar Torah: The Peace Offering
This week we learn about Korban Shlomim, the peace offering. It is named so because this Korban makes peace between G-d, the Kohen, and the owner who brought this offering. They all get to eat from this Korban, unlike other offerings which are consumed entirely by the Mizbeiach (G-d), or partially by the Kohanim, but this one is shared by all.
One of the Korban Shlomim’s is the Toda, the offering of thanks. A person thanks G-d for the gifts that He bestowed. We are celebrating together.
When a Jew goes to work it is for the purpose of bringing peace between the world and G-d.
A Chossid once complained to the Frierdiker Rebbe; I am a businessman, but my constant worries about the uncertainty of the future disturb my peace of mind and affect my health.
The Rebbe responded by explaining the role of a Chassidic businessman, and his mission in life.
The Alter Rebbe teaches: The first rule in life is that a healthy mind takes charge and calms the worried racing heart. Whereas in general a Jew is expected to be passionate, and not cold which would be the effect of the calculated mind. But in a time of great stress the mind should serve to calm the heart.
Reb Moishe Meyzlish related that this rule of his Rebbe, literally saved his life.
“During the French-Russian war, I was asked by the Alter Rebbe to penetrate the French military headquarters and spy on behalf of the Russians to help them in the war. The Alter Rebbe sided with the Russians, and he did all he can to help facilitate their victory.
“I befriended the French generals, and being fluent in German, Russian, Polish and French they hired me as an interpreter to translate various documents. This way I had access to information that the Russians could use to win the war.
“During one top secret meeting, where the highest-ranking military officials were strategizing the next military moves, after some unexplained French losses, someone burst in unannounced into this meeting. This was none-other than Napoleon himself. He was in a rage, and he demanded to know why no decision on the next battle had been reached.
“Suddenly he pointed directly at me shouting; who is this stranger, he must be a Russian spy! And he rushed to feel my heart to feel if it was racing, which would incriminate me as a spy.
“I calmly responded; ‘I was hired by your highest-ranking officers to help you win this war by translating all the documents in the languages that I am fluent in.’ The Alef rule of my Rebbe, that the mind rules over the heart, literally saved my life.”
A businessman must know that he has a mission. G-d sent him to work because He wants him to create unity between the business world and G-dliness. This happens when you take a break to study Torah on your own, or with a fellow businessman. You have to have full faith in Hashem, that the business is only there because G-d wants it to be the vessel for His blessings to be successful. You must have full trust in G-d that you will succeed, as if it were already a done deal.
With thoughts like this, your thinking, calculated mind will calm the heart from all worries, because you know that G-d is taking care of all your needs, and there’s no need to worry.
This is the unique mission of a businessman. My grandfather, the Rebbe Maharash, once said to Reb Elye Abeler; “I envy you because of what you can accomplish in the marketplace, when you interrupt your day with words of Torah by yourself or with others. For the joy that you cause on high, G-d pays commission in abundance.
“My head nearly exploded,” said Reb Elye, “did I hear right? The Rebbe said that he envies me?!”
Thirty years later Reb Elye related the story as if it had just happened. Thousands of Chassidic businessmen have been inspired by this statement, and it has changed their lives.
The Rebbe stated quite clearly, that a businessman can accomplish in the world what he, the Rebbe, cannot. That is why he is envious.
This is the offering of peace. Peace between the mundane world of business with G-d, the Creator. Only a businessman can do this, not a Torah Jew who is full time occupied with the world of Torah.
With such clear focus on your mission in life, how can one ever worry.
Have a worry-free relaxed Shabbos,
Gut Shabbos
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
