Kosher Caffeine

DON'T DRINK VODKA

2012-02-23T15:02:00.002-08:00

These guys are drinking in a pub and having a good time. They start getting into a conversation whether there is drinking up in heaven or not. One guy says, if there is no drinking, it can’t be heaven. The other guy says, heaven is drinking here with your friends, and this goes on for a while. Finally one of them says, “the first one to die, has to promise he will come back and tell us, what really goes on up there.”

Some time passed, and one late night, one of the guys drank too much and passed away. OK, the other buddies said, “Let’s see if he keeps his word.” One night, another night, and they all meet at the pub wondering what’s going on. To whom will he come? Will it be before the thirty days, or after the thirty days? And then, he appears to Bill, in a dream, looking all worn out, black and charred, with a message, “Don’t drink Vodka, Don’t drink Vodka.”

Bill says, “Look at you what happened?” And the fellow says; “let me tell you what happened. After I passed away, I came before G-d, and my entire life, every detail, was played out for me. (That is what actually happens) I didn’t know where to put my self. The embarrassment, humiliation, disgrace was too much to bear.

The judges asked me, why I wasted my time on trivial and trifling matters. “Is this why you where granted life? To eat chips and drink, they asked.” “Before you bought a car you looked into it seriously, which model what make, you did think of the consequences of your choice. Before you bought a house, you got it inspected you looked into it, not to waste your money, and you considered the consequences of your choices. Even before spending small money, you considered whether it was a waste or worthwhile, why didn’t you do the same regarding your life? Why didn’t you make some serious inquiries, investigations, and research, into your life and after life choices, and their consequences?”

I told them you have the wrong guy. I never thought of later, and/or consequences. I was impulsive and always thought of the moment, never of the future. So this one judge asks me, “Did you drink wine?” I said, not only did I drink wine, I enjoyed every good wine I could put my hands on. And he continued to ask me, “Did you drink vodka?” I said to the guy, Give me a break. And how, I drank vodka. Like there was no tomorrow. That’s what got me up here. And he says to me, “but Vodka is bitter it doesn’t taste good.” And I said to him, listen Charlie, you must not know what it means to drink Vodka.

True it doesn’t taste good, and it is bitter, but the feeling one gets afterwards, the feeling of relaxation, makes it all worthwhile. And that’s when I got my foot in my mouth. So he says to me. “AHA. So, when it came to Vodka, you did think of the consequences of your immediate bitter choice, and decided the harsh sour taste, was worth the reward that came afterwards. So why didn’t you do the same regarding other choices in life? It’s only that with the other serious issues you didn’t have enough of an interest, and you didn’t care about it, while with drinking which YOU wanted, YOU decided to forego the temporary discomfort for the perceived rewards afterwards.” And that’s how got my self into real trouble.

Therefore; if you don’t want to get into trouble, DON’T DRINK VODKA.”

This cute little story demonstrates how some people will interpret life according to their preconceived attitudes. While someone else might learn from the admonition of the Judge, to apply discernment in all matters of life, this fellow took a lesson not to drink anymore.

This story exemplifies how, many times we don’t even realize the double standards we ourselves maintain. Happy people are happy because they know why they are here in this world, and they make every effort to consistently make choices in line with their purpose and goals. They see every day as a gift, which gives them more opportunities, to fulfill and reach their unique purpose. This becomes an intense sense of satisfaction and gratitude to G-d, for all the opportunities granted.

The little boy with a strange energy.

2012-02-16T10:23:00.001-08:00

I was so inspired when I heard the following story, I decided to share it with you.

This is a story that so vividly demonstrates, the hand of G-d in everything, and reinforces our belief in Divine Providence, prayer, and that “the salvation of G-d, is in the blink of an eye”.

This older fellow, now living in Jerusalem, would say his grace after meals with particular concentration and it was obvious he relished every word of the prayer.

One day his grandchild asked him, why he prayed that way? And he answered the following:

“When I was a child in Poland about 10 years old, our teacher said he would treat us by taking us to the great Rabbi Meir Shapira of Lublin. We were all tested and did quite fine for little lads. After the test, the great Rabbi went over to his book shelf and said he was going to give us all, a very special gift.

He opened up the book and started to read, “whoever concentrates and pays attention to the grace after meals is guaranteed that he will never lack food…” and he repeated this about three times. Once he was finished, he asked, “Who is prepared to accept upon themselves to always say the grace after meals as described here in this book??” I raised my hand and he placed his holy hands on my head and blessed me, that I will see this promise in my life.

A few years later the Germans came, and an SS Soldier placed a stick across the doorway of our class, and announced, “Anybody lower than the stick to the left, anyone who meets the height of the stick to the right.” When it came my turn, I just barely made it and I was sent to the right.

After we went through, there was another line. Anyone with a trade to the right, no trade, to the left. All of a sudden, an adult walks up behind me and says, “Tell him you’re a cook, tell him you’re a cook.” I said to the fellow, I’m only 13 years old? And the fellow said, “don’t worry, I’ll teach you.” So as I approached the German soldier, I mustered all the courage I had, and when asked, do I have a trade, I answered, ” I’m a cook.” So off I went to the right.

The man who I never saw before or afterwards, taught me how to cook, and during all those years I was fortunate to eat well. I rarely ate bread, because it would take so long for me to say the long grace after meals. One day a SS General came to visit our kitchen and when he saw me he said,” why do you look so healthy? Jewish people shouldn’t look so plump.” He gave me a pocket chisel, and in the freezing snowy and ice weather told me to go outside, and dig a whole 4 x 6 feet. Basically, condemning me to death.

I was outside and prayed to G-d. “G-d you where so kind to save my life with food, please don’t make that, the reason for my death.” All of a sudden a truck of German soldiers drove by and threw at me all kinds of potatoes, and vegetables to hurt me. So I said to G-d, “not food. A hole 4 x 6 is what I need”. Not long afterwards, another truck of Polish laborers passed by, and I said to them. “Hey guys you want food?” And of course who didn’t, when it was so scarce. I told them, if they would dig a hole 4 x 6, I would give each one, two potatoes. In no time at all, with their picks and shovels I had my hole.

I went inside and told the General everything was done in these three hours, and he said. “If you are lying, I will kill you on the spot.” He came out with me, and when he saw the hole he told me to run. He said, it was humanly impossible to dig a hole with that small chisel, and accused me of having a bizarre energy around me.

Indeed the grandfather concluded his story, “I never lacked food, and food has been my savior. All because, I accepted to concentrate with my complete mind and heart, when telling G-d, thank you for the food I was granted.”

A Powerful story on trust in G-d.

2012-02-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

The following, is a true story that demonstrates, the power of simple and sincere faith in G-d.

Faithful to the instructions he had received from Heaven, the Holy Baal Shem Tov once invited a group of his students to accompany him in his wagon to a certain town, so that they could learn by example, the power of trust in G-d, bitachon.

The local innkeeper was pleased to see them and welcomed them graciously. The next morning, while they were doing their morning prayers, a police officer walked in with a stick in hand, banged on the table three times and left. The students, baffled, froze in their places, but their host remained as cheerful as he had been before. Half an hour later the same man returned, banged on the table three times, and left.

When the Baal Shem Tov asked the innkeeper to explain these strange events, he said, "This is a warning. The policeman is reminding me to bring the rental payment to the land owner. It is repeated three times, and if I do not bring the money at that point, my family and I will be thrown into the dungeon."

Hearing this, the Baal Shem Tov told him, "Judging from your calmness, you must have the money ready, so why don't you go and pay your rent? We will await your return, and then we will be able to take our places at your table peacefully."

The innkeeper answered, "Truthfully, at the moment I don't have a single coin, but G-d will surely not forsake me. He will provide the money. Let us eat without haste, because three hours still remain to the time limit."

They ate together unhurriedly, and the innkeeper's face disclosed no sign of his dangerous plight. At the end of the meal, the officer strode in for the third time and once again banged on the table, but the innkeeper, unruffled, remained calmly in his place. After saying the grace after meals with deep concentration, the innkeeper went off to get dressed in his Sabbath clothing. When he rejoined them and announced that he would now go pay and his dues, the Baal Shem Tov asked him again if he had the money he needed.

Shaking his head, the host answered, "I haven't got a single penny yet, but I am sure G-d will take care of me!"

He took his leave and the Baal Shem Tov and his students went out to the porch overlooking the road that stretched out before them, to see him off as he set out on his mission by foot.

From the distance they saw a wagon driving towards the innkeeper, which slowed down as he exchanged a few words with the wagon driver. The wagon then continued on its way. After a few moments, its driver backtracked, called out to the innkeeper, and then handed him some money. The wagon then resumed its route towards the inn, where the curious onlookers asked the driver what had transpired.

"I had proposed a deal to the innkeeper," he said, "and offered to buy all the liquor he is due to make this winter, but he didn't agree to my price and continued on his way. Seeing his stubbornness, but knowing his honesty, I decided to give him the amount he had asked for. He then excused himself and hurried ahead, explaining that he was on his way to pay his rent."

The Baal Shem Tov turned to his students and said, "Look, how powerful, is the behavior and conduct of trust in G-d, bitachon!"

“Blessed is the man who puts his trust in G-d, G-d will (then) be his security.” “Trust in G-d forever and ever, for in G-d, is the strength of the worlds.”

Think Good and it will be Good.

2012-02-02T09:58:00.001-08:00

Faith, is the foundation and cornerstone to a healthy and solid life. I am not talking about a faith in oneself or a faith in nature. Let’s be reasonable. If statistics dictate that I have a greater chance to fail, then I’m not being reasonable and/or rational, if and when, I decide to nevertheless go ahead with the program, and have positive faith. Using my mind, I weigh the probabilities in either direction and come to a logical conclusion. I may hope; that good luck falls in my favor, but there is no faith over there.

What is the definition of faith and trust in G-d? “I have full faith and trust in G-d, that it will all work out for the best.” What does that mean?

Rabbi Bechaye writes in DUTIES OF THE HEART, that trust in G-d is a complete peace of mind, a condition, in which a person is completely calm, knowing that he can rely on G-d and trust in Him, that it will all be good.

When a person contemplates, how G-d made the world and all that’s in it. Created him, loves him, cares for him, and certainly fills all his needs, and G-d knows what is best for him; when he considers, how G-d alone keeps an eye, always, on his life, and does good, even to those who are undeserving; - he will then be overtaken by this immense feeling of full trust – Bitachon in G-d.

“I am in the best of good hands, all the time.”

Such faith and trust can be found, only in G-d, who created heaven and earth and is always the basis for every moment in this world.

When a person places his full trust in G-d, feeling fully at ease with complete trust in G-d, this outlook and mind-set, is enough to merit G-ds salvation.

This is true even for someone who is seemingly undeserving of G-ds blessings, at this moment. For, this effort of worship, trust in G-d, putting himself in G-ds care, in itself, gives him the merit to be helped.

When the revered Michoel Beliner was still a young man, his son fell deathly ill. Michoel went to the local house of study and shared his bitter news with his colleagues. Doing their best to encourage him, they assured him, that G-d would surely have mercy, and advised him to travel immediately to the Grand Rabbi the Tzemach Tzedek for a blessing. Michoel began to weep, saying, that he would like to go, but the doctors said that it was only a matter of hours, so why should he set out on the road?

One of the older Chassidim berated him. He quoted from the Talmud, that one should never despair of being granted G-ds mercy, and added, that surely the good Angels created by going to the Grand Rabbi would succeed in having the Heavenly verdict postponed until he reached the Rabbi.

One of his friends, a tailor, offered to join Michoel on his trip, and together they set out on foot, here and there hitching a cheap wagon ride. Arriving at last in Lubavitch, Michoel was fortunate to be received by the Tzemach Tzedek immediately.

"When I entered the Rebbe's room” he later on related, “and handed him the request for my son, I thought to myself, 'Who knows what has meanwhile happened with him?...,' and I began to weep. The Rabbi read my note and said, 'Don't cry. You must have Bitachon – full trust in G-d, with a simple faith, that He will save your son. Tracht gut vet zien gut. (Think good and things will be good.) You will yet celebrate the bar-mitzvas of your grandsons!' "

Soon after, the boy recovered completely. From then on, whenever Michoel experienced difficulty, he would bring to mind the luminous face of the Rebbe as he spoke those words, and the situation would change for the better.

This is the meaning of the words, "Think good and things will be good."

Taking full control of your life.

2012-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

Mysticism tells us, everything in the world is made of an outer shell and an inner energy.

What you see, is only surface, skin deep, and, it isn’t the real deal. What is hidden from the eye after we do some scratching and digging will reveal, the reason why you see what’s perceptible to the eye. That is why in the Bible this world is called “concealed” and a “world of falsehood.” This is so, mainly, because what we see is just the surface, and the inalienable truth needs to be discovered deep inside.

In a person, there is a constant struggle between the outer part, the body, and the inner dimension, the G-dly soul. The body wants to keep on concealing on the inner G-dly soul and its yearnings. The body seeks self fulfillment. Ego, pleasure, anything and everything for the physical self.

