Friday, December 22, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017
The Great Strength and Power of the Chanukah Lights
Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev (1740–1809) was asked. “Why did the sages institute the holiday of Chanukah to commemorate the miracle of the Hasmonean (Maccabees) victory over the Seleucid Army, and a Holiday of Purim to commemorate the victory of Mordechai and Esther over Haman and the Persians, while no holiday has been established to remember and celebrate the victories that happened long before these two, with the prophetess Deborah and Barak over Sisera, or the miraculous victory of Yechezkel the King over Sancheriv?
The Rabbi answered. There are miracles which blast away the rules of nature through a greater involvement of G-d in those events, but they are temporary and fleeting. Then, there are shines of G-dliness that are so powerful, they penetrate into the actual fiber and character of the day forever, and remain embedded in the day, to connect, and draw from this power every year, and such is the miracle of Chanukah and Purim.”
Just like there are foods that are worn out on us in a few hours, and then there are vaccines we introduce into our bodies that can last a lifetime. Certain influences of G-d are onetime events, and other inputs of G-dliness which are eternal.
This is the deeper meaning of the blessing we make when lighting the Chanukah Menorah every night for eight nights, “who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.” The miracle of Chanukah that happened at that time, is available and shining again at this time!!”
Some people may be walking around with “paper” in their pocket not realizing each and every paper is a hundred-dollar bill. As a result, they may misuse this paper not using the “paper bills” to its full potential. Some people may see shiny rocks and stones on the ground not realizing the value in those stones. The same is also with certain days, and time.
Like objects, certain days and certain times of the day are more inclined to certain opportunities. The seventh day of the week, Shabbat, when observed properly has the strength and qualities to literally become a retreat in time, a vacation without the bills and traveling headaches. Unlike any other day of the week, Shabbat i.e. the seventh day of the week has in its DNA the possibility to give one observing this G-dly day, a true deep soul rest, tranquility and peacefulness.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772 – 1810) once said. “Through the lighting of the Chanukah lights” (at the proper times, and making the suitable blessings etc.) one draws into their life, into their soul, and into their world the infinite light of G-d. The kind of light that we pray for, “the Lord make His countenance shine upon you, and be gracious to you.”
When the lights shine, and there is less darkness, we are able to see where to go and what to avoid. We can see in clarity what is good and what is not so good. The negative forces thrive in darkness and run away from light. The holy Baal Shem Tov had a very strong affinity for light and would say. “In Hebrew the word for “secret” is the same numerical value as “light”. Whoever has “light” (as in, the candle is a Mitzvah, and Torah is light), knows the secret.” Life has less secrets, and more of the truth and reality is uncovered.
The MIRACLE of Chanukah was and is, all about the few and the holy who would not buckle in to the many, and the impure. Today, we are not remembering the ones who in weakness blended in and assimilated. The story and the holiday of Chanukah is a commemoration and tribute to those who believed and dedicated their lives for the purpose of their faith. It is in their merit; we today can still identify ourselves with our faith. It is in their merit, G-d made the miracle of Chanukah and we benefit from the infinite light of our candles.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
A poor person with a mentality of gratitude is wealthier than a person with more money.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
The prophet Jeremiah admonishes, “let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might and let not the rich man glory in his wealth; but let him that glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows me for in these things I delight says the Lord.”
According to our sages, everything is determined up in heaven except for the choices a person makes between good and the opposite. Wisdom, might, wealth are gifts from G-d. There is no place for a person to glorify himself in those things that are granted to him, so they can support and help him accomplish in those areas where he really does have input and influence. The only area in life a person can justifiably take personal credit and pride in, are those choices a person makes when he decides the righteous moral and good path over the alternative.
Ben Zoma declares however that certain types of wisdom, might and wealth, may properly be prized and gloated over only, once they are integrated in the concept of “understanding and knowing me”. And he says.
“Who is wealthy, and may justly acknowledge his wealth? He who can bring himself to mentally and emotionally be thankful to G-d, and happy with his lot. “Happy shall you be in this world, and it shall be well with you in the world to come.”
G-d created a nature within humans that we quickly become habituated and adapted with our circumstances in life. We become comfortable with our families, our health, our environment and our condition in life. There is an old saying. If G-d showed us the whole picture of anyone else’s life, all its’ pluses and minuses, the overwhelming majority of people would choose precisely where they presently are.
This is good because by becoming accustomed to what we have, the irony is, this is what creates the desire to explore and desire more. To experience something fresh and novel.
On the other hand, once a person starts to intensely focus on more, many times this will cause people to lose their appreciation and gratitude for all the good and all the blessings they already have been blessed with.
Ben Zoma teaches us to live in the now. When people become seriously driven and focused on the future, many times this has a tendency to put people under tremendous stress and in a state of worry and anxiousness, and they may feel responsible for things that are not under their control. In addition, they live in the past, which many times brings feelings of guilt and personal blame.
The proper balance is when we live and are focused mostly on the now, as the Rambam teaches, “a person should view every day as if it where his last day.” The Talmud teaches, “whoever has bread for today and is worried about tomorrow he is from the small believers.” We are grateful and appreciate the present, while aspiring for more in the future.
In is interesting that we begin every day and our morning prayers start with an expression of thanks and gratitude, and only a few minutes later we are asking for more! It is from this foundation of thanks, that it is healthy to ask and seek more.
A person who is constantly aspiring and dreaming for more and forgetting the present will never be satisfied. When he finally gets what he wants, he is still hoping for more, and always feels lacking. With this mentality, a rich person with $200 who seeks to double his wealth, is poorer than a poor person with less money, since the feelings of lacking in the rich person is greater. A poor person with a mentality of gratitude is wealthier than a person with more money.
Not being caught up in this cycle of always wanting more, maintains inner peace and calm, and a person at peace with himself is far more able to take advantage of opportunities, when they present themselves.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Giving it ALL you got and the positive in the struggle.
Sarah passes on and her husband Abraham is looking for a burial site to fulfill his obligation to bury his wife. Abraham didn’t even consider cremation, since that would be the greatest disrespect to her life and the greatest punishment to her soul.
Abraham decides he would like to buy land in Hebron from Efron, and Efron offers to give the land for free, as a gift. Abraham would not hear of it and insisted he wanted to pay for the land. Efron offers to sell the land for its full value, 400 silver talents and Abraham purchases the property – no haggling -- and buries his wife Sarah.
Abraham did not want that there should be in the future the slightest claim on the land from Efron or his people if he would accept the land as a gift, therefore he compensated Efron to the last penny that was requested for the land. In doing so, the land was totally acquired by Abraham for both Sarah and Abraham and all his future children.
The bible says Efron referred to Abraham as “a G-dly prince in our midst”. Abraham was a special and important person amongst the people of that time. The law is, when an important person accepts a gift from someone, the honor and pleasure received by the giver, is considered as a form of currency and exchange that the important person is giving, a sort of a barter, for the gift granted to him,
Abraham as an important person, had he accepted the land as a gift this would have been his form of payment for the land to Efron. Why did he still insist in paying the full price in cash?
Here we have a great secret and lesson in life.
