The Jewish Eye
Ripped Sleeves and Stained Neshama
A prominent man once came unexpectantly to visit Reb Yisrael Salanter, the great baal mussar. During the course of the visit, Reb Yisrael sighed. When the visit was over, a concerned family member asked Reb Yisrael why he had sighed.
Reb Yisrael answered, "During my conversation with the visitor, I noticed that the sleeve of my shirt was ripped, and I felt embarrassed in front of him. Then I realized that this man is only a human being and a ripped shirt is not so terrible. I should be much more embarrassed in front of Hashem, the Creator of the word, who is aware of all the flaws and stains on my neshama. This awareness caused me to sigh."
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