I wrote here of my admiration for the Chasidim, particularly the great Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Below is one of my favourite of the Rebbe’s writings, from the magnificent book Bringing Heaven Down To Earth, which was compiled by Tzvi Freeman.

‘There are people who do much good, but with pessimism – because to them the world in an inherently bad place. They do good things, but without light and vitality. Who knows how long it can last?

‘We must know that this world is not a dark, sinister jungle, but a garden. And not just any garden, but G-d’s own pleasure garden, full of beauty, wonderful fruits and fragrances, a place where G-d desires to be with all his essence.

‘If the taste to us is bitter, it is only because we must first peel away the outer shell to find the fruit inside.’

Wondrous. Happy gardening everyone.

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