It is true that had Abraham merely accepted the land from Efron this would have totally severed any claims to the land by Efron by virtue of the gift accepted by Abraham. However, Abraham would not have paid any money and this is something Abraham did not want to do.
True service to G-d and worthwhile accomplishments in life must come necessarily through hard labor. Anything that comes by itself or without sacrifice, remain external and superficial to our lives. Without working hard for something, what we acquire will not be permanent and doesn’t have any real inherent value and appreciation in our lives.
Abraham insisted to pay full price for the burial site because he understood, “a man (to be happy and fulfilled) is born to toil”, he must earn his keep.
Everything in this world has a spark of G-dliness, and therefore potential blessing waiting to be redeemed when it is used in the service of G-d. The more we utilize what G-d created specifically through sacrifice and difficulty, for the good, the more we free goodness in the world.
The way to involve our own lives and actual bodies in this process and bring the best of blessings and health in our own lives and thereby connect deeply with the act is when we toil in hard labor to bring about good. “With the sweat of your brow you will eat bread.” There is an inherent positive value -- more is absobed into and for your own life -- in working hard and plugging away to accomplish results in life.
Mysticism teaches, “Free bread is shameful bread.” The great AriZal always insisted in paying full price for his Mitzvot- (G-dly deeds) and taught, the sweat one experiences when doing good deeds cleans the dirt of one’s soul.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Cremation?? Giving it ALL you got and avoiding gifts...
Sarah passes on and her husband Abraham is looking for a burial site to fulfill his obligation to bury his wife. Abraham didn’t even consider cremation, since that would be the greatest disrespect to her life and the greatest punishment to her soul.
Abraham decides he would like to buy land in Hebron from Efron, and Efron offers to give the land for free, as a gift. Abraham would not hear of it and insisted he wanted to pay for the land. Efron offers to sell the land for its full value, 400 silver talents and Abraham purchases the property – no haggling -- and buries his wife Sarah.
Abraham did not want that there should be in the future the slightest claim on the land from Efron or his people if he would accept the land as a gift, therefore he compensated Efron to the last penny that was requested for the land. In doing so, the land was totally acquired by Abraham for both Sarah and Abraham and all his future children.
The bible says Efron referred to Abraham as “a G-dly prince in our midst”. Abraham was a special and important person amongst the people of that time. The law is, when an important person accepts a gift from someone, the honor and pleasure received by the giver, is considered as a form of currency and exchange that the important person is giving, a sort of a barter, for the gift granted to him,
Abraham as an important person, had he accepted the land as a gift this would have been his form of payment for the land to Efron. Why did he still insist in paying the full price in cash?
Here we have a great secret and lesson in life.
It is true that had Abraham merely accepted the land from Efron this would have totally severed any claims to the land by Efron by virtue of the gift accepted by Abraham. However, Abraham would not have paid any money and this is something Abraham did not want to do.
True service to G-d and worthwhile accomplishments in life must come necessarily through hard labor. Anything that comes by itself or without sacrifice, remain external and superficial to our lives. Without working hard for something, what we acquire will not be permanent and doesn’t have any real inherent value and appreciation in our lives.
Abraham insisted to pay full price for the burial site because he understood, “a man (to be happy and fulfilled) is born to toil”, he must earn his keep.
Everything in this world has a spark of G-dliness, and therefore potential blessing waiting to be redeemed when it is used in the service of G-d. The more we utilize what G-d created specifically through sacrifice and difficulty, for the good, the more we free goodness in the world.
The way to involve our own lives and actual bodies in this process and bring the best of blessings and health in our own lives and thereby connect deeply with the act is when we toil in hard labor to bring about good. “With the sweat of your brow you will eat bread.” There is an inherent positive value -- more is absobed into and for your own life -- in working hard and plugging away to accomplish results in life.
Mysticism teaches, “Free bread is shameful bread.” The great AriZal always insisted in paying full price for his Mitzvot- (G-dly deeds) and taught, the sweat one experiences when doing good deeds cleans the dirt of one’s soul.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Strength and weakness in a person’s life are all the result of ones thoughts.
Knowledge is Power - G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
The following is a quote from one of the great mystics. “Thoughts and the ability to visualize are incredibly powerful. As if it were convincing and lifelike, these faculties will place a person anywhere. At that moment the person is totally elevated from the nonsense and trivia of the earthly reality. His awareness, his consciousness, his aspirations travel away. His thoughts are dancing, elevated in the realm of the spirit and soul, and his flesh is detached and perhaps even estranged from him...”
It is possible for a person to physically be in one place, an unpleasant place, and be completely and totally unaffected, through his thoughts that put him in a place of peace and tranquility.
”The Baal Shem Tov said, “Where a person’s thoughts are, that is where the person (truly) is. “ In the seminal book on mysticism the Zohar, it says. “The Human existence - is thought”. It is through the channel of one’s thoughts, at the top of one’s form, the soul energy of a person, the quality of his life and his feelings are drawn and then shine in one’s body. The desire for something and the resolve and determination inside a person must work with and through ones thoughts.
Strength and weakness in a person’s life are all the result of ones thoughts. Thought is compared sometimes to a funnel. In the same way that through a funnel water is given shape and is directed , it is through the conduit of thought, that the full power or weakness of the soul will make its’ way into a person’s actual body.
Thoughts that accentuate optimism, faith in G-d and happy beliefs will shape and express the soul accordingly. Negative thoughts give shape to the soul and with that everything about the person to reduce itself to that undesirable pattern. The influence of good thoughts on the soul is far greater and deeper than speech and action, because of its closeness and constant attachment with the soul.
G-dly words and inspiration, for example the book of Psalms, are the ultimate in good and positive thoughts of wisdom and light. They are particularly beneficial to influence, mold, and direct the soul and one’s life for the good.
When a person thinks G-dly thoughts, which is most compatible with the spark of G-d within, they encompass and synergize with the soul and this will trigger from ones essence and depth the full shine and infinite light that knows no bounds. This will allow the soul, a spark of G-d, to bring forth the strongest of life itself and makes any person in whatever circumstances they are in feel both peaceful and at the zenith of personal confidence.
Thoughts that are the opposite of Holiness and G-dliness will cause tremendous hurt to a person, by going against the nature of one’s own soul and strangling the soul. This choice, to think non-worthy, negative thoughts places a perimeter on the soul and reduces the soul of its light in the body which results in darkness and uncertainty.
The positive influence of a good thought, finer speech and actions is much greater on the soul than a bad one. “Greater is the measure of goodness over the measure of punishment.” A small positive light will chase away much darkness from a large dark room. Positive, inspiring thoughts are more powerful than the darkness caused by negative thoughts.
The more a person accustoms and trains oneself to think positive thoughts, the more we habituate our souls to flow in a positive direction which brings about great positive results.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Circumcision & our Bond with G-d.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
Maimonides writes the reason we circumcise our boys is only because G-d commanded us to do so. However, the blessing made at the time of the performance of this Biblical commandment is, “ to bring him (this child) into the covenant of Abraham our forefather”???
Is this deed related to G-ds commandment, or to our forefather Abraham?