The soul yearns for what it naturally craves and longs for. To remain connected to its source, the infinite and the eternal. The soul looks for long term spiritual fulfillment and accomplishing its purpose, for being imprisoned in a corporeal body. The soul is constantly looking to liberate itself from the narrow confines of the short sighted body.

That is why we feel sometimes empty and hollow inside. We feel like there must be more to life. This is the G-dly soul, trying to express itself against the ever powerful force of the body, and all its hedonistic desires.

Both the G-dly soul deep inside of us, and the “animal” soul that vivifies the body are made of ten faculties, which comprise the logic and emotion of each soul. These two souls, with its strengths and weaknesses, they are what they are, and we can’t change them. Some people are born with certain tendencies and propensities to do good and to pursue outstanding and admirable goals. Others, or maybe these same people, are born with a penchant and weakness towards certain behaviors. It is what it is.

There is however a little hope, to control our destinies, and it is in our choices. How, and what, we allow to express itself, in our thoughts, speech, and actions.

A person has one brain, one mouth, and can DO one thing at a time. In mysticism these are called the garments of the soul. Garments, because, just like clothing which are not the person, but are put on and taken off at will. So too with these faculties, each one of them, it is always our choice, we have full control over what we allow ourselves to think, speak and do. And, just like garments make a statement about our personalities and character; the way we think, speak, and act, tell volumes of what is going on inside of us.

Although it is almost impossible to change the nature our souls directly, a person has total free choice over, what he decides to think, speak, and do, at all times.

Let’s say you have a feeling in your heart to think, say, or do, something bad. That may not be entirely your fault. You where born with that tendency. However, what YOU decide to indulge in with your mind, what YOU decide to talk, or do, is always and totally in your control. Unless of course you made yourself intoxicated, and you’ve lost your abilities at that moment, but it was you, who decided to drink, and therefore still remain responsible for your actions.

Harmony in our lives, is when we follow the desires of the G-dly soul. It is deeper and richer. The G-dly soul is who we are, and who we identify with. The body, is a temporary dwelling place. While we are here in this physical world, the body affords us the opportunity to earn merit and become spiritually stronger, by overcoming the superficial and shallow challenges of this materialistic world.

The more a person exercises his choice to think, speak, and do positive things, and gets himself into the habit of allowing his G-dly soul to express itself regularly, and win over the self indulgent desires of the body, the more the person has succeeded and accomplished to infuse the world with “light”, which prevails over the confusion of darkness so many people suffer from.

Are you spiritual? Religious?

2012-01-19T08:38:00.001-08:00

I bet many of you didn’t know. Some people, are religious and not spiritual, and there are people who say they choose to be spiritual and not religious at all. These two mistaken ways of conduct come from a flawed understanding of these two expressions.

Let us define spiritual. One pretty good definition I found, “pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature.” And religious, well that’s a bit more difficult, because everyone has a different idea of what it is. I guess one would say, I know a religious person when I see one. Oh yes?

Mysticism explains that everything in the universe is made of a body, an outer shell, and that which energizes and gives life to the body, we call this, soul. A moving car, the body, has a person inside, steering and directing the body. In this example the person is the soul and energy of the moving car.

The metal body and frame of a car, has a motor inside, which thrusts and propels the frame of the car. The motor is the soul of the frame. Wires, are the outer shell, the body, which carries the electricity that flows through them, and so on, all the way down to the source of everything, and the energy of the whole world, G-d.

In all these examples, the internal soul and energy alone, without the framework and channeling of the external body, can not, and, will not ever accomplish the realized outcome, which can come only through the partnership of the two elements working together.

Disorganized and random electricity without the channeling of wires is not only unhelpful it is downright dangerous. The body, whether it is the frame of the car or the wire, without the soul, will obviously not be able to carry out the desired objective.

Spiritual, as we mentioned before, relates to what’s deep inside, the dimension that energizes our bodies. It is, the spark and soul of G-d within. Someone who meditates on the greatness of G-d in the world at large, and within his own small world and body, will begin to feel spiritual and exalted. This appreciation and emotion must have a method and technique, to channel and express this spiritual energy, no different than someone who feels love for someone, or something, and doesn’t have a way to express and manifest this feeling.

Religious people, generally have a code of conduct that is expected from them by their religion. Living in a physical world it is clear, that if someone eats or takes his medication and doesn’t enjoy doing so, this doesn’t matter, since it’s the deed that counts. However there is no dispute, that enjoying your food and having a positive and optimistic outlook when taking medication, will greatly improve your wellbeing.

There is a Chassidic saying, “The Baal Shem Tov showed us HOW we should serve G-d, and Rabbi Shnuer Zalman showed us how we are ABLE to serve G-d.” These two great luminaries represent the soul and body of a mystical worship of G-d known as, Chassidism.

Spirituality is the HOW and the WHY, the energy, the life the vigor. Religion is the actual practice, doing what we where commanded to do, in order to be in G-ds good grace and bring blessings to our lives. Both spirituality and religion are important in order for people to be complete.

On the one hand, the prophet tells us, G-d doesn’t (just) want our sacrifices, G-d desires our hearts. On the other hand the Sages tell us, it is the actual deed that counts.

Someone who is spiritual and not religious has accomplished nothing in this world. He has not enhanced his physical reality. The world is the same. Someone who is religious, and spiritual, has combined soul with body, to make his life and the world around him truly alive, energized, with the greatest measure of life one can ever reach in his lifetime.

Do We Have Free Choice???

2012-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

The question goes like this. If G-d is everywhere and everything is predestined, do people have any choice and/or influence in the end results?

The answer to this question can become a lengthy thesis, which isn’t the function of this article. So, I will make it short, and to the point.

G-d made this beautiful world. Just look around. The colors, the trees, the birds, the flowers, the squirrels, and let’s not forget the lizards. Every day there are billions and trillions of elements in this orchestra we call the universe, playing for us a most stunning and dazzling piece of music. Every single day, just as the sun rises in the east.

In your body alone, there are trillions of cells, all working in conjunction with each other to perfectly produce your heartbeat, and your breath. All of this, quite obviously doesn’t just fall into place.

If a symphony orchestra with 80 or 100 players needs a maestro to coordinate the musicians, otherwise there’s a good chance the group will not be in sync with each other, how much more so, the zillions of elements that work in harmony with each other to the micro mini degree in our universe, could never operate without the wisdom of a great and wise conductor. To think otherwise, is outright foolishness.

The Bible says, when G-d created the world, He made it, in an evolved and mature ready to use fashion. Adam, on his first day, was a 20 year old adult and, the great redwood trees, already had all their rings in them. It was a “prepared table”, set, and waiting for people to enjoy.

The universe and all that’s in it, is the creation of G-d, all the time. G-d however wanted ( for a reason that we will discuss some other time) that people should have a small little role in perfecting and completing the universe, so He left important, but yet very insignificant in size and quantity, areas that us humans can participate in taking a role, with G-d, in making it just right.

G-d knows what he wants, and He always gets His way. He instructed us to do, and not to do, certain activities which he told us in the Bible, in order, to bring about this perfection that he intended for the world.

The Talmud tells us, “ everything is in the hands of G-d except for the fear of G-d.” This means, that everything that happens in the world and in life is predestined. It will happen, one way or the other. The only area in which we humans have total control and we are held responsible for, are our choices which convey and make evident our fear of G-d. Our choices demonstrate to G-d, our moral standing regarding our fulfillment of the mission, G-d created each one of us. By the choices we make, G-d knows whether to use us to bring about a good, or bad occurrence, which was already in G-ds mind to happen.

In our daily prayers we ask, ” ...so that we shall not labor in vain…..” From the words of this prayer that was arranged by our great sages we see, that a person may make an effort to do good and will be rewarded for this, however he may not be lucky that his good intentions will come about, because it wasn’t G-ds will at that moment. A person can choose to pull the trigger, and with that has demonstrated his wicked murderous character, and the person shot will not lose his life, because he wasn’t yet destined to leave this world.

Maimonides says, that although G-d runs the show down to the smallest particle of the world, we must say, that in the area of moral choices – the choice alone, is always entirely ours. Otherwise, reward and punishment which is a cornerstone of the Bible would not be possible and the Bible is clear, “see I give you this day, the good and the bad, life and death, and I give you the strength to choose, life.”

Living life - to Enjoy.

2012-01-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

We where talking about anxiety.

What brings it on and how to relieve ourselves of the stress, uneasiness and apprehension associated with high anxiety. If left unaddressed, ultimately this takes its’ toll on any human being in a major way. I am aware that there is a whole bunch of advice out there which includes, exercising, breathing techniques, and many other approaches, however, most important is the attitude and mindset of the person. It’s not just a matter of putting on a smile, and technique, it’s all about what’s going on behind the surface movement of ones face, insides ones head.

Only a person with a firm and unyielding belief system can build for himself an edifice that will not crack under the daily vicissitudes of life.

Part of what brings on stress and anxiety is the constant internal struggle and the perplexity a person is living with, many times on a subconscious level. He doesn’t even realize what’s going on inside. On the one hand he wants to become rich and famous, on the other hand she wants to workout and look good. On the one hand he wants to be fulfilled spiritually inside, on the other hand she wants to hang out with the girls, be part of the fun and not appear like an oddball. A psychological and emotional tug of war, on a continual and persistent basis. Being pulled in so many directions, it’s no wonder that after a while a person doesn’t know who they are and where they are going.

No wonder the person is unsure of the future and craves for control and self empowerment. No wonder, the person feels insecure and has an excessive need for approval. No wonder, the person overcompensates for their insecurities by seeking perfectionism.

Peace, is when the many different sides and perspectives are living in harmony with each other. All the different sides still retain their own individuality, however they are all directed and influenced under one canopy, big enough to encompass the many different interests. A common ground, greater than the many vast differences, which separate one from another.

Every human being if they are to be strong in life must develop their trust in G-d. This is one of the cornerstones and fundamental pillars to a sturdy and secure life. This is the canopy, big enough to cover all pursuits in a person’s life. This isn’t something that happens just by saying your trust in G-d. This comes from a conscious effort to feed ones faith on a daily basis, by studying the Bible and mysticism, related to this specific topic, and then meditating on those concepts in prayer.

A person, who trusts in G-d, will never give up or become despondent. Whatever appears to be happening he is strong in his trust that through his prayers and good deeds, things can and will turn around for the good, in a way that can be visible appreciated. Trust in G-d is strong enough, to unify the many different directions people are drawn to in life.

Prayer in itself is tremendously therapeutic. During prayer and meditation on the greatness of G-d, a person is transported, uplifted and enveloped in a secure place where everything is for the good. Not only does he trust that it’s all for the good, but has to go through some temporary inconveniences, but further, he strengthens and develops a solid trust in G-d that brings and transports a person to a place where the actual occurrence in the present tense, can be appreciated as being for the good.

Being alive in the fullest measure, means living every moment to the fullest degree. For this a person must be in a joyous frame of mind, since joy is the emotion that breaks any barriers that may hinder a person from enjoying and living life to the fullest.

Instead of anxiety and constrictness in life, and existence weighing heavy on a persons shoulder, a person who develops his faith and trust in G-d that He is entirely good, light, brilliant, and positive, will have complete joy and a great life to enjoy.

Addressing High Anxiety Personality Traits

2011-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

As we draw closer to the end of one chapter in life, and we can already anticipate the turning of the page, to year 2012, many of you are already feeling the anxiety of another year. Or, if you aren’t feeling it yet, it will creep up on you soon enough. In this new series of short articles (my New Years resolution), I will point out some tools and techniques, religion offers to deal with this and other very real life issues.

There is a strong connection between anxiety disorders and certain common personality traits. G-d created everyone with what’s called in mysticism, an animal soul. Everyone’s got it. This source of life energy, propels the negative feelings and anxieties in our lives. They must absolutely be addressed if you want long-term freedom from anxiety symptoms.

Excessive need for control. Perfectionism. Extreme cautiousness . Excessive need for approval. Insecurity and over-dependency and a tendency to suppress negative feelings. These are some of the traits that are common in people with high anxiety.

Our sages tell us, “Half the cure, is knowing the sickness.” Without recognizing the anxiety producing parts of your personality and learning to approach life from a different perspective, you may end up suffering with anxiety symptoms forever, locked up in a constricted world of your own doing, when freedom is possible.

There are a number of psychological and emotional personalities that are in common in the above list of onsets to anxiety, I will deal with one, and that is, an unrealistic and disproportionate sense of ego.

The world we live in dictates through the many forms of media, that a smart, strong human being, must have the answers to everything. There is a how to, and a six or maybe even seven or eight step solution to every difficulty. Whenever we are faced with problems, it’s either entirely our fault or we are totally responsible for fixing the total mess.

When people see themselves as “self made” and the dependency is entirely on ones self, it’s no wonder a person will buckle under such enormous pressure. We are told, “He is rich, and therefore he must be smart.” Or worse than that, “he is smart; therefore, he will certainly make it big in life.”

King Solomon, the smartest of all men tells us, “It is not to the wise bread.” Bread and success does not come because a person is wise. “Because it is HE who gives you strength to succeed” says the Bible.

