One of the greatest Sages was offered a leading position to become head of all the Sages because he was most worthy in wisdom, wealth and his unique lineage. However, his wife said, “You do not have white hair yet.” (Brochos 28a)

So Hashem made a miracle that 18 rows of white hair grew in his beard on the day he turned 18, and he accepted the position!

Imagine someone who is doing poorly at their job. He may have a good education, dress well, have a pleasant personality and high energy level, but does not have a beard… 

He goes to a professional consultant who says, “It seems to me that you need to grow a full beard to attract the customers you are aiming for. When they see you without a beard they may have a sense of discomfort in doing business with you.”

The change was made, and his career took off, Boruch Hashem, with great success.

We learn in Avos 2:1, “Be careful with light mitzvos as with heavier ones, for you do not know the extent of the reward for each mitzvah…”

Similarly, in Avos 4:2, “Be careful to run to perform even a small mitzvah…”

The day this Sage, R. Elozor ben Azarya started his new career they also removed the guard who would keep out those disciples whose inner motivation did not match their external behavior. Why was this change linked to this new beginning?

The Ben Yehoyada explains that once Hashem made the miracle of having his beard sprout white hair, Hashem was demonstrating that we should accept those who seem to appear sincere, even if we are not sure what their interior is like!

When you change your outer appearance, you also influence and change your inner attitudes.

Please click here to continue reading and download the Ebook, Everything Counts.

Comments are closed.