Another blaring anomaly we find, in Maimonides book of commandments, he brings the verse in Genesis 17:10 by Abraham, “circumcise all your males” as the source for this commandment, while in Maimonides magnum opus - Mishneh Torah he quotes from the portion of Tazria Lev.12:3, “on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin should be circumcised.”
In the Mishneh Torah - Milah, Chap 3. Hal. 8 Maimonides writes .. “How disgusting is the foreskin that is used as a term of deprecation …….., as [Jeremiah 9:25] states: ……………
How great is the circumcision! Behold, our Patriarch Abraham was not called "perfect" until he was circumcised, as [Genesis 17:1-2] states: "Proceed before Me and become perfect. And I will place My covenant between Me and you."
Anyone who breaks the covenant of Abraham our Patriarch and leaves his foreskin uncircumcised, or [although he was circumcised,] causes it to appear extended, does not have a portion in the world to come, despite the fact that he has studied Torah and performed good deeds.
Come and see how severe a matter circumcision is. Moses, our teacher, was not granted even a temporary respite from [fulfilling this mitzvah]. [Exodus 4:24-26 relates, when Moses returned to Egypt, he took his newborn son, Eliezer, with him. He did not circumcise him immediately and, therefore, an angel came in the form of a snake and swallowed him. Tziporah his wife realized the source of the problem and circumcised her son. After this, the angel retracted. (See Nedarim 32a.) ]
The Torah mentions only three covenants regarding all its mitzvot (commandments), as [Deuteronomy 28:69] states: "These are the words of the covenant that God commanded... in addition to the covenant that He established with you in Chorev." In addition [Deuteronomy 29:9-11] states: "You are all standing today... to enter into a covenant with God, your Lord." Thus, there are three covenants.
In contrast, thirteen covenants were established with Abraham, our Patriarch, with regard to circumcision:…..(and here Maimonides points out every single verse of the 13 covenants related to the circumcision.)
And here is the explanation…..
In the observance of the Mitzva to become and to be circumcised, (as in all commandments) there are two concepts being fulfilled and accomplished. There is the general covenant with G-d that is motivating the performance of this act, and the specific deed through which the general connection is made.
A husband strengthens his general bond with his wife in many ways, sometimes through bringing a bouquet of flowers. Alternatively, in spiritual terms, prayer, has an influence on the entire connection of a person with G-d, in all areas of one’s life, through the performance of this one specific commandment.
This is why the Rambam – Maimonides quoted above, at the end of the rules of circumcision and when summarizing the law he writes the overall and all-encompassing idea of the circumcision, is to distinguish the Jew from the rest of the world and this explanation is connected specifically and only between the Jewish people and G-d.
In the second and continued discussion regarding the virtue of this commandment he speaks of the 13 advantages and outstanding merits in this Mitzvah over any of the other ways of connecting with G-d.
It is true, we perform Mitzvos because only through doing what G-d commands us to do we are able to connect with the Infinite Master of the universe. When making the blessing over THIS commandment, we mention Abraham who imbues extra meaning and for being the one, through his self-sacrifice against an entire world who was against him and he nevertheless demonstrated his faith in G-d, we perform this commandment as the first and beginning of all commandments.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
How does one reach -- “G-d is with me (therefore) I shall not fear.”
“Hear o Israel the Lord our G-d the Lord is one.” Another verse. “You shall know today and you shall place it in your heart, that G-d, is G-d in the heavens above and in the earth below, there is none other besides Him.”
Knowing is not enough, we must also PLACE it in our heart. The Bible is very aware, that what we have up in our heads on its own, isn’t enough to influence our behavior. How many of us know it is bad to eat certain foods and we do it anyway. How many know that smoking, drinking in excess, or other examples are detrimental in our lives, and we do it anyway.
After a person acquires knowledge, it takes a separate effort to push that knowledge down the narrow straights of the neck, and have the knowledge, reach our heart, in order to provoke an emotion strong enough, that we should feel actually moved by the positive or negative consequence of doing or not doing.
That is why our sages tell us, “Who is strong? One who conquers and as a result takes control of his emotions.”
The knowledge and awareness must penetrate deep into our hearts, so that our will and desires, together with our emotions will be totally in line and directed by this awareness.
This does not come easy and takes great effort. The distance between knowing and the knowledge influencing our hearts, is as far as the distance between knowing and not knowing. The difference, is between those who say they believe, and those who say, they “really” believe, meaning, the belief has penetrated deeper than just a superficial faith.
As the verse directs its instruction to us it is saying, “And you shall know, today”. Every word is deliberate in G-ds book the Bible. There is not even one letter redundant and unnecessary.
The Bible is saying, “And you shall know” - from the “today” – i.e. the occurrences and happenings of every day. A person who cares to know and place it in his/her heart, can see the providence of G-d everywhere and in everything, when he observes and notices all the “coincidences” and unexpected “miracles.” When a person trains his mind to see Divine Providence in everything, the facade of nature and professed predictability becomes almost like an interesting joke, and is uncovered for the “truth” which is, at any moment anything can change because ultimately it is all in His control.
There are many levels to our faith in G-d.
#1, The most basic is to believe that there is one G-d. He exists, and there is no other besides him. #2, A higher and deeper level in this faith, is that there is no other authority or power in the world outside of this G-d. Not the employer, or the government, or money etc. #3, The deepest level in faith from the verse mentioned above, is that there is no other existence, besides G-d. “There is none other besides Him.” The world and the universe have no substance of its own outside of G-d.
What appears to our eyes as the world and the universe, is an expression of His existence hiding under the trick G-d made for the sake of giving us free choice, we call, “the laws of Nature.” G-d is the existence and reality of everything. The only true underlying energy behind and the reason for everything.
In a very subtle way, when a person gives power to anybody or anything in the world, as if it can affect his life and interfere in his relationship with G-d this is a form of denying G-ds oneness and unity in the world. It is a form of idol worshiping by attributing some degree of power to anything outside of the invisible omniscient and omnipresent G-d.
This awareness and knowledge of G-ds existence, when implanted in one’s heart is what Maimonides begins his entire magnum opus and describes as the “the foundation of all foundations and the pillar of knowledge.”
This deep felt faith brings to the expression, “G-d is with me (therefore) I shall not fear.”
Do You worship idols?
“From The beginnings of your dough you shall give to G-d. “
Literally, this verse is talking about the portion allocated by G-d as support for the Priests in the Temple, called Challah. In Hebrew, the word for dough (arisah) 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 the day to G-d in prayer and gratitude.
The Talmud says, 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.
The negation of idol worshipping is a cornerstone and foundation of our faith. So, how do we ascribe 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. According to nature, much effort on the part of a person.
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 the world had to be made by an infinite intelligence, and reflecting on the circumstances of life, a person concludes that certainly G-d is behind so much of what happens, he may still attribute the results of his own very hard labor to himself.
If a person thinks all that he has was earned is to his own credit, 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 then 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 are other influences to either blame or give credit to, such as my competitor, the enemy, the employer; he denies G-d in certain areas of his life and puts his faith – worries, in “Idols”.
When a person believes everything in his life is the direct results of an infinite G-d “there is nothing else but Him”, this would mean, whatever a person has, the circumstances that he is in, is totally to the credit and attributable to G-d.