Let’s take the first trait I mentioned above, that will lead to anxiety, excessive need for control. This notion that it is all up to me, and the results are all my doing, runs contrary to what we are told in the Ethics of our Fathers. A most powerful instruction and lesson to remember in life, “It is not upon you to conclude (and bring about the complete final results of any effort), and you are not free to desist from doing something.”

We certainly must give it all we got when discharging our responsibilities. Our obligation to make an effort, means to give it all we got, and to never, stop trying. However, there is a big world out there that doesn’t always match with our own personal agendas. As much as we try, someone bigger and better than us, G-d, may have some other plans for the entire universe, and those plans includes the best situation for each individual.

It is impossible for any one person or groups of people to control anything. We try our best and with a little help from Above we succeed. It is unrealistic to take it all on your shoulders. Give it up and leave a little room in your life for G-d in His immeasurable power to help you succeed. Please write to me with any comments rsezagui@aol.com.

The Brain Rules the Heart The 'first step' of Spiritual Improvement.

2011-12-23T08:07:00.001-08:00

The Holiday of Chanukah represents the victory of light over darkness.

The philosophy of the Hellenists at that time (things haven’t changed much) was to dilute the purity of faith in G-d, and the unadulterated message of the Bible, with current thinking. A small group of people, stood up to a large and fierce army, and proved a most powerful point. Miracles happen. Life, is not all logical and rational. Darkness, can be conquered, by a focused, smaller quantity, of light.

This is the reason why we must light the menorah at night, towards the outside. To take the ever increasing, small, but powerful flames, and enlighten and illuminate, those who live in darkness.

A person’s soul is compared to the candle of G-d. The Bible is compared to light, “The Torah - Bible is light”, and wisdom, is compared to light.

Rabbi Shnuer Zalman, was a significant supporter of the Czar, against Napoleon. One of Rabbi Shneur Zalman’s followers, Moshe who was fluent in Russian and French was able to learn many important military secrets, and he was able to transmit important information to the Russian generals on the battlefront.

Once, when Moshe happened to be in the French General Headquarters, the generals were making plans about their next attack. Moshe pretended not to hear or see what was going on, and the generals paid no attention to him.

Suddenly the door burst open and in came Napoleon.

"What is this stranger doing here?" he demanded, pointing to Moshe. Napoleon rushed up to him, exclaiming, "You are a spy!"

Moshe's heart was not pounding and his face did not pale, as he calmly replied in perfect French:

"Your Majesty, your generals appointed me to be their interpreter, and I await their orders."

His cool manner and calm voice completely disarmed Napoleon. Moshe was saved from certain death.

When Moshe would relate the episode of his encounter with Napoleon, he declared – it was the deeper dimensions of Torah – the Bible, that saved his life, and he explained:

"Rabbi Shnuer Zalman taught us, that a person should use his natural powers for the service of G-d. One of these natural powers, is that the brain rules the heart. In other words, according to the nature which G-d created in man, reason, is basically stronger than feeling; a person has the power to control his emotions. However, it is not enough for a man to know this; but he must persistently train himself to exercises this power in his daily life and conduct, until it becomes a natural habit with him. In actual practice this simply means that whenever one feels a strong desire for something, one should say to oneself, 'I can do without it.' The exercise of such self-control is the 'first step' of spiritual improvement, and having mastered this 'first step' one can steadily advance further.

"Thus I have schooled myself to achieve absolute self-control, so that in everything I think, speak, and do, I let my mind rule my heart. And where it is important for the heart to express its feelings, the mind, too, must have its say, to make sure that the feelings do not get out of control.

"And so I trained myself to control my feelings, not to get excited under any circumstances, and not to be overwhelmed by anyone or anybody.

"And this is what saved my life."

Chanukah is an opportune time for good resolutions. The Holiday of Chanukah is an auspicious time to use the light of our souls, the light of the Torah - Bible, and the light of our wisdom, to triumph over the internal, and external, darkness, which confounds our mission and purpose in this life.

Please send your feedback to Rsezagui@aol.com

The "Black Mary"

2011-12-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Thursday December 15, 2011 is the day on which the (Rebbe) Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Liadi was freed from his severe imprisonment in Petersburg in the year 1798. False and libelous charges led to the accusations of treason against the Russian Empire, for sending funds to the Holy Land which at the time was under the Sultan of Turkey. His arrest imperiled not only his own life, but also the future of the Chasidic movement. Consequently, the day of his release was declared amongst the Chassidim as a day of celebration.

Chassidism was founded, to offer everyone a personal, spiritual fulfillment, by means of attachment to G-d, spontaneous enthusiasm in Divine worship, and a sanctified life imbued in joy.

Chassidism reveals, that while living in a corporeal world, it is possible, to live a spiritual life. Chassidus clarifies the essence and ultimate goal of all being, man’s raison d’etre, man’s purpose in life – a meaningful and illuminated life, deeply and profoundly based on the Bible, even in a world of shadows and darkness.

The Rabbi was whisked away in the “Black Mary”, a black carriage, reserved for the most serious infractions of the time. It was Friday, and the Rabbi asked the officer to stop their journey until the end of the Sabbath. The officer refused, and the axle of the carriage broke. The carriage was repaired and then, one of the horses collapsed. A new horse was brought, but strangely enough the horses where not able to move the carriage. This was sufficient for the officer to understand that he was transporting an unusual prisoner. The officer requested from the Rabbi that they travel to the next village, but the Rabbi refused and they spent the Sabbath in an adjacent field.

The Rabbi was incarcerated in one of the secret cells of the Fortress of Petropavlovsk. One of the high officials, a learned man, was very impressed by the Rabbis personality and said to him; “I have a question on the Bible, and would be most grateful for an answer.”

“Ask whatever you like,” said the Rabbi, ”and with G-ds help, I hope to be able to solve your problem.”

“What is the meaning of the verse, ‘and G-d called to Adam and said: Where are you?’ How is it possible that the Omniscient G-d did not know where Adam was?”

“Do you believe” the Rabbi asked, “that the Bible is timeless, and forever relevant to every individual?” “I sincerely believe that” was the reply. “I will give you an explanation,” said the Rabbi.

“And G-d called to “Ha-Adam,” to the ‘man.’ This means, that at all times G-d calls every individual and asks him, “Where do you stand in this world.” G-d allotted to each, a certain amount of days, each of which is to be utilized for the doing of good in relation to G-d, and in relation to mankind. Therefore contemplate: How many years have you lived already, and how much good have you done and accomplished during that time. You for instance have lived already ..…years (and here the Rabbi mentioned the exact age of the official) how are you using your time?” The official was amazed and thrilled by the fact that the Rabbi ‘guessed his age’ and exclaimed “Bravo!”

Czar Paul1 heard so much about this “prisoner” that he disguised himself as a clerk of the courts and went to see the Rabbi. As soon as he entered, the Rabbi rose and honored him. “You must be the Czar” said the Rabbi. “Our sages teach us, that ‘sovereignty on earth is similar to the sovereignty in heaven.’ As the fear before G-d is great, so too did I feel an unusual awe when you entered. Such a feeling I never experienced with any of the officials that have come here. Therefore I concluded that you must be the Czar.” The Czar left convinced that surely this man must be a saint.

A saint indeed. The Bible tells us, that “this world conceals and hides G-d.” Truly righteous & spiritual saints, they are the windows through which we are reminded that there is more to this world than what meets the eye. There is a G-d, we can pray to, and there are miracles, we can expect.

Divine Providence

2011-12-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

The holy Baal Shem Tov was explaining the concept of Divine Providence to his students. Everything down to the smallest particle is under His watchful eye. “The whole world is filled with His glory.” “There is no place void of Him.” They where having a difficult time, comprehending, how such a great G-d could be concerned with the smallest speck in the universe.

The Baal Shem Tov decided to make a demonstration. They all went outside, and he instructed his students to follow the first leaf to get blown off the tree. As it fell to the ground, they followed it to the curb of the road. Lying underneath the leaf, was a worm being baked by the sun.

The Baal Shem Tov explained, that from the six days of creation, it was already designed and predestined for this leaf, from that tree, to fall off at this moment, and be blown by the wind to shield this worm.

If G-d where a finite being, little unimportant things would be less important than big and significant things. However, since G-d is infinite, whether something is big or small to us, to G-d, they both have the same impact and significance. Everything in the universe as far as their creation is concerned, has the same worth before G-d.

Therefore, when a person sees or hears something, no matter whether it seems significant or not, to G-d before whom all is the same, this is being specifically orchestrated, for this person to see or hear at this moment. Divine providence, i.e. divine influence, is the root and cause of this occurrence, so that in one way or the other, G-ds purpose for creating the world at large and this person in particular, should have the opportunity to come closer to the Divine purpose and perfection it was intended and created for.

In the book of proverbs, King Solomon says, “G-d prepares the footsteps of a person, and man, what does he understand of (G-ds) ways.” Every step a person takes, G-d is the one behind it, He, has prepared everything for this step to be taken, giving strength at this moment, to this person, to employ and exercise, in order to fulfill the divine purpose behind that moment. Imagine the huge responsibility!

And if a person claims, it’s too difficult – There are many questions to be asked regarding the times or the place, remember the end of the above quoted verse, “and man what does he (can he) understand of (the infinite ways) of G-d.” The facts remain. What G-d intentionally placed on your plate, this is precisely what is right for you at this moment.

In the book of Psalms King David says, “it is from G-d that a man's footsteps are established, and it is his (this person’s) path that (G-d) desires.” Every person is a messenger of Divine Providence, to utilize the strength and good health a person is granted, to promote the reason why we were granted the gift of life. The freedom of choice to use each moment appropriately is in the hands of every person. When he chooses to exercise his free choice and make use of the moment in the proper way, “G-d will select and desire the ways of this person.”

Although, everything inherently has equal importance before G-d, however because G-d proclaimed, I will favor those who follow my dictates, this person becomes more prominent in the eyes of G-d for blessings and favorable attention.

The five types of personal tests.

2011-12-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Rabbi Y. Yitzchak once said, “The mere fact that G-d places us in a situation, to face particular challenges, tells us, that He has given us the strength to overcome, all the obstacles that stand in our path”

The Midrash gives the following illustration. “When a producer of flax and linen strikes and pounds the flax, he does it carefully so as not to ruin the product. When he feels that the material is sturdier and he is secure that it will not break or splinter under the pressure, he hits it stronger to draw out the better quality fabric that lies within. The same is also in regards to G-d. He does not test and challenge the wicked because he knows, they can not withstand the pressure and they would crack. However the righteous, who have a stronger core, a superior and better essence to offer, these are the ones who are tested, as it is written in the book of Psalms, “G-d tests the righteous.”

We have here a very clear understanding. Challenges are presented to people for their, own good. When G-d wants to provide merit to a person and help him, reveal his inner better and superior core, that is when the person is put through a test.

If you where to go to a Doctor in whom you have full trust, and he where to put you through some procedure of pain and difficulty, knowing that it is all for your own good, to improve your current situation, you welcome the opportunity. You accept and you open your arms to the chance granted, to recover and become better off through this experience, than you are at this present moment.

According to the Bible, all of life, is a constant tug of war. On the one hand, to do what G-d expects of us, and enjoy life through His blessings, and on the other hand, the temptations and weaknesses, that pull us down, in the opposite direction. There are five tests the Bible speaks of.

There is the test of self sacrifice. No matter what happens, or what anyone says or threatens, to do to me, I am completely and totally dedicated to the proper G-dly morals and values, with all my body and soul.

The next type of challenge and test, is to accept all types of life happenings, even the difficult ones, in love. I don’t complain about my circumstances. My faith in G-d is so strong that I accept everything in love.

The third type of test. When life is abundant and I am feeling real good and healthy, I am successful financially, personally, do I still remember G-d, and not only keep up with my commitments, but increase them in gratitude to G-d, for entrusting me with all those blessings.

The fourth type of challenge is a most difficult one to overcome. Our sages tell us, “who is strong, the one who overcomes his inner temptations.” When faced with a strong desire in opposition to what’s right in life, the wishes of G-d, how often and how quick am I, to ignore the lure and enticement pulling me to do, what I know, is wrong.

The fifth type of test. When things go wrong, life is not as I would like and not as I expected, does it weaken my faith. Is my confidence and conviction, that all that happens is from G-d, and for my good, undermined and destabilized?

Life’s tests are very difficult. The Bible acknowledges that. They are thorny and not easy, not just mentally and emotionally, but as well physically. Many times, it will, exact a high price on us. However, once we draw the inner strength to overcome, and we look back, we see how much better we have truly become. Always. Not only that, the satisfaction, strength, confidence and self esteem that comes as a result, doesn't compare, to the fleeting and transitory hardship it took, to triumph over the challenge.

Gratitude & Thanksgiving.

2011-11-22T15:33:00.000-08:00

The tribe of Moab where descendants of Lot, whose benefactor and savior was his Uncle Abraham, father of the Israelites. In the wilderness, this tribe refused to even sell the Israelites food and water. For that reason, they are banned by the Bible, from joining the Jewish people in marriage. The lack of gratitude on their part, was indicative of an ingrained selfishness and mean spirited character that has no place in Israel.

