The Baal Shem Tov: Humility in Seeking Hashem

BEFORE YOU CAN FIND G-D, YOU MUST LOSE YOURSELF.

Attribution printed on the image: Baal Shem Tov

A reflection on the teaching

The phrase “lose yourself” can be read as letting go of the insistence that everything center on our own importance. Humility makes room to listen, learn and serve Hashem. It should not mean erasing our dignity, needs or responsibility. Those are also part of what we bring to avodah. When pride keeps us defending a position, we can try asking what we might be missing. Listening to one correction without immediately answering may be a practical beginning. The saying's attribution and exact source remain unverified.

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.