If I understand, 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 the will of G-d, this person will have an integrated and cohesive life.
That is why according to the law; the portion dedicated to the Priest must come not from the flour – the fragmented particles, but from the kneaded dough. The unity of one’s belief “G-d is one and everything all around is only Him”, leads easily to dedicating time and resources to G-d, to helping others first, for its own unselfish sake.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Good Resolution versus Bad Ones.
In the Talmud it is written, that when a person makes a
positive G-dly resolution and for some unforeseen reason it did not materialize,
G-d considers it, as done. When we make a resolution, the power of our mind is
such that immediately the positive energy is drawn into the physical world
as if the deed was done. The verse clearly states that even those who
merely “think G-ds name…G-d listens and records.”
“Where a person mind is, that is where his soul is”. His
life energy dwells there. Therefore, when a person makes a sincere decision to
do something, he is already there and the deed was completed in the world of
thought. When the resolution is sincere, all the faculties needed to accomplish
the deed, were already drawn in the direction of his goal and commitment, and
as far as the person is concerned, he already is there -- at the goal. As far
as the physical world is concerned, sometimes G-d may have other plans.
When we say G-d considers and attaches the thought to the
deed, this includes even those acts, which are presently over and above the
capabilities of this individual. If the resolution is sincere with all of
one's soul, G-d considers and attaches this thought to the performance of the deed
-- meaning that the strength is given from G-d, and if necessary new channels
are opened, to fulfill and reach this resolution.
This is true only for positive things, because inherently
the nature of everyone is to do good. Thus, when a positive resolution is made,
it is in harmony with one's G-dly good soul -- and the good thought is in synchronicity
with the deepest parts of ones soul, the G-d within, to open if necessary
whatever it takes in order to accomplish the deed. However, when one thinks
evil, it is only on the exterior and does not come from deep inside, and isn’t
in harmony with the universe which is good. Therefore, the person's bad
thought is all alone and goes no further than the bad thought that it is.
In ancient Babylonia, a ruler made evil decrees, including
that it was forbidden to fast and pray to G-d. The Rabbi of the time advised
the people to decide that they would fast when it was possible, and the thought
alone would help avert the decree from G-d.
In the book of Daniel the verse says, “From the time you
(Daniel) understood and decided to benefit from the power of fasting, I (G-d)
have heard your words.”
The code of Jewish law says that when a person is being
pursued by an enemy and merely decides to fast in prayer, immediately this
will help him. The moment he thinks
and still has not done any fasting, he receives the consideration as if he
fasted.
Drawing from a verse, the Talmud says, when a person makes a
bad resolution, G-d will at times, re-arrange circumstances so that his evil
plan will not materialize. When a person however, makes a G-dly positive
resolution, this can influence actual reality, and G-d will re-arrange matters,
if necessary, so his resolution can be materialized.
Once the Holy master, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak, asked a follower
of his to pledge that he would print a certain collection of books. Since the
follower had absolute faith in his G-dly teacher, he accepted, even though the
cost was way beyond what he was able to afford. Not long after the pledge was
made, an unexpected positive opportunity for this person arose which presented
new channels of livelihood and suddenly enabled him to fulfill his pledge and
become a wealthy man.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Faith & Reason. Rational and the supra-rational .The infinite power of faith.
Once Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber was walking with his son, Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchak in the city of Rostov Russia, and he was teaching him a very deep concept in mysticism. The son was so deep in thought, he kept on walking, even while his father stopped for a moment. Only after being called by his name, he became aware and walked back to where his father was standing.
The father then told his son. “The difference between a human – rational mind and a G-dly mind is that; a regular rational human mind, starts first by applying itself, and then comes inevitably to the realization that it is not humanly possible to understand everything so it then turns to faith. While a G-dly mind begins with faith, and then, to be personally connected it will make every human effort to understand and be rational.”
This story took place in front of a building, which later on, became the headquarters for the feared GPU. Years later, Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchok was incarcerated for teaching Judaism and was sentenced to death. In the course of his interrogation in this building, he told his interrogators what he heard from his father at that place, years earlier.
Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchok now understood, why his father, told him those words of strength, at precisely this spot. Let us explain.
Both the G-dly, and rational approach, includes both faith and normal rational thinking. In the former, faith is followed by the rational and personal connection, and in the latter, rational thinking ends with faith. So, in the end, what difference is there between one approach versus the other?
The use of a rational mind, fits into the category and classification of the “created” things in this natural world. Things we use, in this world. While the G-dly mind approach, where faith is the starting point, this is a connection from the start with a force higher than the created, and is attached and connected with the category of “Creator.”
This is the ultimate peak and plateau, expected of each person, “and you are connected to G-d your G-d (and therefore) – you are all alive eternally”. The source of energy, above and beyond all that is created.
When a person approaches matters, whatever it may be in his life, and his first approach is logical, and only afterwards when he recognizes the limitations of his mind, turns to the deeper faculty inside, we call faith, since the foundation and first step is his own mind, and this is what gives birth to his faith, his faith, forever and always will be limited to the logic, which gives birth and is the source of this faith.
In addition, since logic can always be argued, the moment anyone comes up with an argument to his logic, the pillar and foundation for his faith, out goes the faith. Since the faith is an outgrowth of his logic, it will always be limited and dependent on the parameters and strength of his logic.
On the other hand, if our first approach to circumstances in life, and/or to whatever challenge we are facing, is an unwavering faith in an infinite All knowing, All powerful G-d, who made the world and all the situations one may be facing…then, I will KNOW in a convincing manner, beyond rational thinking, that He certainly has a good and positive purpose for everything He does, and gave me the strength to withstand whatever. My thinking is and will be permeated and saturated totally, by the acceptance of His omniscience and omnipotence.
This faith and the power it fuels is unlimited and knows no boundaries. To begin with, it supersedes logic and rational thinking. The thinking that comes afterwards is then infused with this faith and is incomparably stronger than the first way.
This is why Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchok repeated this concept to his interrogators. He wanted them to know, they where dealing with someone who is infused totally and completely by a supra-rational faith. Just like it is impossible to imprison G-d and spirituality, G-d is bigger than any force here in this world, so too, sentencing him would not accomplish their goal of stopping the spread of Judaism in Russia at that time.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
To surrender oneself before G-d. The Ultimate strength and courage to be a King.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
“You shall place upon yourself a King.” Deut. 17:15. In fact, the Torah designates every person as a king! Kol Yisroel Melachim Haim. Zohar. The role of every King, is to rule over his very own “small world”. To take responsibility of his/her own life in the ongoing war and struggle that starts from the moment of birth, of the good inclination over the evil and bad inclination. To gain ground, conquer, and take control over his “small city”.
According to Jewish law, a king must be anointed by the special oil prepared by Moses. So the next natural question is, how can every person be considered a king? Every person was not anointed with this special miraculous oil?
The rule is also, that the child of a king automatically takes over the throne from his father. Now, since each person is like an only child to our Father in heaven – G-d, the kingship is automatically passed to each and every person – the only child to G-d.
However, how can anyone suggest each and every person is like an only child when in fact there are so many others in the world?