Gratitude goes much further than just telling someone thank you for having done something nice for you. The Torah says, "Do not despise the Egyptian, because, you were a stranger in their land." Now, this is somewhat difficult to comprehend.

It was Joseph an Israelite, who saved the Egyptians from starvation during the years of famine. Shortly afterwards, the thank you granted by the Egyptians was to slaughter the Israelites. They threw the babies in the river and enslaved them for hundreds of years. According to the Midrash, Pharaoh had 200 children slaughtered over his bathtub each and every day so that he could bathe in their blood! How can anyone have gratitude for savages of this sort?

Granted they initially allowed the Israelites to dwell in their land, but surely the Israelites paid a price for all that, with the hundreds of years of slavery. And yet the Bible commands us to have a sense of gratitude and indebtedness for them. How does one make sense of this directive?

The answer is very important, very fundamental. Gratitude, is not only because someone intended and did something nice for you. If you merely benefited, that's the keyword, if you where in any way, shape or form helped, from somebody or even something, you are expected to note that kindness and have a real sense of appreciation for the good done.

That is why, for the first plague against the Egyptians, blood, Moses would not hit the Nile River, and turn it into blood. He asked his older brother Aaron to do the “dirty work.” Although water is inanimate and could care less whether Moses lived or died, however, since Moses benefited from the river, it saved his life when his mother placed him in a basket on the river, he felt a sense of indebtedness and gratitude to the river and could not strike it now.

The Talmud says, "The well you drank from, do not throw rocks into it". Even though the well has no feelings or thoughts, nevertheless, since you benefited from it, you must not act insensitively towards the water. You must show gratitude and not act ungratefully towards it.

A most important gratitude a person must have is towards his parents. They gave you life. You might say, "well, who cares, they didn't do it for me.” “They were obligated to raise me." It doesn't matter. If you benefited from them, you must demonstrate gratitude. Doesn't matter if they did it out of niceness, or they did it because they had to, you benefited - you must have gratitude. And if you don't ….well we already said …. It’s not good at all.

The Midrash says, "Every breath you take, you are obligated to thank G-d." The reason, is that you're benefiting from His air. He created it. You have to thank Him for every breath. And if you don't think it's important, try putting your head in a bucket of water and see how long you can last without air.

Every morning the first thing we do after opening our eyes, we place our hands together and “thank G-d for returning our souls to us.” What a wonderful, positive way, to start the day, by acknowledging the blessings and the good we have in life.

On this thanksgiving weekend, let us pay more attention to all the good we have been blessed with. This great Country of ours. A beacon of strength and light to the rest of the Universe.

The power of Shabbat.

2011-11-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

A certain father had a family of children, who were forever quarreling. Then he fell ill. Days before he died, he asked one of them to bring him a bundle of sticks. Handing the bundle to each of his sons in turn, he told them to try to break it. Although each one tried his best, none was able to break the bundle.

The Father then untied the bundle and gave the sticks to his sons to break one by one. This, they did very easily.

"My sons," said the father, "do you see how certain it is, that if you are united with each other, it will be impossible for your enemies to injure you. But if you are divided among yourselves, you will be no stronger than a single stick in that bundle.

This is what Shabbat does for a family. It makes every member of the family feel loved, important, indispensable and part of an unbreakable unit.

When Shabbat comes, Jewish law dictates, you must live on this day as though all your work has been completed.

This is not denial, it is called, LIVING in the now. It means that one day a week, we don’t think about, “making” a living; we actually are, “living”. One day a week we remember that we are more than work. We have a soul. We were sent to earth on a mission. There is something infinitely valuable about our existence, irrelevant of our financial or worldly situation.

The Talmud described a fascinating exchange between the Roman Governor in Palestine during the second century CE and the great Jewish sage, Rabbi Akiva. The Romans, like the Greeks, could not appreciate the concept of Sabbath in which you would allow all of your slaves a “day off” of labor.

“What makes this day different than any other day?” the Roman Governor Turnusrufus asks Rabbi Akiva.

Rabbi Akiva responds: “What makes you, different than any other person?”

“The Emperor has so willed. He bestowed upon me special honor.”

“And the Emperor of the world, has chosen this day, as a unique and holy day, bestowing upon it special honor.”

“But perhaps you have confused the days? How are you sure that in all this time you have not misplaced the seventh day”?

“The river Sambatyon will prove it!” responded Rabbi Akiva.

Rabbi Akiva was referring to a legendary river, named Sambatyon, which means Sabbath in Greek, apparently located in Syria, Afghanistan or Ethiopia. This river was un-navigable on weekdays because it flowed with strong currents carrying along stones with tremendous force, but it rested on the Sabbath.

A Roman historian living earlier than Rabbi Akiva, Pliny the Elder (24–79 C.E.) described the river in his work “Natural History.” He writes that the river ran rapidly for six days in the week and rested on the Sabbath.

Rabbi Akiva was not only referring to a physical river, but also to a metaphoric river. Life may times, is a journey through a tumultuous river, hurling heavy stones on us. Then comes Sabbath, and the river rests. No rocks flying at you. On Shabbat, our river becomes tranquil and serene.

This is the power of the Shabbat. In a world which is changing by the week, or by the day, or by the minute, and sometimes by the second, on Shabbat, we focus on that which is eternal in our lives. Our aspirations to become better people, our love to our spouse and children, our relationship with our soul and with our G-d, our need for prayer and study, our yearning for reflection and transcendence.

Shabbat, when observed properly, is truly a spiritual oasis in time and space.

The Sabbath - G-ds' Day??

2011-11-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Some years back, Norman Mailer made a run for Mayor of New York. One of the more intriguing points of his platform was the idea that one day a week everybody should shut off their phones, TVs and radios, stay away from the malls and the movies, and just learn to meditate and to reacquaint themselves with nature, their families and their own feelings.

Doing just that, is in fact, one of only ten major principles G-d inscribed on tablets of stone as the bases for human survival. Almost 4,000 years ago, G-d called the plan Shabbat—the Sabbath—and those who take this divine advice seriously have been benefiting from its’ gifts ever since.

Joe Lieberman relates in his new book on Shabbat, that when he was nominated in 1988 as Connecticut Senator, Chris Dodd, long time Connecticut Senator and famous Democratic Party politician, and a Baptist, announced at the big party: Joe Lieberman is really a Baptist. However when he realized how many events he would have to attend on Saturdays, he became an Orthodox Jew!

Lieberman declares that the joke is not far from the truth. Because on this day he does not answer emails, telephones, texts, unless they are of concern to National Security. He does not shop, nor engage in home repairs. He does not even go to the movies or shopping. Rather, he spends real time, quality time, substantive time, with himself, with his loved ones, with his soul, with his G-d.

“It's been a life-saver to our family and our marriage and our home life because it's given us a moment to stop and break off from the nonsense we all deal with," Hadassah Lieberman says. "We can talk to each other without the Blackberries ringing in our faces."

For hundreds of generations of Jews, Shabbat is the epicenter of the Jewish week.

I am going to describe to you the home, of those who observe this very special day.

It’s late Friday afternoon after a very hectic week. All of a sudden everything stops. As the sun sets, a new energy enters the home. The mother and the daughters kindle a glowing flame, bringing a little light into the world. Mother covers her eyes by the burning flames and pours her heart out to G-d for all the blessings of health and happiness for her and the family.

The home is transformed into a palace. Father and boys go to synagogue to sing songs, pray to G-d and meet friends. When they return home, a beautiful white table cloth is spread over the table. Hot delicious Challah (bread made for the day of Sabbath), is on the table with bottles of wine and the aroma of lovely food coming from the kitchen. The father, became a king and the mother a queen; the son -- a prince and the daughter -- a princess. The father kisses his children “Shabbat Shalom, (May you be blessed with a peaceful Shabbat” and the mother embraces each of her precious diamonds with so much love. A Divine presence pervades the home on Shabbat.

The father makes Kiddush (the religious service to usher in the holy day). And then calls over each of his children, places his hands on their head, and blesses them. He tells them how much he loves them, how much they mean to him, how thankful he is to have them and how he would always be there for them, unconditionally, forever.

to be continued --more next week….

Happiness & Growth

2011-11-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

Once, there where three sons who wanted to honor their mother for her 90th birthday. They where all pretty wealthy and money wasn’t an issue. One decided to buy his mother a mansion, the other bought a brand new luxury car with a chauffeur.

The third son being a little more traditional, went looking for something unique and extraordinary. One day he was walking by a pet store and noticed a large sign, “Parrot who can recite the entire Bible, on sale.”

He thought, that would be perfect for his mother who was from the old country and loved the verses from the Bible. He paid the $150,000 for this astonishing bird and gave it to his mom for her birthday.

The following year, when all the boys where sitting around the table with mom for her 91st birthday, they asked her how she was enjoying their respective gifts. “Well you know, I appreciate the house but it’s way too big for an old little woman like me.” “And the car....I really don’t go many places and the chauffer just hangs around.” “But let me tell you about the bird..... It was the best chicken soup I ever tasted.”

Many times we have so many opportunities handed to us on a silver platter and instead of using it for its intended incredible purpose, we waste it on trivial matters. Whether it’s because we don’t know, or we don’t care we certainly don’t want to lose what’s already been granted and gifted to us.

Take the lessons from the Bible for example. We would rather read a fresh new article written in some trendy magazine, which is sure to change almost 180 degrees the following month, than benefit from the time tested, successful advice handed to us by G-d.

When Abraham started out on his first mission from G-d, he was no youngster, he was 75 years old. G-d tells him, “for your own enjoyment and good”, “go (discover) yourself (by leaving) from your land, from your place of birth from the house of your father.” Later on the bible tells us, G-d loved Abraham because, he would announce and make known that “G-d is the master of the world” and that Abraham would, “transmit the values of righteousness and justice to his children.”

We have here a phenomenal lesson on how one is able to reach, “enjoyment and good in life”.

Some people have this idea, that the more they indulge in their own self, and do things to satisfy their desires the more they will find happiness. This, only places them deeper, and further away from the happiness they yearn for.

G-d was telling Abraham and everyone who draws an eternal message from the Bible. If you want to find yourself, if you really want to experience the maximum life has to offer, it’s not by self-gratification and hedonism. You must leave your land, your world etc.

In Hebrew the word land, can be understood as, “your desires.” The word, your place of birth, can be understood as “your habits.” And the word, the house of your father, can be understood as, “your logic.”

The desires that come by itself and natural for most people, is usually connected to materialism and associated with the coarseness of this world. The habits and routines we have developed over the years, many of them if not most of them, support our desires. And, doing things ONLY because it makes sense to us, keeps us confined to our own self. No real growth there.

When a person decides that his desires, habits and thinking must include a greater benefit for society, to elevate the consciousness in the world to higher standards of morals and values and the awareness of G-d, he will truly reach his greatest potential. A person who dedicates his life not just to himself but to the world, to make it a better place, is a happier person with a more enjoyable life, for his, own good.

Whose Eyes Are Those.

2011-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there lived a girl who was born blind which caused her great anguish.

She would always inquire about an eye transplant, with the hope that maybe some-day she could be given the gift of vision. She was told that she was on a 20 year waiting list.

One day a young man met her. He appreciated her on a deeper level. He saw beyond her closed eyes, and beyond her bitterness. Deep inside of her he found a very gentle, refined and deep soul, hurting badly. He took a very deep liking to her. He finally proposed. She said yes to the proposal

You can only imagine how she appreciated what he had done for her.

One day, he comes home and informs her, she would not have to wait 20 years for an eye transplant. In a few months she would be able to get a pair of eyes. She was overjoyed beyond words.

Before she went into the surgery, he told her something:

My dear wife, I don’t want you to be shocked when you wake up, so I am telling you now. “I am a blind man, too. I can’t see…”

She began weeping. The transplant ended with success, she opened her eyes and saw the world around her.

She saw the heavens, she saw sunrise, sunset. She saw children playing; she saw rain, snow, trees, streams, rivers, gardens, and animals. Her joy knew no bounds.

In the beginning she tended to him with tireless dedication and love. After all he was the man who chose to marry her, the blind woman, and she knew how much he loved her. After all, this man allowed her, to get the transplant.

As time went on she was feeling frustrated. She could finally travel and see the world; yet her husband’s impediment, would limit her every move and her every step. It was just unfair to her, she felt. She wanted to go live it up, but her blind husband just needed too much attention.

The woman decided to end the marriage.

“My dear,” she said; “I appreciate you and I love you. I feel our marriage is not allowing me to live a good life, a free life, an exciting life. I don’t see the point in being married to you while I resent it.”

The day of the divorce, she found a letter under her pillow. This is what it said:

My dear beloved wife,

As you know, I always loved you and cherished you. After your request for a divorce, I immediately complied with your request. Love can’t be forced. I will miss you dearly, and I wish you the most beautiful, exciting and fun life you wish for yourself…

I will just ask you one favor: Those eyes of yours, please treat them well. Take good care of them. For not too long ago, those eyes were mine…I loved you too much and could not bear to see you blind; so I gave you my eyes. That is why you did not have to wait twenty years…

When I heard this story, I thought, what a powerful story.

