How does one go about minimizing one’s own Kavod so that he will merit Kevod Elokim?
Through anavah, one merits Teshuva thus minimizing his own kavod, specifically by enduring personal insult, ridicule, or disgrace (opposite of Kevod Atzmo) in silence for Hashem’s sake. This is a revelation of Keter (we associate the letter “Kaf” of Kavod with Keter).
Rabbeinu further explains how the name Ekyeh (lit. “I will be”) is associated with the concept of Teshvua (Keter, Kevod Elokim): When one does teshuva, he aligns himself with Hashem and true values thereby ‘justifying’ his very existence. Thus teshuva, returning, and (re)aligning oneself with Hashem is associated with the idea of preparing oneself “to be/exist.” We explain how silence (“dome”) is a rectification of the ‘achoraim’ of Ekyeh (“dam”), which is beyond the scope of this summary. Rabbeinu further shows how “Keter” is associated with the concept of Teshuva through a connection with the word “Katar,” meaning waiting, or patience; teshvua is a step by step process. It is impossible to come to kedusha all at once.
Rabbeinu explains that the relevant teshuva specifically relates to enduring insult in silence because he needs to rectify 3 negative elements: (1) having obscured the name/revelation Ekyeh; (2) disgrace to Kevod Elokim; and (3) strengthening the ‘left side of one’s heart’ where the yetzer hora resides through negative behaviors.
Weekly Likutey Moharan – Reb Moshe Rubin – Lesson 6 – Part #2
