Shmelke of Nikolsburg

I related to this reading quite a bit. I have actually found myself asking the exact questions the disciple asked the rabbi.
The rabbi's first response that "all souls are one" reminded me of previous readings about the jewels and how they are all connected and affect each other. Also, the image of punishing your hand because it hit you was rather humorous to me. It makes sense though. If you hurt someone else it is like you are hurting yourself because we are all a piece of one original soul. I think that is something people need to remember because it would reduce a lot of conflict in the world.
I found it interesting how he referred to people as sparks of God. This creates the picture in my head of like a campfire with embers flying off everywhere. Obviously God would be the huge flame and we would be the embers. This wouldnt be the first time God was referred to as a fire. In the bible he comes in the form of a burning bush and presents himself as I Am.
The rabbi's second response hit me hard when he said, "And will you not have mercy on Him, when you see that one of His holy sparks has been lost in a maze, and is almost stifled?" On a day to day basis we dont think about others as being just another lost spark. What ive been taught adn what i believe is that sin is sin in God's eyes, so then what right to we have to pass judgement on who is wicked? If sin is sin then we are all wicked in one way or another. To think that we place blame or shame on "His holy sparks" just gives me pain in my heart. By punishing those that have sinned, we are pretty much punishing God and that idea really doesnt sit well with me.