G-d created us, He designed our body, and He gave us a soul, sharing Himself with each one of us. G-d asks us to live a life filled with justice and compassion, to be loving and kind, to be charitable and giving, and to be holy and pure. He asks us to live a life dedicated to meaning and purpose, to follow His will.

But we often say: G-d, I got no time for You. I got to see the world… I need to work to pay my bills, I need some time for recreation, for leisure, for fun; G-d, I am not the religious type. G-d, I have to see the world…

Great! But who gave you those eyes, hands, feet to be able to see the world?

A Positive Negative..

2011-10-18T15:28:00.001-07:00

A Holiday for Sins?

We have a holiday for celebrating redemption and freedom, holidays for celebrating repentance and resolution, a holiday for celebrating the gift of Torah, holidays for celebrating our salvation from oppression and death...

But, wait we have one more holiday, Sukkot. For what? For celebrating the day we return to sin…

The Midrash is bothered by why the Bible calls Sukkot "the first day," when in truth it is the fifteenth of the month. The Midrash explains, Sukkot is a “first when it comes to our new account of sin.”

After our slate was wiped clean on the Day of Atonement, the first time we begin our new list of sins in the coming year is on the Holiday of Sukkot.

This is truly a strange way to describe a Holiday, in such negative terms.

The great Chassidic master, known as the defense advocate of the Jewish people, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (Ukraine, 1740-1809) offered a marvelous explanation to explain this enigmatic Midrash.

Once Rabbi Levi of Berdichev met an infamous sinner in the street. So this sinner, trying to mock at the good innocent rabbi, says to him: So Rabbi, you have any nice and kind words to say to a sinner like me?

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak told him: "You know something? I am jealous of you! After all, the Talmud says that after you do repentance, after you return to G-d with love, your deliberate sins will become merits! Imagine how many merits you will have!"

What’s the Logic?

How can a sin, a mistake, a betrayal itself become considered a merit?

When I repent out of love, not just out of fear, then what happens is that my very negative experience becomes part of my new relationship with G-d, with truth, with my soul. The very sin I have committed now becomes part of my love; it allows me to experience a far more mature, sober, deep love and appreciation for the truth.

Take an addict who undergoes real recovery and truly surrenders to the Higher Power. What happens in the process is that the very addiction, the very negative experience, confers upon the recovering addict a depth and a sensitivity that another person who has not endured the pain of deception and the pain of denial and the pain of addiction cannot experience. The addiction, the betrayal, and the depression itself become the starting point and springboard for a whole new depth and passion in living.

Our very downfalls then become springboards which prove to be sources of elevation for us.

There's a story told about the legendary head of IBM, Thomas Watson. On one occasion a senior manager made a serious business mistake that cost the company ten million dollars. Watson summoned him to his office. "I guess you want my resignation," the manager said. "Are you crazy?" Watson replied. "We've just spend ten million dollars educating you."

This is true concerning every negative experience in life. A missed flight cannot be unmissed; a harsh word uttered to a loved one cannot be unspoken. But the MEANING of these events can be changed. We can literally travel back in time to redefine the significance of what occurred.

And this is the meaning of the above quoted Midrash. By the time the Holiday of Sukkot comes about, the love and appreciation for doing things the proper way, for the right reasons, has reached such a crescendo, that included in all this euphoria, are all the sins of the past year that contribute to this feeling and they become counted as merits.

The secret to lasting change.

2011-10-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

Let me begin with a story.

This fellow was not very good with directions. North, South, East and West, was all one big jumble. One day, he needed to go south, and asked what train he should take. Unfortunately he went on to the North train.

About a half hour into the trip it occurs to him the scenery looks very different, so he asks someone where the train is heading. He was told he was heading north when he needed to be going south. The fellow motioned to him, instead of where the train is heading, he needs to go the other way, in the opposite direction.

The lost fellow immediately picked up his belongings and started running in the train down the corridors to the back of the train. As he zoomed by the sitting passengers, they became alarmed and thought there was some threat at the front of the train. People asked him what’s happening? He explained that he was going in the wrong direction, so now he is running in the train, in the direction he was told he should be going.

Everyone of course laughed at him. They told him, he needed to get off this train and head in the opposite direction, on a totally different train going in the correct direction.

In life, there are times when we realize, we need to change the direction we are going in. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a global large-scale transformation of who we are, and what we are doing. It may be one specific area, like addressing our finances, health or our spiritual state of affairs.

Let’s say someone decides he needs more money in his house. So he tries to find a better paying job, or ways to augment his current income while at the same time he continues being a spend thrift and waste money on unimportant acquisitions.

This kind of behavior would be similar to our traveling fellow, who while making an effort to change where he is heading, he is still basically on the same path that is taking him not where he needs or wants to go.

The lose weight industry will forever be making money as long as they sell you the impossibility of eat as you please, and lose weight. If a person truly wants to loose weight, he must get off entirely the frame of mind he now has, regarding food and its’ consumption. It is not possible to eat and not be conscientious of calories, and lose weights at the same time.

If and when a person realizes the transitory nature of life, the superficiality of materialism and decides he wants to live a life that taps in to something that is timeless and reaches deeper than the culture of “skin deep”, a serious change of trains is in order.

As the saying goes, you can’t be a little pregnant. Either you are or you aren’t, and this takes a serious commitment. A person must be honest, totally honest with themselves, which to be very honest isn’t always that easy, where they find themselves at any given time that they decide it’s time for a self assessment, and where they would like to be.

If you don’t know where you’re going it’s unlikely you’ll ever get there, but that’s already another topic.

Jonah and the Whale

2011-10-05T10:38:00.001-07:00

On the holiest day of the year, at the most auspicious time of the day, in the afternoon, we read “The Story of Jonah and the Whale.” Our sages tell us that every minute and every second of the day includes and affects many days of the coming year. What could be the reason we would take up so much precious time to read this story on the day of forgiveness?

The story comprises the entire Book of Jonah, which is one of the 24 Books of the Bible. The story has a fantastic life lesson and contributes to the experience of Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement.

Jonah, the son of Amitai is asked to go to Ninveh and tell the people there, “If they do not repent, G-d will destroy their city.” Jonah decides to run away to Tarshish. While in the boat, people realize they are being singled out for a storm and a tempest, so they try to find out who is the reason for this storm. Jonah declares he is to blame and suggests they throw him in the water.

In the water, a big fish swallows Jonah. Jonah finally accepts his mission and is delivered to Ninveh. Ninveh takes the message seriously and the city is spared. Although, Ninveh later on returns back to its old habits, at this moment, the regret is sincere and for the time being, they are spared.

Immediately, we have one of the fantastic lessons from this story. A person should never say,” I have sinned and regretted, and sinned again, there is no more hope for me." G-d who has infinite mercy never wears out of forgiving. If at this moment, with every fiber of our being, we are on the proper path dedicated to the proper ideals, and we have put the past behind us, that’s all that matters.

The power of repentance is one of G-d's greatest gifts and kindness to the human race. In G-d's eyes, in one moment, a person is able to turn 180 degrees and face the opposite direction. As long as his only focus is on the good, at this moment, that’s all that matters.

Jonah received his power of prophecy because of the special joy he exhibited when serving G-d. Jonah in Hebrew is a dove and represents the soul, the portion of G-d within which is always happy and blissful. The boat is the body in which G-d encloths our soul to go on a mission to Ninveh. The boat in which we travel to take us on our life’s journey, many times encounters storms.

This mission is on water which hides its’ world from the naked eye. The world we live in by its very nature, conceals and hides truth. It takes great effort to discover what is real and what is fake in the glittering blinking neon lights of this materialistic world.

On this, sometimes confusing journey, the soul wrongly decides to go to Tarshish which represents the desires of the body, and when encountering a storm throws itself further into the abyss by submerging and throwing itself into the very storm waters which is the original cause of all the problems.

That is when Jonah will get an epiphany that the answer has to be someplace else, there must be more to life, and finally decides to leave the water and go to the land where you can see things clearly as opposed to the water and fulfill the reason G-d has put his soul into this world which is in Ninveh.

Ninveh in Hebrew means (beautiful). To reveal and make known to everyone around the true beauty and opportunity, this life is for everyone notwithstanding the darkness, trial and tribulations. To discover the extra light that comes only through the challenges of existence.

Rosh Hashanah - what does it mean??

2011-09-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

While all Jewish Holidays commemorate something specific to the Jewish people i.e., Passover - the exodus for Egypt, Shavuot, the giving of the Ten Commandments etc. the High Holiday of Rosh Hashanah is commemorating the creation of man. This is not something specific to the Jewish people but for all of humanity.

On the sixth day of creation 5772 years ago, when G-d made man – and incidentally according to the Bible, this human being was a man and woman creation joined at the hips, the Bible describes this day as the beginning of G-ds accomplishments in the world. Six days already went by, the heavens, planets, animals, trees etc where created, and yet, only when the human being was made, did G-d consider, finally things are starting to happen.

The purpose of creation, and the reason for everything else, was only a prelude to the creation of the human race as the Bible says, when Adam proclaimed on that first Friday, “let us all bow and prostrate before G-d who made us” that is when “the Lord was king, he garbed himself in grandeur…… he (finally) established the world firmly”. The universe was complete, and the Sabbath was ushered in.

This is the central theme of Rosh Hashanah, coronating G-d as our King and we as His subjects.

The great mystics tell us that once a day is imbued with certain energies, this occurrence repeats itself and renews itself every year that this day is relived all over again.

On Rosh Hashanah we are contemplating on the very special role we human beings have in the scheme of what takes place in the Universe. Everything in our world was made to serve us human beings and depends on us. G-d waits for us to recognize his sovereignty, and with that permission, He works with us at our side, “G-d is your shadow.” This is our very special power and responsibility as the principle reason for creation.

When G-d made the world, He made all the planets in one command. All the animals in one gesture, all the vegetation at one time. When it came to making the human race, G-d made one person. The whole world, including G-d, is looking to each individual person as if there was no one else, to make that difference.

The only creatures endowed with a mind to think of themselves and of their lives in third person, something that a stone or a tree or an animal is not able to do, is the human being.

Rosh Hashanah is the time to consider, that we as human beings certainly did not make ourselves. The universe surely did not make itself. This is the time to think of our connection with the true source of all and re-establish our bonds with G-d. Have we done things to block and sever our ties, are there areas that can use improvement to strengthen our attachment with G-d? Have we invited the supreme sovereign of the Universe who certainly has all the powers to do as he pleases, into our lives? On a daily basis?? Not a second can go by, when we don’t need G-ds ever watchful eye over us.

“As we begin the year, so it goes.” May we all merit the awareness of G-d upon us all the time. That will be our blessing for a most elevated and blessed sweet New Year.

Sinners have it Better!

2011-09-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Between the following two choices: what’s better as far as appreciating and being grateful for life itself? To be healthy all the time, or get sick and then, appreciate and be thankful for health much more afterwards having experienced illness? In a similar vein, if it’s sunny all the time, can a person appreciate the sun and tranquil weather, like someone who just went through a hurricane?

We are talking here, after the fact, since no one is guaranteed that if they make themselves sick, or if they choose to go through a hurricane, they will survive.

The Bible tells us, there are two different ways a person accomplishes his mission in our lifetime. Although, everyone experiences both conducts, in some people, one method is more prominent, and in others, the modes operandi is the other routine.

There is the manner of the righteous and the way of the repentant. In due course, even the righteous experiences repentance.

A righteous person is someone who for the most part, is always doing the right thing. He senses G-dliness in his life and has this constant desire and love to stay attached to G-d, through the performance of His commandments. His general direction in life is always looking ahead and forward. It’s the magnetism and attraction to good that motivates him all the time.

A person will always run away with more vigor and energy from death, than he will running towards things that are positive and strengthening for life. No one wants pain in life, and people are influenced more by what they are afraid of, than what they do want – happiness and pleasure.

The danger and peril of what’s bad and dangerous, plays more of a significant influence in most people, than the benefits of what is good. The repulsion from bad is always stronger, than the attraction to good. That’s why salespeople are more successful scaring you if you don’t get their product, than convincing you on the merit of what is good.

There is a great virtue and advantage to a person who is always righteous, and that is, that his sights are always on G-dliness and what’s good. He will reach much further ahead, because he has set his goals much higher than just running away. However, the one who feels a deep thirst for water because his throat is parched has a much greater intensity and passion in his desire, than someone who just wants to enjoy water.

As we approach the high holidays when the Bible tells us G-d judges the world, it is a very special time for introspection. A person who realizes how much we need G-d for our every day, and every moment survival, will understand and appreciate the need to run away from many of his current habits and routines. His desire for good should intensify during this time of the year.

The prophets tell us, “G-d desires the heart.” The moment a person makes a firm resolution to turn away from the past, he has already made his 180 degree turn, and his sights are already set on the light that is before him. “G-d judges a person at this moment”, and at this moment once a person has made the turn, he is now going in the proper direction. That is why it is so important the way we behave during the ten days of repentance, and when the process of, “who will live and who will….who in fire and who in water…and Repentance, Prayer and Charity will avert the evil decree.”