The answer is that we are talking about G-d. Parents undoubtedly will have a very different type of mentality and emotions towards an only child or a child who is one of many. When it comes to G-d, the Holy Baal Shem Tov taught, “the love G-d has for every single person is infinitely greater than the love of an elderly couple who gave birth to an only child in their old age.” G-d in his infinite possibilities has that type of infinite love towards each person as if there was no one else but him.
We are still not there yet explaining the special relationship each one of us has with G-d, being considered a King and an only child.
Since G-d is forever as the verse says, “You and your years never end …”, He, is above and beyond the concept of time itself, how can anyone ever inherit anything from Him? G-d never ends and has no ending, to pass anything over to someone else?
When it is written in the Torah the land of Israel is an inheritance for every Jew, the intention is not an inheritance from our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but that every Jew no matter where he finds himself is granted a claim to the land, “an inheritance to the (entire) congregation of Jacob “, granted by G-d Himself.
The inheritance, is our claim granted by the infinite G-d to each and every one.
Those who study the wisdom of G-d in the Torah -- the most powerful energy of G-d granted to the universe, they are the true rulers and kings over this world. The study of Torah is not limited to any one group but as the Rambam writes, every Jew is obligated to study the Torah. Therefore it follows every person can study and actively become that king with the very real power to rule and conquer successfully their “small cities”.
This awareness that every person is a King, grants every person in his spiritual service to G-d the determination and the very real courage to face and stand up to the struggles, temptations, and machinations of the evil inclination.
This awareness and the strength it brings with it will never lead to arrogance because, he knows this is a strength exclusively granted by G-d and is not a power that is self-generated from inside himself. Jewish law says, even a King must stands like a servant, before G-d.
It is necessarily because he is humble and surrenders himself before the supreme kingship of G-d from whom he knows he is receiving all that strength he can fulfill “do not be afraid before any human being.”
Mindful that his title as a king is not about his own existence and identity, but that he is a messenger granted power by G-d, through the study and practice of the Torah and its commandments, that he carries with him the strength of the Torah - G-ds strength - the wisdom of G-d - to take on and stand firm before any challenge that he/she ultimately conquers his/her little city and succeeds to become the ruler and king over themselves.
Friday, August 11, 2017
A KOSHER Mezuzah scroll is unbelievable protection. Invest in some for your own protection TODAY.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER
“And you shall write them on the doorposts of your home and gateways; so that your days are lengthened.” The Tur (Rabbi Jacob ben Asher, Cologne, 1270 – Toledo, Spain c. 1340), writes clearly, “Mezuzot (the Kosher scroll inside the cover, written by hand on parchment) bring protection to one’s home”, and the Bach (Rabbi Joel ben Samuel Sirkis, 1561 to 1640), writes “The mezuzah - brings a benefit and delight from the mitzvah itself, in addition to the reward (from G-d for observing one of his commandments) etc.”
In all mitzvois (commandments of the Torah) if a person does it strictly for the reward he is not doing it for the right reason. In the case of Mezuzah, the protection isn’t the reward, it is what comes along automatically, with the doing of this mitzvah. G-d commanded us to place Mezuzot, specifically for the sake of its protection…
That is why even when a mezuzah is not up on a doorpost in the place that would fulfill the necessary requirements to fulfill the Mitzvah, the scroll of the mezuzah in itself, brings protection.
Rabbi YY Schneerson always had a Mezuzah on his desk. Rabbi MM Schneerson - the Lubavitcher Rebbe recommended many times for people to do the same, and to place one in an appropriate covering next to a bed where people where having bad dreams.
Maimonides writes: “Those who write names of Angels etc. inside a Mezuzah are included in those who have no share in the world to come, because, they have taken a great Mitzvah and turned it into an amulet and charm for their own personal purposes.”
The foolishness of these people by adding inside the Mezuzah additional names of Angels is that it would appear from their actions the scroll isn’t enough or complete and is being manipulated from being a commandment to serve G-d and with the help of G-d, to the input of their own vanities, solely to serve their own purposes.
The Tosfos Yom Tov (Rabbi Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller, 1578–1654) notes on the laws in the Mishna regarding impurity, “a stick that had a carving (receptacle) to receive a mezuzah inside of it”, and he says, “in the times of the Mishna people would carry Mezuzot with them (in their walking sticks) and they considered it a G-dly Holy act and a protection for themselves.”
This understanding, that the scroll and energy of the (mitzvah of) Mezuzah itself brings protection with it, sheds light on a story that took place with Rabbi YY Schneerson 1927, when he was brutalized and imprisoned in communist Russia for teaching Judaism. During the interrogation he was asked, if he realized where he was? Rabbi YY Schneerson answered. “Certainly. I am in place that is exempt from having a Mezuzah”. By mentioning and attaching the Mezuzah to those quarters albeit in a negative form, that alone, brought the protection of the Mezuzah for himself where he needed it badly.
Maimonides writes: “A person must show great care in [the observance of the mitzvah of] mezuzah, because it is an obligation which is constantly incumbent upon everyone.
[Through its observance,] whenever a person enters or leaves [the house], he will encounter the unity of the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, and remember his love for Him. Thus, he will awake from his sleep and his obsession with the vanities of time, and recognize that there is nothing which lasts for eternity except the knowledge of the Creator of the world. This will motivate him to regain full awareness and follow the paths of the upright.
Whoever wears tefillin on his head and arm, wears tzitzit on his garment, and has a mezuzah on his entrance, can be assured that he will not sin, because he has many who will remind him. These are the angels, who will prevent him from sinning, as [Psalms 34:8] states: "The angel of God camps around those who fear Him and protects them.
Blessed be G-d who offers assistance.”
In these Hebrew words, Maimonides is emphasizing the uniqueness and exclusivity of the Mezuzah that unlike even Tefillin and Tzitzit, the actual scroll itself is a collaborator and assists in accomplishing the necessary results that this Mitzvah brings to the person who observes it.
I have personally many many stories from Rabbi MM Schneerson how Mezuzot saved people from car accidents, death, being able to have children etc. A KOSHER mezuzah scroll is unbelievable protection. Invest in some for your own protection TODAY.
“G-d will guard you going out and coming in from now and until forever.”
Friday, August 4, 2017
Prayer is a two-way bridge that connects and perfects our souls.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER Power.
….Moses prayed “at that time” to G-d, 505 prayers, for this clemency, (he was punished not to enter the Land of Israel) to allow him to cross over the Jordan River, complete the conquest of the land, and see the good land of Israel, in consideration of his many good deeds. He also solicited G-d’s absolute, undeserved mercy, feeling that his merits were not sufficient to warrant his prayer being accepted. “I both prayed to G-d and entreated Him at that time, saying,
‘G-d, I know that You are merciful even when meting out justice, for when the people sinned by making the Golden Calf, You took the initiative to show me, Your servant, Your magnanimity; that Your right hand, which metes out loving-kindness, is stronger than Your left hand, which metes out strict justice, and can overcome it; and that it is our prayers that make Your mercy override Your justice. That is why I am praying to You now and requesting mercy. For who is like You, G-d, in heaven or on earth, who can match Your deeds and Your might? Mortal kings have advisors who convince him not to be lenient or merciful, but You can do whatever You please.’
