Simcha Pockets

Let’s make…

Rabbi Simcha Bunim

Bonhart of Peshischa taught:

Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into the one or the other, depending on the need. When feeling lowly and depressed, discouraged or disconsolate, one should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: "For my sake was the world created." But when feeling high and mighty one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: "I am but dust and ashes."

I started sewing my own clothes a few years ago. I made so many dresses in such a short time, I started to feel vain--who needs so much clothing?

My teacher, Rabbi David Levin-Kruss at Pardes taught me this teaching from R. Bunim and told me a friend of his would put patches in his pockets with these words.

Ever since I have elevated my sewing by embroidering these words into my pockets. Whenever I am feeling one way or the other, I can put my hands into my pockets and run my fingers along the stitches and feel balanced once again.