Warmest wishes for a Happy and Sweet New Year to everyone.

Everything, makes a BIG difference.

2011-09-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, a friend of mine, shared with me the following amazing story.

This takes place not too long ago in the outskirts of Jerusalem. One of the supervisors of a local kitchen had a custom of gathering a quorum of men for the afternoon prayers. This one particular day, let’s call this fellow Jacob, encountered great difficulty finding his tenth man.

He left the kitchen and saw this older fellow sitting on a park bench reading a newspaper. Jacob, approached the fellow and asked him if he would be kind enough to participate in the prayers and complete the quorum. The fellow, lets call him Abraham asked, if he was truly the tenth person and all that was needed was him. Jacob reassured Abraham, that he was it, and if he came they would be able to proceed immediately, with their prayers.

The two proceeded towards the prayer hall and as they approached, someone inside yelled out that they already found a tenth person for the prayers and no one else was necessary. Although Jacob reassured Abraham that he was most welcome to participate in the prayers notwithstanding that he was not “needed”, Abraham indicated he would return back to the park.

A few months later, Jacob has a dream and Abraham comes to him, begging that he try and convince his son to say the special Kaddish prayer for the deceased, on his behalf. Jacob was surprised, and asked in his dream, why he was asking him, of all people, to do the job. Besides, since when do the souls of people get this very special opportunity to ask, anyone at all, to make sure the Kaddish is being recited on their behalf.

Abraham answered Jacob. “Because I agreed to make the quorum on that day you approached me, this intention alone to do a good deed, in heaven it was decided that I could make the effort to recruit someone on my own behalf, and the person I could go to, is the one through whom I received this merit”.

That morning, Jacob immediately contacted Abraham’s son, who confirmed that his dad had passed away a few months ago and that he was negligent in saying the Kaddish. However, after hearing this story, he immediately accepted to begin saying this special prayer on behalf of his Dad.

This story is so very powerful for many reasons, most significant is that it happened just recently, hot off the press.

Ladies and gentleman, many of you think that it only matters when we DO a good deed or G-d forbid the opposite. When it comes to thoughts, intentions and speech it’s a free ride.

The bible tells us that a thought can invalidate a sacrifice. The intention we have, or that we don’t have, is the difference between an act that will fly to G-d and connect with G-d, or an act that will be hollow and a dead. An empty shell.

The words we produce, can and will generate an energy that will strengthen and fortify, or G-d forbid bring about negative results.

The objects we bring into our homes and lives, have their own energy and aura and they will infuse our environment with either life generating positive and constructive energy, or the opposite.

Everything we think, speak, or do, have serious, eternal ramifications.

As we approach the New Year, when G-d judges the world, this is a most opportune and favorable time to reflect on the seriousness and powers, that each one of us is endowed with, as a partner with G-d to make the world around us, a better place for all of mankind.

WAR

2011-09-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

The mystics tell us, our goal in life is to overpower form over substance, the soul & spirit over the coarseness of our body. This is an ongoing life battle. While the soul and spirit would like nothing else but to grow and express itself in spiritual and G-dly matters, the body on the other side, in this tug of war, desires to pull the person down, engulf and swallow itself and the soul in trivial bodily pleasures.

The bible describes our actions, as a compulsory war and/or a voluntary war.

The necessary and unavoidable war, plays itself out when the evil inclination within, openly challenges our G-dly soul. We feel tempted to do something we know is immoral or unethical for the immediate gratification it brings, and the temptation is strong. It is not in vain that our sages tell us,”who is strong, he who overcomes his inner evil inclinations”. At this time and without much choice, we must draw the strength of the intellectual G-dly soul with which to over power the emotions that are attempting to derail our life. Mind has an inherent advantage over the emotions like light over darkness.

The other way we address this battle is through a proactive and voluntary war. The best way to win an enemy is not by fighting and risking lives, but by avoiding the war to begin with. The G-dly soul strengthens itself with the G-dly light, the strength of Bible study and the performance of its’ commandments to such a point, that it becomes beneath the person to even consider despicable unthinkable acts. We strength the good side and accustom ourselves in upright behavior to such a degree, that the enemy, animal soul, would not even dare challenge the person.

A person elevates and raises his manner of thinking, speaking and acting to a point where he feels it’s beneath him to stoop so low as to give in to the animal soul.

In the book of the Zohar it tells us, that “the time of prayer is the time of war.” “Serving G-d with all your heart” is performed through prayer, which is “with the heart and in the heart.” The emotions that come from the heart, is where the animal within projects itself. It is these bad emotions, feelings and temptations that take control of our G-dly given strength to think logically and avoid those things we know are bad for us. During prayer when a person meditates on the greatness of G-d and the influence G-d has in the world and in a person’s life, we have the opportunity, to elevate ourselves and strengthen the light and the good side, so later on in the day we should have less temptations from the evil animal soul who dwells in the heart.

Prayer when done properly, is the golden opportunity to strengthen the G-dly soul for the rest of the day.

We all start out in life as children, with the compulsory and unavoidable war, faced with the temptations glaring in our eyes. When we mature, G-d grants us at adulthood our G-dly soul, and then, we can strengthen the good side and G-dly soul to the point where the temptations dare us less frequently, and not as gross as when we where immature.

Earning a Living.

2011-09-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

A most significant commandment and practice, is that every morning, before we do anything else, we pray to G-d. While our minds are still clear and fresh, we lay the foundation, we set the course for the day, by connecting with the source of blessings, from where all the good luck comes from.

Once, a simple person traveled to his teacher for the Sabbath. As the custom was, before departing back home, he went to his teacher to receive a blessing. The Rabbi instructed him to go over his daily routine with him. The simple merchant described how he goes early in the morning, to buy merchandise from the farmers, and then, does his prayers before finally going to the market to sell his wares.

Hearing this, the Rabbi condemned his actions saying, “It was not proper to put G-d second in line.” By acting this way, he demonstrated a weakness in his faith in G-d, and more of a trust and confidence in his own actions.

The poor fellow tried to explain how important it was for him to get an advantage over other buyers by coming early, but the Rabbi responded, “Don’t you see how G-d provides for the entire universe effortlessly, and the only reason we work is because we are commanded to make an effort. When you give precedence to your work over your prayers, it appears as if you believe, it is entirely up to you, the money you earn”.

Let me tell you a story, said the Rabbi. Once, there was a poor teacher who decided to leave his family for the big city where he would earn enough money to open a business back home. After three years of earning a respectable living and having saved enough money, he decided to return home. He needed to stay over the Sabbath at an inn (when it is forbidden to travel and handle money) and was afraid someone could possibly steal his money. Although, he didn’t know the innkeeper, he figured that was a better bet than leaving the money in his room.

This fellow could not wait for the end of the Sabbath, and quickly went over to the innkeeper to ask for his money back. Upon receiving his bag of money, he started to count his gold coins. As he came to the end of his counting, he kept on shaking the sack. The innkeeper asked, “Is everything all right? I see you have all your gold coins.” The fellow answered. There was also one copper coin and I’m looking to see if it is still there.”

The teacher concluded. Look at the man's silliness. After seeing all the gold coins where intact, he still suspected perhaps, the innkeeper stole one copper coin. Likely, you are doing the same. When you go to bed every night, you entrust G-d with your soul, and there is no guarantee you will wake up in the morning. When you wake up, you open your eyes, the sun is shining, and G-d returned all the gold, “How is it that you are still not sure that G-d will provide as well, all your needs?”

According to the Bible, a person should not say, “I will eat, drink, and enjoy, and Heaven will have mercy.” We learn from Isaac, that seeds need to be planted, so G-d will bless our effort. However, we, don’t make a living. We do good deeds and earn the merit from G-d, and then, our efforts generate success at the right time and in the proper measure for each individual person.

The Internal Battle & Addictions

2011-08-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

I’ve been reading recently, that according to a recent study, addictions are a disease. There are other influences as well that drive a person to be an addict, nevertheless in the end, the individual still has the power of control over their own choices.

In another article I read recently, the author was saying, while a person intellectually understands something is bad for them, the association of the imagery and emotions to good feelings, will many times trump what good logic dictates. Therefore to overcome this problem, a person with his mind, must change the associations of certain bad decision and good results to the bad results they truly lead to.

Both of these articles are not saying anything new. The Bible talks of two spirits that is built in, within a person. An animal soul, which in some people is stronger and more inclined to certain animalistic tendencies. And a G-dly soul which in some people is stronger in certain areas than others. The G-dly soul which is compared to light, it dwells and manifests itself through the mind, will always have the power over the darkness and animal soul. As strong as emotions are, the mind can overcome the emotions, and the animal within.

Our sages tell us, that a person who has a predisposition to bad leanings, and he actually wants to do the bad but overcomes this temptation, the depth of his goodness comes out in a way that would never be drawn out if not for the trial. When facing an internal battle, the strength is always there to overcome, and to make us stronger and wiser as a result.

Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch once told his son, “the evil inclination inside each one of us, even though it’s called an animal, can at times act slyly and can clothe itself in the guise of a straightforward humble righteous person, requiring one to use much cleverness to uncover its’ tricks. The evil inclination, manifests itself in each person according to his nature. One person might feel a powerful desire to do a good deed, yet it is coming from the evil animal within, who is trying to prevent him from doing something necessary positive and good at this moment.”

“Take this as a general rule” said the Rabbi. “Anything that leads to an actual performance of good and self refinement, and is met with opposition, even the most noble, comes from the evil inclination”.

Rabbi Meir of Premishlan once related the following; “One wintry day, while I was traveling with my teacher, our horse and buggy reached an incline and it seemed to me that the carriage would topple over at any moment. I was prepared to jump out hastily, full of youthful courage, when my teacher placed his hand on mine and said “Sit down calmly, no bad will befall you.” So it was.

After some time elapsed, driving on flat snowy terrain, we hit an ice patch. The carriage turned over and we all fell on the snow. My teacher then said to me “Nu, so do you see now, when a person falls”.

This experience taught Rabbi Meir that sometimes the danger of succumbing to the evil inclination is not when the danger is apparent. If we remain cool and collected, we don't act in haste, and with focus on our goal, we will reach where we need to.

It is when we least expect it, we are overly confident, that we unexpectedly reach the ice patch and go slipping down. We must always be on the lookout for the enemy, because the enemy never forgets what they are here to carry out.

The Seven Mystical truths to inner happiness & Fulfillment.

2011-08-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

#1 Foundation of all foundations.

The foundation of all foundations is that G-d is the source of all things and He impossible to be understood because He is beyond any kind of logic.

G-d is one and is everything. We must know our entire existence is G-d. Feelings of ego run contrary to this principle. Judging others is a product of the ego. Ego makes us want to be in control and ultimately causes us insecurity. We meditate on the above in our morning prayers and before we go to sleep in our night prayers. This knowledge that all is G-d, gives us our security, strength and pride.

#2, Giver and taker.

Everything in this world has the dual function of giver and taker. We receive what we put out. By attaching and elevating ourselves to a level higher than ourselves to spirituality we make ourselves part of the cycle of life to receive G-dliness. When a person gives charity whether physical or just helps another person, this is the highest form of currency “current” flowing through him. In the measure a person gives of himself he will receive through that exact circuit. “Bring another person closer to G-d and G-d will bring you closer, Love another person and G-d will love you, do a favor for another person G-d will do you a favor.”

When all this is done with Joy, all boundaries are broken in the giving and in what comes back. When you bless another person with a full heart G-d blesses you with a full heart. The way we approach G-d is the way G-d then responds to us.

#3, Reward and punishment.

For every action there is an equal and in line reaction. The principle of reward and punishment. Everything we do every act, even mere thinking creates a response and reaction. King David was amazed at how the higher spheres are affected by the small details of Mitzvot (G-ds commandments.). Our mind wields much power. We can make a sacrifice not kosher, by how we think. We control our emotions with our mind. Everything we do or don’t do is a decision with consequences. Bad past decisions can be dealt with through Teshuvah-repentance which puts a person in touch with his pure essence the spark of G-d within, and this puts him in touch with the past and the future. Lechatchilah Ariber – elevating oneself above his current challenges, is the thrust to move forward.

#4, Everything is in the hands of G-d.

Except for the study of Torah and the performance of Mitzvot (good deeds) and fear of G-d everything comes from G-d with little effort. There is a plan and purpose behind everything. Divine providence is always in charge and all comes from G-d and therefore a person is always accepting of the way things are. A person doesn’t have to work hard to have a livelihood or health etc. It’s enough he does a small effort and has trust in G-ds kindness and benevolence in providing him with what’s best for him. We don’t have to feel stress or pressure regarding any worldly needs. Although a person must always pray for his needs and wish for what is needed he is always in a great state of Joy believing and accepting G-ds timing.

A person need only to be focused on his performance of doing what’s proper in the eyes of G-d which at times come with great illusionary difficulty to assure all the others things that G-d provides almost effortlessly. G-d assures everyone that strength is provided to fulfill this task.

