Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirimiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 8/25/2017, 5:12 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The last of the four characteristics that the Mishna in Avos (5;20) describes as necessary in serving G-D is to be "strong as lion".
There are a few explanations given for this but one way to understand it is that we have many different disturbances and distractions to do the will of G-d. In order to persevere and against all of these issues a person needs the strength of a lion to keep focused on performing the Will of G-d.
Another commentator explains that each of the four animals represents a person at a different stage/age in life. The lion, the last animal listed in the Mishna, refers to a person in their old age. At this point they are usually settled and their biggest impediment is the weakness of their physical body. They no longer have "the jump in their step" and each thing they do requires great strength. It is this time in life that the Mishna says to be strong as a lion. A person should muster all of their strength as a lion to overcome the complications that their physical body gives them.
No matter our age, physical, financial or mental situation we need to always figure out how to strive and continue serving G-D.
