Tzeitel Katan, part 1

“Tzeitel Katan” means “Small Pamphlet.” For almost two hundred years the learning and recitation of this small pamphlet was a chassidic devotion. However, to fulfill all the teachings found in the Tzeitel today might seem almost impossible. We have therefore selected those teachings that we felt were important. We have therefore selected those teachings that we felt were important and relevant for those who wish to attempt to learn and fulfill them. It is also worthwhile studying the Tzeitel as an insight, a mirror that reflects the life of the Rebbe and his followers. Through it we can see just how high and exalted a spiritual level the Rebbe and his Chassidim achieved. Even in our lowly generation, which cannot hope to fulfill all of the ideas found in the Tzeitel Katan, this “small pamphlet” gives us a glimpse into the lives of the saintly early founders of the Chassidic movement; Rebbes who lived by Rebbe Elimelech’s words and fulfilled them. It can also inspire us to strive to come closer to Hashem and perhaps to one day reach a level of understanding where these concepts do not seem so foreign and so far beyond our graps, but rather as ideas and customs to live by.

A Boyaner chassid by the name of Rav Ben Tzion Rachman once explained that the title Tzeitel Katan implies that whoever learns the Tzeitel becomes “katan”; he becomes small in his own eyes because he sees just how much he is lacking in service and devotion.

[Note of Journal Mitzvah’s editor. There are 17 parts, we will post each part separately. Thank G-d!]

The Tzeitel Katan of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk

 

These are the things that a man shall do and live by:

1 – Every moment that you are not learning Torah, especially when you are idle and you are alone in your room or lying in bed and unable to sleep, your thoughts should focus on this positive commandment: “V’nikdashti besoch bnei Yisrael” ––– And I was sanctified among the Jewish People” (Vayikra 22:32). You should think in your heart and conjure up in your mind that there is a great and awesome fire burning in front of you reaching up to the heavens, and for the sake of the holiness and sanctity of Hashem you are going against your nature and throwing yourself into the flames in sanctification of His Name. “And HaKadosh Baruch Hu joins good intentions with great deeds” (Kiddushin 40a). By doing this, you are no longer sitting idle but rather you are fulfilling a positive Torah commandment.

Published in Journal Mitzvah with permission of author.

Taken from Mipeninei Noam Elimelech book.

R' Tal Moshe Zwecker
Director Machon Be'er Mayim Chaim Publishing
Chassidic Classics in the English Language
www.chassidusonline.com