#5, The path YOU choose.

G-d provides His kindness in line with our desires. As we desire so will G-d help us. Nothing stands in the way of a true desire and the world was given to a person to conquer. A person was created with free choice to choose as he pleases which direction he will go in, similar to G-d who chooses his decisions without coercion. A person by strongly attaching his mind to something is able to propel himself in that direction. A person realigns and refocuses himself three times a day during his prayers and is never embarrassed of the direction he has chosen to go in.

#6, Acceptance of G-ds timing.

A person places upon G-d his worries and lets G-d sort out the solution and how they will materialize. To a person, however G-d decides to respond, is always equally acceptable to him because G-d knows best. A person opens his hands to accept G-ds good grace in whatever way G-d decides to send his graciousness. Moshiach- the ultimate good and all good things come by surprise in the blink of an eye as G-d decides how and when to send his blessings. We never expect or demand that G-d should send His blessings in any specific way we are whole hearted and sincere in our belief and acceptance of G-ds ways.

#7, Unique mission for each person.

G-d has a unique plan and mission for every individual. No one thinks or looks alike and each individual has a purpose that no one else can duplicate which the entire world and cosmos is dependant on. Wherever a person finds himself it is because he was sent to offer his unique talents to that part of the planet. Everyone has a unique mission in the army of G-d in bringing about G-ds plan in this world. In addition to the idea of each person having a unique mission, every person has a particular unique practice that is special to him and this is his special act among all the other things that he does. At every stage of a person’s life he must ask himself am I doing and fulfilling the reason I was created for.

How To Pray.

2011-08-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of Moses’ life the Bible says, he prayed and pleaded with G-d to allow him to enter the Holy Land of Israel. Prayer is indeed very powerful. One of the commandments of the Bible, is that whenever a person feels something lacking in their life, they turn to G-d and pray.

The word in Hebrew that the Bible uses to describe the prayers of Moses, indicates that Moses didn’t feel he deserved to enter the land, and notwithstanding that, he was imploring and petitioning G-d to allow him to enter.

One can argue. “Why must we pray to G-d to begin with?” In truth, He owes us our needs. Since G-d made us, He has some sort of responsibility towards our needs, wellbeing, and upkeep. In particular, if we are “well behaved” doing all that He asks us to do, certainly we should expect the good to come automatically, and when its not coming, we can consequently demand what is reasonable.

As far as the commandment to pray, we can explain, we are asking and praying that what G-d is “responsible” to give us, we are praying for it to be done in a pleasant fashion, and/or we are praying for going the extra the mile, and therefore, for the extras.

Moses is teaching us something very fundamental in the way we must pray and call upon G-d.

Prayer is a hallowed time for a person to meditate and connect with the Almighty. It’s not about what I can receive for me, rather it’s all about moving towards and coming before our Creator.

The proper way therefore, is not to come with demands even when we feel we deserve it. We always go before G-d with humility, as if we where asking for a gift, and that whatever is granted is pure graciousness.

The truth of the matter is, that no mortal human being ever has the merits to justify his requests. Even someone like Moses who understood his contribution to G-ds own people, he received the Ten Commandments and surely recognized his own virtues. The Bible describes Moses as “ the most humble person of any human being on the face of this earth.” Moses sincerely believed, if any other person was given all the opportunities he was granted, they would surely have performed much better than him.

What makes the righteous people special, is that their own accomplishments are never seen in their own eyes as being a reason to gloat about. Everything they do is always seen as merely doing their duty, what they should be doing, and when they stand before G-d, it’s like a poor person asking for alms.

The Midrash says, “The world has no claim against G-d.” Anything that a mere finite mortal does, can never add to the infinity of G-d. A human being must never think that what they do adds anything at all to G-d. The proper attitude is to see whatever we are granted as pure kindness from above. In G-ds kindness, the fact that He pays any attention to our deeds, that alone is G-d’s kindness and the fact that what we do, G-d in the Bible says,”He will reward,” is pure benevolence.

Moses is teaching us the virtue of humility in prayer as the Zohar says, “He who is big is small, and he who is small is really big.”

Kernel of good even in the bad.

2011-08-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

This coming week on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 we mourn the destruction of the two Holy Temples in Israel which where destroyed over 2000 years ago.

The Midrash tells a story, that when the second destruction was taking place, a local farmer who was able to recognize the language of the animals, heard about the destruction from one of his cows. As he was sharing this with one of his Jewish neighbors, the cow “spoke” again. The farmer tells his neighbor, “The cow just announced, the birth of the ultimate redeemer – Moshiach.”

The Talmud tells us that when the Romans entered the Holy of Holies, they saw the Cherubim in a hug with each other. They brought it out to the marketplace and ridiculed, “Look, what these people are occupied with!”

In the Talmud, it tells us, there was a whole host of miracles that took place in the Holy Temple on a regular basis. This was G-ds house, and the presence of G-d, brings experiences greater than the confines of nature.

In the most Holy of Places where the ark stood, although the ark itself had its own measurement, against the wall where it stood, when one measured from either side of the ark to the end of the wall, it was as if it took up no space at all.

Another miracle. On the Holidays, the curtain to the Holy of Holies would be opened, and if the Cherubim on top of the ark where facing each other, this would demonstrate, – “Look at how G-d loves you, and that you are pleasing to Him.”

However, if the Cherubim which where made from solid gold would be turned back to back, they would know, G-d is not happy with them and that they are not doing the proper things.

So the question is asked. If when the cherubim are face to face this demonstrates the love G-d has for the Jewish people, “why were they facing each other at one of the most severe and stern moments in Jewish History?” The destruction of the temple was prophesized by Jeremiah and Isaiah as a punishment for not serving G-d in the proper manner?

Here, we can understand as well the meaning to the first story.

Chassidus explains, that even when things on the surface appear bad and bitter, there is destruction taking place, and the light at the end of the tunnel has already been put in place. “G-d always precedes the cure to the malady”, and deep down in the experience and circumstances, there is always a positive reason and a positive productive purpose behind all that’s happening.

The purpose of the difficulty and hardships is to refine areas of ourselves and the world, which we would not reach if not for the hardships. Contained within the difficulties and persecutions, in the rot and destruction is where the growth and greatest produce is able to be realized.

In Mysticism, the expression is, the higher the spark the lower it falls. Looking from the other angle, which would mean, when we encounter matters that appear so low, at its lowest point, in truth it comes from a very high source, and in the hardship lies already planted the highest most powerful redeeming value. At the time that we are going through our hardships, we must realize, G-d is doing this because he loves us, and He knows the greater potential we have to draw and extract from this condition.

YOUR life may depend on HIM

2011-07-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here’s a story that demonstrates the importance of treating everyone with respect for no other reason than, your life may depend on it.

The saintly Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov (founder of Chasidism, known also by the acronym "Besht") was sitting in his room. A light knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"I have heard of the fame of the saintly Rabbi. I wished to see the Rabbi's holy face and receive his blessing," said the visitor.

The Besht said, "It is written, 'G-d directs the steps of man.' This means that it is not possible to go anywhere without being directed by Divine Providence."

The gentleman looked puzzled, and the Besht began to tell a story:

"Once, there lived two boys who were best of friends. Soon the boys were married businessmen.

"At first, both did very well, later, however, one lost his entire fortune.

"The poor man arriving at his friend's house, was warmly welcomed. They chatted and the host asked his old buddy the reason for the visit. The visitor poured his heart out, saying he came to seek help.

"The host called his book-keeper and ordered half of his fortune transferred to his impoverished friend. 'My friend,' he said, 'we always shared everything. I am now going to share everything I have with you again!'

"The poor man returned home and once again became successful. The rich friend, his fortune, took a turn for the worse and he became poor.

"It was now his turn, to seek the aid of his friend, whom he had helped in his hour of need. He went to his friend's house and the servant came out to the visitor saying, his master was too busy to see him.

"The poor man could hardly believe his ears.” There was nothing for the poor man to do but return home.

He could not get over the humiliation and disappointment and soon died.

"On the very same day, the rich man in the other town had an accident and died too. The two souls ascended to heaven and appeared for judgment. The soul of the poor man who had treated his friend so generously was told of his great reward, but the other soul was condemned.

"The first soul said sadly, "How can I enjoy the happiness of Paradise knowing that my friend is being punished on my account?" The soul was given permission to pronounce judgment in this case. The soul said that both of them should again be sent into bodies, so that the other soul could make amends where it had failed. Selflessly, this soul accepted a life of poverty again, in order to help the other soul.

"Some time afterwards, two baby boys were born in two different towns, one rich and one poor. One day the poor one, arrived in the town where the rich man lived, and knocked at his door. 'You are a stranger in this town do you not know that I do not give alms to any beggar, not even local ones!'

"The beggar had not eaten for three days. He collapsed and died.

"Now what do you think of this rich man?" the saintly Baal Shem Tov concluded, his keen eyes piercing through the visitor.

The Baal Shem Tov's visitor grew pale and frightened, for he remembered the beggar who had knocked at his door only a few days before he made his way to the Baal Shem Tov. The pale and haggard face of the dead beggar which had made no impression on him then, now began to torment him.

Is there anything I can do to save my soul?" the visitor pleaded.

The Baal Shem Tov replied, "Yes, there is something you can do. You must try to find the survivors of the poor man and ask their forgiveness. You must provide them with all their needs for the rest of their lives and distribute the rest of your fortune to the poor and needy. Then, pray to G-d with all your heart, for He is near to all who call unto Him in truth."

Are you depressed or bitter?

2011-07-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Torah underscores the importance of joy and pushes away depression. Even though inner pain, anguish, a heavy head, and a heavy heart are all considered unhelpful and harmful matters. There is a certain type of anguish and distress which is considered as positive, and this is bitterness.

There is a saying, that unkosher meat under all circumstances can not be changed and made kosher. However, meat, when prepared in a kosher and proper way, great benefit can be derived in the service of G-d.

Depression is not kosher, and there is no redeeming value that can be drawn from it. Bitterness, although in itself, in its current state, is not positive, if directed properly it can become and be used as a catalyst to trigger for something positive.

On the face of things, it’s not easy to distinguish between the two. On the surface, both depression and bitterness cause a person pain, agony, and constriction of sorts. The great Chassidim would say, “The distance between depression and bitterness is just a hair breadth, and yet the difference between the two is like the distance between heaven and earth, holiness and impurity.

How does one distinguish between the no good, depression, and what can lead to great good, bitterness?

When a person is depressed, he has no liveliness, he is steeped, and immersed. in his unhappiness, and he has no energy. He wants to go to sleep and feels despondent. Depression is a form of death in the sense that he feels disconnected from his own life.

On the other hand, when someone is experiencing bitterness, there is life and energy. Not the happy type to be sure, but the person feels a subtle anger, an urgency, and desire for things to be different. This, has the potential to trigger a change and improvement from the current state of affairs.

The difference between the two, depression and bitterness can be clearly seen in the way a person reacts to life events. If a person’s house should burn down, and let’s say there was no insurance to cover his loss, this is clearly not a happy event to dance and be joyful about. A depressed person puts his hands up in the air despondent and in hopelessness. It’s too overwhelming, and he gives up. While the person who is bitter about what’s happening, will start yelling for the fire extinguishers to take the fire out. Although, he is not happy with what’s happening, he is bitter; he is full of energy, life, and liveliness which gets him on the move to do something.

The underlying reason between the two is fundamental.

The reason for depression is an extreme and extra ordinary focus on one’s self. Everything revolves and is interpreted around the person himself. Any shortcoming, deficiencies, and mistakes somehow always comeback to the person. In depression, the focus on oneself ultimately makes the person only about themselves, small, and insignificant which leads to self implosion.

While someone who is outwardly focused on serving his G-dly purpose, his mission and purpose in life, when it’s all about what can I do to serve, and to be of some positive use in the world around me, this outward focus will always make the person a bigger individual and will bring to achievement, self worth and happiness.

It is impossible to overcome the evil inclination when one is lazy and heavy which comes from being depressed. Only when a person is filled with life, energy, and enthusiasm, joy from seeing all the good there is around them, will they have the energy to succeed over all internal battles.

YOUR Difficulties & Challenges in life.

2011-07-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

I officiated at a funeral the other day for an elderly lady who just a few years ago I officiated at the funeral of her own daughter who passed away from cancer. Besides all her other challenges in life, having to mourn the death of ones own child, has to be one of those real tough ones to handle

When G-d commanded to divide the land of Israel amongst the twelve tribes – The bible says, “With lots you shall separate the land.” The land was divided by relying on a suprarational method and was not divided according to rational thinking.

According to one opinion in Jewish law, when one depends on a raffle for an outcome, we say, the raffle is merely guiding the person in the direction of the raffle. Another opinion in Jewish law states that the raffle actually has the power to grant ownership to the winner of the lottery, so no other act is necessary to gain acquisition and ownership of the object.

In the same way, that the land for the tribes as a whole was granted by depending on Divine guidance, something that goes beyond rational thinking and explanation – every member of the tribe was awarded their own lot in life, to develop, grow, and thrive in the same way.

