I heard from Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter Shlitah (he repeated this from someone who he heard it from) who asked why the Gemorah in Mesechta Sanhedrin says “Chayav Adam Lomar – B’shvili Nivra Ha’olam” – “A person must continuously say that Hahem created the World for me”??
Clearly, the Gemorah is teaching us the importance of our existence and our mandate not to ruin Hashems’ world by engaging in destructive habits (Aveiros and the like).
However, why does the Gemorah use the term “Lomar”…that we must speak this message to ourselves? It would seem more appropriate (within this conext) for the Gemorah to use the term ‘to believe’, or ‘to feel’..etc.?…
Rav Shechter answered that it’s not always easy for us to appreciate our own self worth. Indeed, we often look down upon ourselves and don’t recognize or appreciate our God given talents and our ability (and responsibility) to positively contribute to society and to the World around us.
Therefore, the Gemorah instructs us to begin the process of self discovery, by simply telling ourselves this message even when we really don’t believe or feel it! Then, if we repeat this mantra to ourselves enough times, we will slowly begin to realize the import of what we are saying and will come to recognize the truth of these words (and act upon them)!
That’s really nice. Thank you.
Harav Noach Weinberg zatzal (Harav Shimshon’s uncle) in his 48 ways to wisdom states:
“Speaking our beliefs out loud helps reveal how closely we actually follow our principles for living, and if they truly resonate within.”
http://www.aish.com/sp/48w/48970581.html
wow thats very cool- when/re did you hear this from him?
I heard this on a taped lecture he gave many years ago.