שבת Date: 27 Av, 5774 (8/23/14) – MoedKatan#12 {Eliezer}

SWINGING AXES

[12b bottom] R’ Ashi intended to cut down a tree on Chol Hamoed for sawdust for that day’s use. R’ Shila asked him if he holds like R’ Chananel quoting Rav that one may cut down an entire tree even just for sawdust on Chol Hamoed, but Abaye cursed anyone who relied on this ruling! R’ Ashi said he did not know of Abaye’s ruling, and he went anyway to cut down the tree. When R’ Ashi swung his axe, it slipped out of his hands and almost severed his thigh. He then understood the message and left instead and went back home.

E’s Lesson: We must always recognize that Hashem is always trying to send us messages. If we do not realize a simple sign from G-d (ie: another person’s words or writing on a wall), He steps things up a little harsher and closer to us. We need to open our eyes and not wait for axes to fly past our thighs.