Our sages tell us, the same applies to each individual person and their own lot in life. We are all placed here in this world with a very specific and unique mission, our own lot to develop. The circumstances and place a person finds himself in, was granted to them similar to a lot by Divine providence, something that doesn’t always make rational sense.

Why was I born to these parents, or why was I born in this country, or why was I given this set of strengths and weaknesses? Some people might want to escape to what appears to be other more lush pastures. They say, someplace else or in other circumstances, things would be different or things would be better.

Once two souls came up to heaven, both did good. The rich one helped pull out people stuck in the mud, and the poor chariot driver invited the needy to his home. Both, where sent back again to this world. The rich one should have done what he is most suited to do, to invite the hungry to his abundant table, and the chariot guy should have pulled the stuck chariots out of the mud.

The things that are met with the greatest of internal hardships and difficulties is usually the reason we were sent down here to this world. Our mission and lot in life, our unique purpose in the world usually comes disguised at the most difficult time or set of circumstances.

The comfort is that not only does Divine providence steer us in the direction of what’s best and most compatible with our soul’s mission, it also grants us ownership over the hardship. The power to succeed is always implanted and imbued within us and in our surroundings, to achieve, to accomplish, and thrive in that portion of life that was granted to each one of us.

Body & soul - the balance.

2011-07-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Throughout the ages, philosophers have tried to figure out the balance, if any at all, between the spiritual the physical, the soul and body.

When the spies where sent by Moses to search out the Land of Israel, they returned back to the wilderness with the report, “It is a land that devours its inhabitants.” Now, these spies where leaders of their tribes, and not only where they spiritual people, they where wise men. What exactly did they mean by these words? Is it possible they would speak badly of the land, G-d had in mind to award the Jewish people?

Our sages explain the following, after all the miracles they had recently experienced coming out of Egypt, and most recently in the wilderness. Seeing the miraculous hand of G-d, they did not want to enter a place where they would have to deal with the physical land and waste their time seeding and plowing in order to earn their bread. They preferred the spiritual ascetic life of the wilderness, where they would be sustained directly by G-d, manna from heaven etc., and ALL their time could be dedicated to spirituality.

They claimed, if we enter the land of Israel, and then, we are commanded to plow the ground in order to perform the commandments of tithing, and keeping the sabbatical etc., it will swallow our spiritual aspirations. But of course, we all know what happened. G-d punished them, because the ultimate reason why we are placed in THIS physical world, is to address the reality of the corporeal and materialistic world, and transform the challenge they present into a positive.

Comes the next portion of the Bible. Korach rebelled against Moses and claimed, everyone is holy since we all stood in the same way when we received the Ten Commandments from G-d. Korach too was a smart man. Why would he rebel against the leadership of Moses when it was obvious to all the superior qualities of this man?

Korach went to the opposite extreme of the spies. If what matters argued Korach, is the practical deed in a physical world, and what happens spiritually is not the ultimate. Dwelling in a spiritual oasis doesn’t cut it, but what is necessarily expected is to deal with the physical. Korach took this to an extreme and claimed that by observing an act, everyone is the same!

When one places a Mezuzah on one’s door, it doesn’t matter whether they are a Moses, or a simple person. The act is always exactly the same. So, why the exalted position of leaders? Everyone who does is equal to each other?

G-d was not happy with this argument, and Korach was swallowed alive in the ground he revered. G-d was indicating, that while it’s true that it’s the deed that counts, the intent and concentration, the inspiration behind a deed is not the same in everyone, and a Moses will be very different in their act, in comparison to a simple person.

Then, comes the rules of the red heifer, where the holy water was mixed with the ashes of the red heifer, to bring the ultimate level of purity and holiness in a person.

Fire is a substance that is always going upwards. This symbolizes the constant yearning of the soul for its spiritual quest. Water is always flowing to its lowest point, and this symbolizes the point of direction and focus towards addressing the needs of the lowest, coarsest point of this materialistic world. Addressing the weakness of the body and infusing it with the wisdom of above.

So while it is true that what counts most is the physical down to earth good deed, and all the spirituality in the world can’t put food and nutrition in your body. The intent and spiritual motivation behind the deed represent the soul to the body of the good deed. It’s the combination of water and fire that brings the ultimate of blessings.

The importance of real Joy.

2011-06-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

In the Book of Psalms, King David says, “Serve G-d in Joy, come before Him in Song.” and in our daily prayers we say regarding G-d, “He prefers melodious song...”

The great Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchok Luria once said to his student, the reason why he merited the holy prophetic spirit of G-d, was because of his great joy when performing G-d’s commandments.

Here we have a very important point to be made, which is expressed in the following law.

Maimonides writes in his Code of Jewish Law, although it’s a mitzvah- an important deed, to drink a cup of wine on the holidays, one should not over indulge in drinking and frivolity, and claim he is increasing in joy. For this is only an expression of being wild and frivolity. We are commanded to be joyous and happy, which is a great service of G-d, and this cannot be fulfilled when wild and drunk.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy – “Because you did not serve G-d in joy and with a good plentiful heart, you will serve your enemies.” Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Liadi explains, that the true enemies of a person are the destructive thoughts and internal challenges. These enemies are eradicated, and to begin with, not given a chance to come into our minds, through the joy of serving G-d. King Solomon already counsels us, “In ALL your ways you shall know Him.”

Once, a student came to Rabbi Shnuer Zalman of Liadi and said, “He was being assaulted and overwhelmed with bad thoughts.” The Rabbi told him, “They gather in empty spaces”. Rabbi Schneerson explained, “If a person would fill his mind and heart with the joy and delight, with the richness and fullness of serving G-d, there would be no room for the emptiness and darkness to take hold.”

When a person feels an excitement in his heart that he is able to give pleasure to his Creator by serving him, this strikes a certain chord deep down inside that sparks light and vibrancy all over a person’s body and life.

There will always be those who will mock, since this is their mechanism for overcoming their own jealousy and guilt. A person should just ignore those who mock him and who only derive pleasure from physical materialistic pursuits.

There is a saying in the name of the Baal Shem Tov. “ Foolishness, sadness and a haughty feeling of self worth is considered in many ways, as like a terrible sin of the Bible ( although not actually) and, discriminating perception, joy brought about through finding the good in everything, and a calm swiftness are considered ( again, although not actually ) a Commandment of the Bible”.

Once, a great Rabbi saw someone dancing to his morning prayers. It was quite obvious this person felt and understood the true joy and meaning of what he was saying. The Rabbi commented, “Great things will come from these prayers.” Another time, this same Rabbi saw someone dancing, called him by name, and said, “What a pity to wear out a good pair of shoes.”

Hey YOU. What did you say?

2011-06-22T13:26:00.001-07:00

The Talmud says, “ A covenant was made with the lips,”, and words will always have an effect. On another note, but on the same subject, our sages tell us, that dreams go according to their interpretations.

Years ago, perhaps it would sound strange to say that words generated by people are actual energies with actual strength to it. Today, more than ever and for so many reasons, we can appreciate the strength of sound and words with voice generated computer programs and sound waves that can be measured.

In the same way, G-d created the world in ten statements. A person can either create or destroy worlds with his words.

The Code of Jewish Law says, even in jest, we must be very careful and conscientious of our words. A person should not say about a living person who shows up late to a meeting, “If he where alive he would surely be here already “, as if to insinuate he must be dead. This can direct death in the direction of that person.

There was once a scholar by the name of Yehudah who would study all week long, and when he would return home for the Shabbat, a pillar of fire could be seen in front of him. One week, he was so engrossed in his studies, that he remained behind Friday night. His father in law, Rabbi Yannai, a very prominent teacher said in jest, “ Who knows if he is still alive”, and not very long afterwards, Yehuda passed away. The Talmud attributes his death to the comments that where made by his father-in-law.

When Moses sent out spies to explore and investigate the Land of Israel, ten of the twelve spies “spoke bad regarding the land”. In one of the reports they said, ”We thought of ourselves like grasshoppers in the eyes of the inhabitants.” Our sages tell us, it was the belittling statements that actually diminished their strength and greatness, and this is what caused them, to not be able to enter the Land of Israel

The other two of the twelve spies who spoke with faith, strength and optimism lived long lives and entered the land.

Although, it does make a difference who is the one who is saying the positive or negative words, a great person will have a much greater strength in their words, we should never take lightly the blessings and good wishes of even a simple person.

When King David purchased the land upon which to build the Temple, the simple local farmer blessed him that the plague that was so severe at the time should stop, and the Talmud says, “this blessing was fulfilled.”

Before Daniel the prophet was thrown into the lion’s den, King Daryavesh blessed him that the lions not harm Daniel, and, it was fulfilled.

There is an expression sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. That is absolutely not true. Words have a power in them that is by far more powerful and deep reaching than what sticks and stones can bring about.

Good and positive words can and will create, while bad and negative words will destroy.

Do You worship idols?

2011-06-15T13:11:00.001-07:00

“From The beginnings of your dough you shall give to G-d. “

Literally, we are talking about the portion allocated as support for the Priests in the Temple, called Challah. In Hebrew, the word for dough can also mean beds. The Torah would be saying then, early in the morning, right when you come out of bed, one should dedicate the beginning of day to G-d in prayer and gratitude.

The Talmud says, that anyone who gives Challah - this first portion to G-d, it’s as if they negated idol worshiping, while anyone who does not give Challah, it’s as if they worshiped idols!!! Heavy words.

Idol worshipping is a cornerstone and foundation of our faith. So, how do we attach what appears to be the observance of one commandment with the foundation and main pillar of our faith???

Dough represents sustenance and life itself. To make dough one must plow the ground, place the seeds, harvest the kernels, make the flour, etc. Lots of steps are dependent on one’s action according to nature.

It would be very easy for a person who sits down to some bread after working so hard to think that what he has is a product of his own hard labor and he is self made. Even while believing that the world had to be made by an infinite intelligence and reflecting on the circumstances of life, a person comes to the conclusion that certainly G-d is behind so much of what happens, and he may still attribute the results of his own very hard labor to himself.

If and when a person thinks all that he has was earned by himself, there is no reason to give away what is mine to someone else. Even if I do give anything away, it has to be self serving. This is precisely the theme and concept of idol worshipping.

Idol worshipping is when a person attributes power and influence in his life outside of G-d. When a person thinks there is G-d and then, there is the other influences, such as my competitor, the enemy, and the employer, he denies G-d in certain areas of his life and puts his faith – worries, in “Idols”.

If and when a person believes that everything in his life has the influence of an infinite G-d, which would mean that whatever a person has the circumstances that he is in, in the end is to the credit of G-d.

If I realize that my parents brought me into the world, educated me, cloth me, gave me the money for my business, advise me etc., I don’t have a problem with giving them FIRST their due and then enjoying some for myself.

A person who worships Idols has many gods, and his world is very fragmented. There are so many influences, and he can be torn and dragged into so many directions. A person who realizes and understands that notwithstanding his own effort which is also to the credit of G-d, everything around him is always influenced by G-d has a unified and realistic life.

That is why according to the law, the portion dedicated to the Priest must come not from the flour – fragmented particles but from the kneaded dough. The unity of ones belief, leads easily to dedicating time and resources to G-d, to helping for its own sake the world around us.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

2011-06-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

June 8 and 9 2011 – Wednesday and Thursday, we celebrate the second of the three major Jewish Holidays, – Shavuot, a day when 3323 years ago in the presence of the entire nation, G-d gave us the Ten Commandments.

The Bible says, “And they camped in the desert.” In the ownerless wilderness was the 5 books of Moses given to the people of Israel. For if it were given in the Land of Israel, the residents of the Land of Israel would say, "It is ours"; and if it were given in some other place, the residents of that place would say, "It is ours." Therefore it was given in the wilderness, so that anyone who wishes to acquire it may acquire it.

The Bible further states, “And all the people saw the voices.” They saw what is ordinarily heard and they heard what is ordinarily seen. As physical beings, we "see" physical reality. On the other hand, G-dliness and spirituality is only something that is "heard"--it can be discussed, perhaps even understood to some extent, but not experienced first hand.

At the revelation at Sinai, we saw what is ordinarily heard--we experienced the divine as an immediate, tangible reality. On the other hand, what is ordinarily "seen" --the material world--was something merely "heard," to be accepted or rejected at will. The same is also today. When a person applies himself to study and absorb the Bible in its true spirit, G-dliness becomes his true reality and the physical world with all its limitations, distances itself from this person.

The Ten Commandments

1. "I am the Lord your G-d, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

2. "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, nor any manner of likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them. For I the Lord your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children of the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto the thousandth generation of them that love Me and keep My commandments.

3. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your G-d in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.

4. "Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord your G-d. On it you shall not do any manner of work -- you, your son, your daughter, your man-servant, your maid-servant, your cattle, and your stranger that is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath Day, and hallowed it.

5. "Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your G-d gives you.

6. "You shall not murder.

7. "You shall not commit adultery.

8. "You shall not steal.

9. "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, his manservant, his maid-servant, his ox, his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

Warmest wishes for a happy and Joyous Shavuot.