Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (1787 – 1859)
More commonly referred to as the Kotzker Rebbe, was a Hasidic leader, well known for his incisive and down-to-earth philosophies, and sharp-witted sayings.
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When a man makes a reverent face before a face that is no face — that is idol worship!
God is where you let Him in.
All that is thought should not be said, all that is said should not be written, all that is written should not be published, and all that is published should not be read.
Do not be satisfied with the speech of your lips and the thought in your heart, all the promises and good sayings in your mouth, and all the good thoughts in your heart; rather you must arise and do!
People are accustomed to look at the heavens and to wonder what happens there. It would be better if they would look within themselves, to see what happens there.
First, a man is created in his own image, and only afterwards in the image of God.
If I am I, because you are you, and you are you, because I am I, then I am not I, and you are not you. But if I am I because I am I, and you are you because you are you, then I am I and you are you, and we can talk.
If I am I because I am I, and you are you because you are you, then I am I and you are you. But if I am I because you are you and you are you because I am I, then I am not I and you are not you!
God is only where you let Him in.
Everything must be done Lesheim Shamayim (for the sake of Heaven), even [actions done] Lesheim Shamayim.
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