Tammuz 22

An actor once approached the gates of heaven and asked for admission. "What worthy deeds have you done in your lifetime?" the angel asked.

"Why, I portrayed the futility of materialism and the tragedies that result from dishonesty. People would cry and become remorseful while watching my acting."

"Very well," said the angel. "You sit here at the gate, and as soon as the first person who did teshuvah as a result of your acting will appear, you may enter."

People who are interested in refining their characters must ask themselves what they are doing to bring it about. To what sources are they turning to derive teachings on correct values and how to achieve them? Clearly, they are not available on television; those who spend their after-work hours glued to the television screen can hardly claim to be working on self-improvement. Nor are the variety of pastimes, in which many people indulge, sources for character betterment.

Those who truly wish to improve themselves will seek the company of the spiritually wise who are able to teach them.