2 Adar II, 5774 (3/4/14) – Sukkah#29 {Tani}

Braisa: Once it starts raining enough to ruin a porridge-like mix, you are not chayiv (obligated) to be outside in the sukkah anymore. You can finish your meal inside. Even if it stops raining, you are not required to go back outside (same laws as sleeping in the sukkah).

T’s Lesson#1: Hashem only wants us to serve him in the ways that are more conducive to us as well as him. He does not require us to be overzealous for his sake, but just do what we can. Similarly, in learning/doing mitzvos, no one says you have to be the next gadol hador (great generational leader). You do not need to be matriach (to bother) yourself to do soo much. However, you should try your best to do what you can. Try, and even if you only do a little, that is still what is required of you.

Rav says: There are four things that cause a man to lose his wealth, and the worst is being arrogant/haughty (Ga’ayva), which is equal in intensity to all other three things combined.

T’s Lesson #2: The Rambam explains that one of the worst middot (attributes) to have is that of arrogance. In fact, it is only one of very few traits that one should “completely distance themselves from” (along with anger). A humble person is the person that realizes all accomplishments come from Hashem, and that those can be given or taken away in a second. Hence, arrogance has no basis and is in denial of Hashem’s true power and is worse in intensity than the other three types combined.