The Overcrowded House

Being happy with what you have

1. The Sages of the Mishna famously expressed this lesson in these memorable words.

בן זומא אומר... איזהו עשיר? השמח בחלקו  (פרקי אבות ד:א)

Mishna, Pirke Avot 4:1 Ben Zoma would say, ‘Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot. “

What does this mean to you?

2. The theme of this video is also connected to the Beit Hamikdash
 אָמַר רַב יְהוּדָה אָמַר רַב: בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁיִּשְׂרָאֵל עוֹלן לָרֶגֶל, עוֹמְדִין צְפוּפִין וּמִשְׁתַּחֲוִים רְווֹחִים (יומא כא.)

Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: When the Jewish people ascend to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage Festivals they stand crowded, but when they bow during confession they are spaced (Yoma 21a)

One way of interpreting this passage is that people were in the presence of God, they appreciated their neighbor and found a way to make space so that everyone was comfortable.

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