Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 4/22/2016, 3:17 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos (3;14) says how special is man that he was created in the image of G-d...
The Nefesh HaChaim, explains the idea that man is created in the image of G-d in the sense that just as Hashem runs and directs the world He created man uniquely with this same ability to a (certain extent). Man is the only living being that has the ability to choose between right and wrong, truth and lies. Through man's choices he is able to influence the spiritual realms and thereby "direct" the physical and spiritual worlds through his actions. This is only because Hashem Willed to direct the world according to man's actions that man in fact has such ability and this is what it means by being created in His Image.
This gives us an understanding of the profound impact our actions, words and thoughts have on us and our surroundings. The Ramchal explains that each and every year on the Seder Night, through conducting the Seder appropriately, we literally bring the Jewish People one step closer to our final Redemption. Each year we rescue ourselves a little bit more from the bondage of evil and impurity that we are surrounded by. So when we all sit down at the Seder tonight we should remember how powerful we are, we are created in the image of G-d and we can help redeem the entire Nation through our actions.
We hope that all of you will be able to join us next year here in a rebuilt Jerusalem!