It says in Parshat Tzav, “A permanent fire should remain aflame on the Altar; it shall not be extinguished.” The Gemara learns that anyone who extinguishes a single coal from the fire of the Altar, has transgressed a negative Torah commandment. If the extinguishing of a single physical coal is such a serious matter, surely one should never extinguish even one hope or aspiration on the altar of the heart. In the troubled times in which we live, let us reach out and encourage with words and love every aspiration and hope in the hearts of others!
