* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Rabbi Itamar Schwartz, author of the extraordinary book series *Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh* (Building a Sanctuary in the Heart), passed away on Shabbat. Although he was known for his exceptional modesty, his unique approach to serving God—known as the "bilvavi" approach—entered the hearts of countless people.
Here are a few excerpts from his vast treasury of wisdom:
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"A person's goal and purpose in the world is to transform intellectual awareness into feeling. We all know there is a Creator who is the driving force behind all that transpires in the world. The question is not what a person knows, but what he feels in his heart. To what extent does his life reflect this awareness?"
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"When a man lives in fear of the future, of other people and their opinions of him—he bases his life on external factors. The more trust you have in the Creator, the more tranquility you will feel in your soul. It is the only way to achieve true inner peace and serenity."
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"A person cannot search for the truth outside of himself—instead he must direct his gaze inward, into the depths of his soul. There, in the quietest, innermost place in the heart, is where the Shechinah (God's presence) is found."
In his memory.
