The 5th of Av is the anniversary of the passing of the Ari (Adonainu Rabbi Yitzchak, Zichrono Livracha), the holy Rabbi Yitzchak Luria Ashkenazi. Born in Jerusalem in 1534, he spent most of his life in Egypt, near Cairo. In 1570, he settled in Safed, where he lived for two years until his death in 1572. During that brief period, the Ari revolutionized the study of Kabbalah, and to this day he is considered one of the greatest exponents of Jewish mysticism. He declared that "in these times we can and must reveal this knowledge," opening the door for the integration of Kabbalistic teachings\u2014until then confined to a select group of sages in each generation\u2014into everyday Jewish life.<\/p>\n
Much has been said about the Ari, primarily in the writings of his principal student, Rabbi Chaim Vital (1543-1620). When a Tzaddik\u2014a righteous person\u2014is mentioned, it is not only to honor their memory, but mainly to learn from their conduct and apply it to our daily lives. Here are just a few thoughts, which are less than a drop of water compared to the vast ocean.<\/p>\n
When the Ari was asked what merit he had gained by reaching such a high level of Torah knowledge and closeness to God, he replied that his merit was the overflowing joy in observing every commandment.<\/p>\n
Another matter he emphasized was that before beginning the morning prayer each day, one should engage with the precept of loving one's neighbor and verbalize the fact that one was prepared to fulfill that precept with every Jew.<\/p>\n
Likewise, his behavior regarding Tzedakah \u2013 charity, was that he, without considering the economic difficulties he was going through, when asked for money, simply gave what he had in his pocket, without counting the amount.<\/p>\n
The fact that these behaviors have been passed down to us is a clear indication that we should use them: when it comes to observing a commandment, and particularly that of Tzedakah, we should not dwell on personal problems, but trust in God, who will help us. When we meet another person, we should show them our love simply for being a neighbor, and when it comes to the practical performance of a mitzvah, we should do it with the greatest joy.<\/p>\n
In these days of preparation for the mourning and fasting of the 9th of Av, putting these ideas into practice will surely accelerate the promise of "And I transformed their mourning into joy," with the coming of the Final Redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n