The words, Moses prayed “at that time” is not being precise. When exactly? That’s because, at whatever time a person feels the need to pray and attach him/herself to G-d, we learn from Moses, and emulate his example, even if it takes praying 505 prayers, no one would know better than Moses that prayer is the most powerful tool to turn to, “at that time”.
The Preacher of Koznitz once said. “I have no better enjoyment in this world than a good prayer.”
In Hebrew, the literal translation of the word for prayer actually means bonding and attachment. Therefore, the real objective in praying is not so much turning to the best source for answers and a relief from whatever the issue might be at that time, as much as it is a strengthening and renewal of one’s bond and attachment with G-d Almighty Himself. When the bond is tight and clear, the problems on their own disintegrate.
During prayer especially when done in a synagogue the soul of a person can divest itself from any of the physical limitations of the body, it ascends to the Garden of Eden and strolls around the elevated and higher dimensions. After ones prayers when one must proceed with the obligations of the day, the physical world will once again place its influence and clutches on the soul.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman taught. “Prayer before G-d has (the potential for) a total and complete spiritual and soul redemption from the constraints in one’s life. If all of Israel would pray with the concentration necessary, and the warmth and light generated from the love for G-d created through the exercise of prayer did not dissipate and evaporate after ones prayers – Messiah would have come, in a physical sense.”
At the beginning of the book of Genesis, prayer is compared to a ladder, set on the ground with its top reaching into the heavens. Prayer is the medium to connect “ground”, that part of the soul enclothed in our bodies and on earth, with “heaven” the other more important higher part of our souls, the part much larger than being able to descend into our lowly bodies and existence. Prayer is a two-way bridge that connects and perfects our souls.
When a person puts him/herself into the words of the prayer as designed by the great mystical traditions, not only is the coarseness and physicality of the earth elevated and refined to a more translucent and purer form, the perspective of the heavens and the experience of G-dliness is drawn back down to the earthly level the person is praying from.
When a person prays with the complete concentration necessary, every letter and every word, every thought and every spark of energy generated from the prayers, creates angels that serve as messengers who reach G-d. These exact messengers return, with the fruits of our directed prayers.
When Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812, founder of Chabad Chassidism) neared his twentieth year, he decided -- with the consent of his wife, Rebbetzin Sterna -- to travel to a center of Torah learning and service of G‑d.
At that time Vilna and Mezeritch were the great Jewish capitals of Eastern Europe. Vilna was the seat of Rabbi Eliyahu, the famed Gaon of Vilna, and Mezeritch was the hometown of Rabbi DovBer (the "Maggid"), leader of the Chassidic movement.
Related Rabbi Schneur Zalman: "I debated as to where I should go. I knew that in Vilna one was taught how to study, and in Mezeritch one could learn how to pray. To study I was somewhat able, but of prayer I knew very little. So I went to Mezeritch.
"The Almighty blessed me with making the right choice.”
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Torah has all the science in it! Einsteins loss. Nice story 2.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
This is just an article and not the first chapter of a book so I will be short and to the point. I have mentioned many times before, everything science discovers is no more, than principles already in place by G-d The Creator of this universe, and reflected in the blueprint G-d Himself referred to, when creating this world. Everything in this world, has its roots and principles already expressed in the wisdom, and rules, of our Torah, and the practices, of our Tzadikim – Spiritual giants.
Quantum entanglement is an area of extremely active research by the physics community, and its effects have been demonstrated experimentally with photons, neutrinos, electrons, molecules the size of buckyballs, and even small diamonds. Research is also focused on the utilization of entanglement effects in communication and computation.
Quantum entanglement is a quantum mechanical phenomenon in which the quantum states of two or more objects have to be described with reference to each other, even though the individual objects may be – and here is a key word - spatially separated.
This leads to correlations between observable physical properties of the systems.
For example, it is possible to prepare two particles in a single quantum state such that when one is observed to be spin-up, the other one will always be observed to be spin-down and vice versa, this despite the fact that it is impossible to predict, according to quantum mechanics, which set of measurements will be observed.
As a result, measurements performed on one system seem to be -- instantaneously -- influencing other systems entangled with it.
At the same time, it prompts some of the more philosophically oriented discussions concerning quantum theory.
The correlations predicted by quantum mechanics, and observed in experiment; reject the principle of local realism, which is that information about the state of a system should only be mediated by interactions in its immediate surroundings.
Different views of what is actually occurring in the process of quantum entanglement can be related to different interpretations of quantum mechanics.
In the case of entangled particles, such a measurement will be on the entangled system as a whole. It thus appears that one particle of an entangled pair "knows" what measurement has been performed on the other, and with what outcome, even though there is no known means for such information to be communicated between the particles, which at the time of measurement may be separated by arbitrarily large distances.
Einstein referred to it as "spooky action at a distance”, that’s because he wasn’t a Torah observant Jew!
This has been shown to occur even when the measurements are performed more quickly than light could travel between the sites of measurement. Recent experiments have measured entangled particles within less than one hundredth of a percent of the travel time of light between them.
Although, a person must either lift or drag an object to acquire it into his/her possession, Maimonides writes the following; (Mechirah - Chapter Five Halacha 4)
….. Movable property can be acquired without meshichah (dragging) in the following situation. Reuven sold movable property to Shimon for 50 zuz. Shimon acquired the movable property and obligated himself to pay Reuven the price agreed upon. After Shimon became obligated to Reuven for these 50 zuz, he desired to sell wine, an animal, a servant or other similar movable property. Reuven told him: "Sell that object to me for the 50 zuz that you owe me for the sale," and Shimon agreed.
Reuven acquires the movable property regardless of where it is located, even though he neither performed meshichah nor lifted the object up.”
Here you have one classic example in Jewish Law where the act of a person, after entanglement, is able to affect an object no matter where it is found, instantly, with a change and transfer in ownership, with all the legal and spiritual ramifications and ripple effects this brings about.
Here is one story of many, on this subject. A Chassidic Master, a Rebbe, is intrinsically and soulfully connected with his followers, IF they are connected with him. The pair communicate, both ways, instantly, and there is no limitation of local realism. My Chassidic teacher Rabbi Mendel Futerfas was sent to the Siberian gulag for 15 years. On his birthday, he had a very strong intense yearning to receive a blessing from the Rebbe.
In the gulag he imagined himself entering the Private room of the Rebbe and approaching the Rebbe with a request for a blessing. His wife in Paris received a response and good wishes. It was only years later when he was finally liberated from that hell, and re-connected with his wife, when this matter came up for conversation they put two and two together.
There is a beautiful lullaby we sing to the children in Yiddish and it ends with, “Torah is the best merchandise – Torah IS the BEST merchandise.” BTW - Beats singing a Brittany Spears or any other garbage song, into the pure innocent penetrable souls.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Zealousness. You receive what you put out.
Knowledge is power -- G-dly knowledge is SUPER POWER.
“Not only the tribe of Levi, but any one of the inhabitants of the world whose spirit generously motivates him and he understands with his wisdom to set himself aside and stand before God to serve Him and minister to Him and to know God, proceeding justly as God made him, removing from his neck the yoke of the many reckonings which people seek, he is sanctified as holy of holies.
