Each on his level-Don’t try to be someone you are not

Each on his level-Don’t try to be someone you are not:[1]

The Baal Shem Tov taught that each individual must serve Hashem in accordance to his level. One who tries to serve Hashem using the level of a friend which he is not relevant to, will lose from both ends. This is the intent of the statement of the Talmud[2] that many did like Rashbi and were unsuccessful, as they were truly not on this level.

  • Practical lesson: Hashem created every individual with different skills, talents, and areas of excelled progress. Often, we tend to look at the plot of another and become jeolose of his skills or area of excellment and try to pursue it. This outlook can lead to complete unaccomplishment, as when one ignores pursuing his G-d given skills, and instead follows the path of another in which he is not skilled, then he will not manage to succeed in either field. The same applies in Avodas Hashem. Everyone is to recognize the areas in Torah, Mitzvos and Avodas Hashem that they excel in and focus on furthering those goals.

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[1] Keser Shem Tov 4; Ben Porat Yosef Hakdama 5b

[2] Brachos 35b

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