Michtav M’Eliyahu (vol 1page 34) In the Torah it is written that Chanoch walked with G-d. Our Sages say he sewed shoes and at every stitch he would have mysyical thoughts about G-d. I heard in the name of Rav Yisroel Salanter that this is not to be understood literally since it is prohibited according to halacha to be occupied in a secular matter when thinking about G-d, Rather what our Sages meant is that he concentatrated his thought while stitching that each stitch should be good and strong to make the best possible shoes and thus he imitated G-d who is good to others and he had no thoughts other than to imitate G-d..
Why can't one think about G-d when involved in a secular matter? Is it a problem with the shoes? First, Chanoch was a goy and not bound by gezeiros Chazal. Secondly, he could wear gloves. Third, it's only machshavah.
ReplyDeleteI would think it should be the opposite - I am making this stitch with God's help. I am doing this job with God's help. My success here is due to God's help.
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