God will be His portion and heritage forever and will provide what is sufficient for him in this world like He provides for the priests and the Levites. And thus David declared [Psalms 16:5]: "God is the lot of my portion; You are my cup, You support my lot."
Maimonides Shemita chapt. 13 Hal. 13.
Maimonides is saying something here, which is truly incredible and remarkable. Many commentators remark and are amazed at this point. Someone, including Gentiles, who are not born to the tribe of Levi and is not part of that family, has the possibility to acquire the spiritual and actual characteristics and benefits of the Levites, as if they were one of them!!! How is it possible, “he is sanctified holy of holies.”
In an earlier time, the Bible tells us a story of Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron the high priest, who took matters in his own hands. He witnessed the public desecration of the law, when he saw the leader of the tribe of Shimon carry on in a romantic relationship with a Midianite princess, and killed both of them.
As a reward for taking this action, and stopping the plague that was going on, G-d rewarded Pinchas by making him and his progeny Priests, forever. In fact all the priests who served in the Temple in Jerusalem where his descendants!
The same question is asked here. It is only if ones father is a priest can a child be a Priest. If the priesthood is totally dependent on the father one has, and it is a matter of a natural reality, once Pinchas was not a priest, how was he able to become one?
The answer lies in the type of behavior Pinchas projected to earn this reward.
Most people who serve G-d with self –sacrifice do so as an anomaly. For the most part they will use their minds, things are measured, and it is only in the exceptional moment they will act beyond the call of duty and give it all they are, and all they have.
There are others, perhaps very few, who have no personal desires outside their life calling. Their lives, the essence of their being is entirely dedicated to G-d and every detail in their lives are directed in that path.
This was the life of Pinchas. He endangered his own life to do something he was not asked or expected to do. If he were to ask a Rabbi how he should act in this situation, he would not have been told to do what he did. The moment was calling “him” to act, to totally lunge himself entirely for the cause, for the great desecration of G-ds name at the time. He was zealous for the jealousy of G-d.
Since he acted in a way that was totally beyond his duty, and/or anything expected of him, he was treated by G-d in a way that is normally not the way of G-d and of the world. He received the reward of Priesthood for him and his children forever.
When any person so dedicates himself and his resources for a holy purpose, even to the point that it goes beyond logical rational thinking, it’s a calling to his essence and of his essence, G-d responds in kind with His essence, to whatever person it may be, and becomes this persons inheritance. G-d personally, provides for this individual.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Moses - Truth, Aaron - Kindness, come together.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER
’’Kindness and truth have met; righteousness (Charity) and peace have kissed. Truth, will sprout from the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven.” Psalms 85: 11 – 12
The commentators explain the verse in the following way. When people are truthful, they elicit Kindness from heaven, and the two meet. This combination of truthfulness and kindness, takes pure justice and turns it into peace, which draws even more righteousness (Tzedakah-Charity) from heaven.
The Midrash says, Aaron – Moses’ older brother, represents Kindness and “truth” is represented in Moses. Unfortunately, “Truth” as important as it is, is not very welcome in this world, which is a world of falsehood. For that reason “truth” recommended, that G-d, not create this world. On the other hand the measure of Kindness, recommended that G-d create the world, since “kindness” is also appropriate and relevant in a place filled with deceit and lies.
Moses, because of his special feature, that of truth in the purest sense, was aloof and at a distance from common people and from the world at large. Therefore, when he passed away at the age of 120, the community at large did not feel his loss. While when Aaron passed away at the age of 123, as the person characterized by kindness, and therefore connected even in places and with people of deceit, “the entire house of Israel” mourned him.
Moses, because of his characteristic of truth, was able to be the intermediary between the G-d of truth and this world. Only Moses was able to receive the instructions from G-d in order to transmit them to Aaron. Moses could never communicate with a person like King Pharaoh, the King of the most lewd and lascivious country of the time. Aaron and his virtue of kindness was able to reach so low a point as communicating and transmitting the message to King Pharaoh.
Aaron was the spokesperson of Moses and received all his knowledge and wisdom from the only one who was able to receive it himself from G-d, Moses. All the Israelites recognized this dynamic, that all the instructions originated from Moses. Yet, when Moses passed away, it did not make the impression on the Israelites, as did the passing of Aaron who was connected to everyone.
These two very special characteristics and virtues are not the domain of two separate people. Moses had kindness and Aaron had truth.
The reason why G-d chose Moses as the leader of His special chosen nation was because of his absolute commitment to truth, the hallmark of Moses and yet Moses as a shepherd demonstrated kindness and mercy even toward a weak goat, which so impressed G-d.
Aaron, although he was characterized by kindness and reaching out to make peace between husband and wife warring factions, he never compromised on the “truth” and was always clear on the parameters and limitations set by the rules of the Torah. When reaching out to the common people, one must BRING THEM CLOSER to the Torah of truth and not the other way.
Moses was more emphatic on truth and therefore he was the one able to connect with G-d to bring G-dliness down to the world. Aaron because he was stronger on the kindness side he was able to better connect with ALL the people.
Everyone has their own G-d given strengths that serve their own very unique mission they, were sent down to this world. Trying to mimic someone else, confuses the plan, complicates the person’s life and most important misses the bull eye.
Discovering ones unique strengths and Divine purpose, and contributing it to make the world a better place is the lesson we learn from the same, yet different lives of Moses and Aaron.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Everyone – even the dead can bless.
Knowledge is Power. G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
Our sages teach, “Tzadikim (righteous people) are greater when they are dead than when they are alive.” (Chulin 7; 2)
A Tzadik is someone who refined all areas of his life to such a point that there is no coarseness that would block the spiritual shine of G-dliness from his soul, to his consciousness and in his physical existence. When a Tzadik talks, you are receiving pure G-dliness.
The Talmud teaches, “Whoever has an ill person in his home he should go to a Torah scholar and request a blessing for mercy.” (BB 116)
Everyone, man or woman, has the power of blessing, because everyone has a spark of G-d within himself or herself. When someone blesses another, they are literally sending a positive energy of and from themselves, in the way of that blessing to the ones being blessed.
In addition, there is the time in which a blessing is said, i.e. on Shabbat and before Yom Kippur. There are days and moments that blessings have the assistance of reaching their mark more effectively because of the special qualities in that moment.
There is also, who might be responding Amen to the blessing which further strengthens and confirms the blessing and positive energy generated by the one making the blessing. There are times that a good Angel is listening and he might answer Amen (pretty powerful). That is why we are told, “Never take anyone’s blessings lightly”, because it is not just who is blessing but there is also the time, the place, and the other one answering Amen. They all play an important role in the success of the blessings outcome.
A person who studies G-ds wisdom, The Torah, and performs G-d commandments has absorbed much more of G-dly energy within themselves and has refined their body to a tremendous degree. Our sages teach us, “a Tzadik (righteous person) decrees, and G-d (is forced to) fulfill.”
The Tzadik is a miniature G-d in this World, the highest expression of spirituality in this world. The Zohar says, “Who is the face of the master (G-d) in this world, it is Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.”
