A Different Type Of Blessing

In this weeks parsha we read of how Yaakov "blesses" his children before his death. But a cursory glance reveals that he didn't bless them at all. He either told them what their faults are or what their strengths are.

From here the Mussar Masters [I saw it in Rav Gifter's name but I think others say it as well] learn that the GREATEST blessing is to know your strengths and faults. Only with self-knowledge can one fulfill her purpose on earth [I say "her" because I wonder if boys also read this blog...:-). Based on the emails I get the audience is about 97 percent female. I am thinking of changing the color scheme to pink and my pen name to Allyana].

Maybe that can be the avoda of this Shabbos. Tell somebody how she is special.

I saw Maran HaRav Hutner quoted as saying that this generation has a new type of heresy. Namely, not believing in ourselves. Only when we are convinced of our talents and abilities can we then succeed.