Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 5/5/2017, 5:01 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos says (5;12) There are four types of students quick to learn and quick to forget, his loss over comes his gain; difficult to learn and difficult to forget- his gain overcomes his loss; quick to learn and difficult to forget-wise; difficult to learn and quick to forget this is a the bad portion.
Unlike the previous Mishna which spoke about people's character traits, this Mishna is really speaking about G-d Given talent. This is not something a person can really control or change. It is for this reason that the Mishna doesn't call the last two types of people righteous or wicked, instead wise and bad portion.
Although our G-d Given talent isn't something we can control it is imperative to recognize those talents and realize that we need to focus and use them to the fullest in fulfilling G-d's Will. I always tell my children that there is one thing worse than not realizing your faults, and that is not realizing your positive qualities and accomplishments.
Unfortunately, there are many brilliant people in the world who have created the most innovated technologies, formed some of the most popular movements and have tremendous accomplishments to their name. We have to ask ourselves are these people using their G-d Given talents to further G-d's Plan our to further their own plans for riches, honor etc.
May we all be able to recognize our talents and use them to the fullest in fulfilling G-d's Will.