A true Tzadik is the embodiment in all ways, whether in character, mannerisms, behavior, and power, of G-d Himself. It’s no big deal when a Tzadik knows the future, or through his blessings a terminally ill person is miraculously cured. This is after all the power of G-d being channeled through this incredible elevated human being, and it knows no limits.
That is why traditionally and throughout history, people would go through much difficulty to receive the blessings of a Tzaddik.
Notwithstanding all that we just talked about, the Tzaddik is still finite, and limited by the constraints of his body and time. Once the Tzaddik however passes away and like everyone else, his soul ascends to the spiritual realms he is no more restricted by the confines of the worldly limitations, and still very much remains a Tzadik. He continues to look after his students and followers, and continues to bless them, but now, everything is on a much more expansive level and possibility.
“Even someone who did not know the Tzadik while he was alive in this world, but only studies, benefits and enjoys his teachings and is strengthened in his service to G-d, this too is called his student. Since he is influenced and impacted by the Tzadik and puts his faith in the Tzadik, this branch becomes connected and an extension of and from the root.” (Book of Hishtatchus)
After the Likutei Torah of Rabbi Shneur Zaman was printed, the Tzemach Tzedek said to one of the Chassidim, “ You have no idea whatsoever of the tremendous soul satisfaction you bring to the one being talked about and studied. The entire Palace and environment of the Tzadik in heaven shines and is illuminated in Joy and happiness. This act brings a (great) blessing to the one studying, for his children and grandchildren. “. (Letters of the Rebbe)
When a person very innocently and with a pure heart goes and visits the burial place of a Tzaddik he is able to connect on a very deep level with the Tzaddik. One very good moment, is every year, on the day the soul finished its journey on the face of this earth, and ascended to heaven. Every year on that date, the soul is strengthened to bless all those attached to him.
May we merit soon, “They will arise and sing, all those who lie in the earth’’.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
True meaning of Prayer. Prayer, is the vehicle to elevate all parts of our soul and being, to become attached with the groom.
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER
The Menorah that was lit in the Temple represented the light that shines from the center of the world i.e. the Temple, to and for the entire world. For this reason the Menorah also represents the Torah – “the Torah is light”.
Just as the actual Torah was brought down to this world by Moses who represents wisdom, so to it was Moses who was commanded to make the Menorah, since the menorah, light and wisdom was his thing.
Aaron (Moses’ older brother) as Priest, represented the other pathway to G-d, that of worship/service and prayer to G-d. Therefore, it was Aaron who was commanded to prepare the Menorah, and to light it.
The making of the menorah and “potential” for creating and holding light isn’t enough; it has to actually be lit, so the original intended purpose for making the Menorah is brought to fruition. If someone merely brought the ingredients to make light, oil and a wick, this isn’t yet a functional candle.
There is a saying “it isn’t enough to know Torah and wisdom. Torah and its wisdom has to influence the person and his life.”
The wisdom of Torah in itself isn’t the ultimate. It is only when the light is ignited and the wisdom actually sheds its brilliance and clarity on a person, in his life and his surroundings that the goal has been reached. This is accomplished by the spiritual service represented by Aaron, prayer.
The light, is the result of the oil and the wick being consumed. The more A) oil and wick B) being consumed, the greater is the fire. The first step in creating light is to stack up on the ingredients for light A) – the knowledge, wisdom and Torah.
Maimonides writes, “ It is a well-known and clear matter that the love of God will not become attached within a person's heart until he becomes obsessed with it at all times as is fitting, leaving all things in the world except for this. This was implied by the command [Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love God, your Lord,] with all your heart and all your soul.
One can only love God [as an outgrowth] of the knowledge with which he knows Him. The nature of one's love depends on the nature of one's knowledge! A small [amount of knowledge arouses] a lesser love. A greater amount of knowledge arouses a greater love…..”
When a person is praying, B) meditating deeply and intensely concentrating on the words prepared according to the structure designed by our great sages, specifically the Men of the Great Assembly, this will bring them to a state of B) self-abnegation. A state where they will deeply cherish the G-dly and the spiritual and will yearn for more. More of the awareness that all that is physical is merely small and insignificant, and many times counterproductive expression to the experience of G-dliness. They will therefore care for less of the physical and more of what has, and is, of eternal value.
The more a person has studied the Torah – “Torah is light” and the knowledge of G-d, and realizes the infinite greatness of G-d he/she will be filled with an immense joy and happiness (through prayer & its meditations) that he/she is able to approach G-d in any way whatsoever, only by observing His commandments.
In our “prayers” we ask G-d to, “open our heart in your Torah” and wisdom. We are not asking for more brain clarity, but for more sensitivity, breadth and depth of the "heart". That is because in prayer, the person realizes that unless his wisdom of the Torah is able to affect his soul and his personal life nothing important was accomplished. At this point the person desires that his emotions be fired up with enthusiasm that will move him/her, and shed the light in his life on, and for, the things that matter.
That is why in mysticism the “best man” of the congregation of Israel is, Aaron. Prayer, is the vehicle to elevate all parts of our soul and being, to become attached with the groom, Almighty G-d,the source of all that is blessed and good.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Coaching from the best - Maimonides - Rambam
Knowledge is Power -- G-dly Knowledge is SUPER POWER.
Though most know him as Maimonides or by the acronym “Rambam,” his full name reminds that he was a Sephardic Jew and a subject of the Almoravid Empire. He was born in Cordoba in 1135 - 1204, which was then part of Muslim Spain; much of his commentary on the Torah and Jewish religious law were written in Arabic or Judeo-Arabic. A prolific scholar, his many works cemented his place one of Judaism’s most important philosophers. Maimonides's insights on Jewish ethics and religious law continue to exert a profound influence upon Judaism today.
The following are some examples of Jewish Law included in Maimonides’ Magnum Opus – Yad Hachazaka - The strong Hand.
==================================
For your own good -- stay away from bad influences in your life.
Nezirut - Chapter 5 Hal. 10
Value your words - Your words should always matter.
…What is the source which teaches that it is forbidden for a person to take even these four types of vows which are permitted with the intent of nullifying them? It is written [Numbers 30:3): "He shall not desecrate his word," i.e., he should not make his word an inconsequential matter.
Nedarim - Chapter 4 Hal. 4
Don’t be faithless. Keep verbal commitments.
When a person agrees to a transaction with a verbal commitment alone, it is appropriate for him to keep his word even though he did not take any money at all, did not make a mark on the article he desired to purchase, nor leave security. If either the seller or the purchaser retracts, although they are not liable to receive the adjuration mi shepara (A curse on one who reneges on an agreement) they are considered to be faithless, and the spirit of the Sages does not derive satisfaction from them.
Similarly, if a person promised to give a colleague a gift and failed to do so, he is considered to be faithless.
When does the above apply? With regard to a small gift, because the recipient will depend on the promise that he was given. With regard to a large gift, by contrast, the giver is not considered to be faithless if he retracts, because the recipient does not believe that he will give him these articles until he transfers ownership through a formal kinyan.
Mechirah - Chapter Seven Hal 8 – 9
A person cannot release himself from his own oaths.
Shvuot - Chapter 6 Hal. 3
A person can inspect all blemishes except his own.
Tum'at Tsara`at - Chapter 9 Hal. 1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)