Caring Is Sharing

"But it's no sacrifice, no sacrifice, it's no sacrifice at all" (EJ)

Start your day off with a fresh mitzvah!

How far would we go in order to fulfill a mitzvah?
How much are we willing to sacrifice?
Or perhaps we should ask ourselves if it's really a sacrifice to fulfill the mitzvos, or rather an opportunity? Perhaps, this is the decisive difference that will either encourage or discourage us to perform the mitzvos. Are they a burden or a blessing? A pain or a pleasure?

Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv, shlit"a, one of our most beloved and integral Torah leaders in the world today, has a very intense and busy daily schedule of learning. He utilizes every moment of his day in the loyal service of Hashem. Engrossed in learning most of the day, he sleeps very little. In fact, his day begins at 2am!
When his rebbetzin, a"h, was still alive, she, too, would get up at that incredibly early hour - in order to make her husband a cup of coffee. Since she dearly wanted to partner in his learning, she extended herself for years in this manner. After a number of years, the electric water boiler was developed, and their daughter wanted to alleviate her mother from the hassle of waking up early by purchasing one. This way, Rav Elyashiv would still not have to spend his precious time away from learning since the water would be available immediately, while the aging rebbetzin could get her sleep.
The rebbetzin, however, adamantly refused. She cried,"This mitzvah you also want to take away from me?"
Rebbetzin Elyashiv continued to happily and loving sacrifice for her husband's learning, and in doing so, partnered in the reward. Indeed, he attests his Torah accomplishments to her wholehearted and unwavering support throughout her life.

Waking up at 2am was not the only act of personal sacrifice Rebbetzin Elyashiv performed. She was a living example of and testament to the everlasting will-power of a Jew. Yet, this incomparable energy and passion is present at the very core of every single Jew - it is just a matter of who will make the necessary steps to tap into these vast resources. If we care enough, and want enough, we can achieve truly great heights.

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the will-power to fulfill Your mitzvos properly today!"