Ask The Rabbi

Ask The Rabbi

category:  Other

What are the ramifications of the consciousness of egolessness (bitul) in a person’s life and in his relationships with others?

The main positive psychological benefits of egolessness, include an unconditional sense of self-worth, security with respect to oneself or one’s position, equanimity in the face of emotionally difficult situations, respect for every person, and an unconditional love of others. This is opposed to the autonomous consciousness (yeshut), which entails a conditional sense of self-worth and the constant comparison of oneself to others. In general, such a person feels threatened by others and is unable to connect with them. He is regularly flooded with feelings of hatred, jealousy and competitiveness, resulting in a sense of disconnectedness from others, and is prone to experiencing crises and falls.

There are no hard and fast rules about white shirts. In general, a white shirt is considered to be a modest but respectable garment, and a person should wear clothing that is respectable.


Also, part of the day is spent standing in prayer in front of the Creator, and this certainly warrants respectable attire.


In any case, the main thing is not the external garments, but rather the spiritual ones, namely, a person’s thought, speech, and deed. Physical clothing is only a means to the end, the goal being purity of spiritual garments.

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