[Avodah] Those who act according to the stricter opinion are to be blessed

[Micha Berger]

On Fri, Aug 31, 2007 (Yes, I'm a bit behind...) at 10:29:48AM -0700,
Meir Rabi wrote:
: Where and what is the earliest source for, BaAl NeFesh YachMir Al AtzMo or
: VeHaMachMir ToVo O'Lov BeRacha?
: How many variations are there to these expressions and is there a
: difference?

In one of the aforementioned threads at
<http://www.aishdas.org/avodah/getindex.cgi?section=B#BAAL%20NEFESH>
I took an informal survey. In particular, go to
<http://www.aishdas.org/avodah/vol03/v03n078.shtml#07> by RYGB, and the
ensuing onversation through to v03n082 on ba'al nefesh yachmir vs advice
for the yarei Shamayim. Whereas in v04n004-n006 I explored ba'al nefesh
vs anavah.

It seems like ba'al nefesh yachmir is used in particular when the chumrah
is to keep gashmiyus in check. Whereas those aimed at the yarei Shamayim
are made to enhance one's connection to ruchniyus. OTOH, an anav wouldn't
pursue chumros in kashrus at the expense of being meiqil in bein adam
lachaveiro. Thus, as R' Avaham Allwang posted:
: The Chasam Sofer in YD 39 ...  says that the peeling of adhesions, if done
: by an expert and G-d fearing shochet, then Yochlu anavim vyisbau - (which
: seems to mean no problem). Then his next words are "however, Shomer nafsho
: yirchak" (one who cares about his soul will stay away) from anything like
: this.

The anav would bow to the expertise of the shocheit, trying to avoid
the gaavah effects. The baal nefesh would consider the need to be in
control of what he eats to be the greater priority. Someone trying to
pursue both archetypes has a difficult decision.

GCT!
-mi

-- 
Micha Berger             Spirituality is like a bird: if you tighten
micha at aishdas.org        your grip on it, it chokes; slacken your grip,
http://www.aishdas.org   and it flies away.
Fax: (270) 514-1507                            - Rav Yisrael Salanter