By Rabbi Dovid Markel
Once, a halachik query concerning the kosher status of a certain lung was brought before the first Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.
After examining the lung, the Rebbe began searching through various rabbinic works to find a lenience which could accordingly render the animal kosher.
He contemplated and analyzed various books for many hours, yet could not find a valid halachik authority that would permit the consumption of the animal.
The butcher, who had brought the question to begin with, began to feel uncomfortable that he was taking so much of the Rebbe’s time, on such an insignificant matter. He exclaimed:
“Rebbe! Never mind, I do not wish to take any more of your time. Even if the animal in un-kosher, I still will not lose money…”
The Rebbe replied:
“If you would have been able to hear the way this lung is begging me to find a means of declaring it kosher, you would have never said that!”
He concluded his statement saying:
“It’s kosher, it’s kosher![1]”
We live in a world where we are unconscious to the spiritual sparks that surround us. We go through life eating because we are hungry, sleeping because we are tired and going to work to support ourselves and our families. In reality though, the purpose of our lives is to elevate the sparks of G-dliness that pervade the world. If we would only hear their cries, our lives would be totally transformed.
[1] Reshimos Devarim, Vol. 1. Pg. 79
