Parshas Chukas 5784

“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)”

Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Chukas

6 Tamuz 5784/ July 12, 2024

Pirkei Avos – Perek 5

TOO CLEAN

A few weeks ago, we began having washing machine issues. Our washing
machine would begin doing its thing perfectly, but somewhere towards the end of
the cycle would stop. An error code would come up on the machine’s screen and
the machine began beeping annoyingly.

Although there is never a good time for a washing machine to break, being
that we were packing to leave for the summer, it was particularly stressful.

We tried to fix it ourselves (to be honest, “we” doesn’t mean me…) by
opening the bowels of the machine and ensuring that there was no obstruction,
etc. But alas, the beeping and error code kept returning. Finally, we called a
professional technician to help financially support their heroic efforts.

After spending some time analyzing, disassembling, growling and
interrogating our washing machine, the technician came to his conclusion. He
(literally) sat us down and gave us a detailed lecture about how our washing
machine works. He concluded that we were adding too much soap to our loads. The
soap was producing too many bubbles, and the bubbles were alerting the
machine’s built-in computer system that something was out of place. That was
causing the error display to appear and the cycle to stop. The technician
assured us that if we would go easy on the soap, the washing machine would be
good as new. Who would have thought that you can be too clean?

When we purchase products or look for any form of service, including a
doctor, plumber or electrician, we want someone experienced. (My rebbe, Rabbi
Berel Wein, quips that every kehilla wants a young Rabbi with decades of
experience. Those impossible demands ensure that everyone will be disappointed,
no matter how qualified the rabbi is.)

Companies and eateries boast that they have been in business since
whatever year they were founded. They do so to convince the consumer that they
know their field well and can provide quality products or services.

There is no ‘being’ in this world more experienced than our yetzer hara.
The yetzer hara’s tag line could be, “Luring people into sin for over 5700
years.” There’s a reason the yetzer hara is still in business. It’s really good
at what it does. If we want to have any chance at overcoming it, we need to be
very aware of its machinations and tricks.

One of its best tactics is to use the “too many bubbles in the washing
machine” approach. Periodically, a person becomes inspired and decides to push
himself out of his comfort zone to grow spiritually. He commits himself to a
new endeavor that he feels is doable and sustainable. But then that persistent
voice within starts gnawing at him that his commitment is minuscule and
insignificant. What’s the use anyway? Is his little commitment really
going to propel him to new heights and make him a better person?

So, he decides that he has to make a bigger commitment and push himself
even harder. Within a short time, he has burnt himself out and falls back into
his familiar comfort zone. His evil inclination has successfully convinced him
to put more soap into the load until the plethora of bubbles stops the whole
machine.

It’s a great tactic and we seem to fall for it every time.

How can we protect ourselves from falling prey to such thoughts?

By recognizing the value of our efforts to grow spiritually. By
celebrating our accomplishments, even the seemingly small ones.

A young man once came to the Steipler Gaon bemoaning that he is
constantly falling prey to his yetzer hara. The Steipler asked the young man if
he ever overcame his yetzer hara. The young man replied that he did on
occasion, but those victories were too far and few between. The Steipler told
the young man that he has no idea how much nachas he brings Hashem every time
he overcomes his yetzer hara. Yes, he needs to maintain the struggle and not
give up. But he must also realize how valuable his efforts are.

Although we constantly need to strive to be just a little bit better, we
have to appreciate the value of everything we do, and the greatness of every
added effort. That itself will help motivate us to want to continue to grow and
accomplish. But if we fail to realize that we will “add too much soap to the
cycle” and end up with nothing.

To be candid, although the washing machine worked well after the
technician left, by the next day, the error was back. With little recourse we
had to purchase a new washing machine. But then, if I would have told you that
right away, I wouldn’t have been able to write this brilliant column.