28) If You Can Think, Think - If Not, Follow:

Rashi, commentating on Moshe’s instruction to take a lamb for the Pascal sacrifice, says; “If you (are rich and) have flock, draw (the lamb) from your own (stock). If not, then take from the market place.”[1]

The Kotzker profoundly suggests; “If you are (spiritually) rich...take (teachings and advice) from yourself.  If you are not, then (simply) take from others...”[2]

The Kotzker is suggesting a radical departure from common reliance upon sagely advice to the exclusion of the individual’s own thinking capability. This idea, however, would only be for independent thinkers, not for the masses that need constant guidance and nurture.

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[1] Shemot, 42, 21. The reference is to mishchu (draw deeply from within), ukechu (take superficially from without).

[2] Amud HaEmet p. 42, par. 5