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A single miniature letter in the Torah scroll holds a revolutionary lesson about spiritual growth. The first word of Leviticus contains a mysteriously tiny aleph—a scribal tradition dating back to Moses himself. But why? The classic explanation tells us Moses, in his humility, couldn't bear receiving greater honor than others when God called to him. Yet there's something deeper happening.
Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach offers a profound insight that transforms how we view spiritual development. He asks why Moses employed this small-letter strategy only here, when "Vayikra" appears throughout the Torah. His answer? Moses wasn't naturally humble from birth—he fought a daily battle against pride, just as we all struggle with our inclinations. The miniature aleph represents a specific tactical response to that day's unique spiritual challenge.
This perspective aligns perfectly with the Talmudic concept of being "shrewd in your fear of Heaven." Spiritual growth isn't about brute-force willpower but about developing increasingly sophisticated strategies against our internal adversary. The yetzer hara (evil inclination) fights dirty—attacking when we're vulnerable and constantly shifting tactics. Our response must be equally strategic.
Whether scheduling morning study sessions to ensure we wake up for prayers, finding accountability partners, or creating personal boundaries before temptation arises, these represent our own "small aleph" approaches. The path to growth isn't simply trying harder; it's outsmarting our internal adversary through creative solutions tailored to our unique challenges.
As you reflect on that tiny letter in this week's Torah portion, consider: What clever strategies are you developing in your spiritual life? If Moses needed daily tactical innovations to maintain his legendary humility, how much more do we need to be vigilant and creative in our own journeys? What's your "small aleph" going to be today?

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