Monthly Archives: February 2019

BS’D

The Sfat Emet explains the three terms of “And if you will walk in My statures and keep my mitzvot and do them” (Vayikra 26:3) as corresponding to thought, speech and deed. These three allude to the three worlds of which each Jew has a portion and each is rectified by means of the mitzvot. When we think, speak and act upon the mitzvot with all of our mind, heart and soul we repair the physical and spiritual limbs of our being.

This gives great pleasure to Hashem particularly because we are commanded to do so and we accepted it as an obligation. As at Mount Sinai when the Jewish Nation accepted the Torah Hashem gave us two crowns for accepting the mitzvot whatever they may be – we shall do and we shall listen.

Feel and heal exercise:

Put your right hand over your forehead and your left hand over your heart and feel your thoughts move to your heart through your hand with the intention to move the knowledge of Hashem’s everlasting presence into your heart (move that which you know into your heart).

BS’D

Though we may lack understanding of why we suffer, pain is not ‘senseless’. Emuna enables us to accept the pain and know intrinsically that somehow, in some way our pain is necessary for our spiritual repair and growth. This awareness and inner faith should help steer us away from assessing our difficulties and judging whether they are good or bad.

One reason why difficulties arise is to remind us of Hashem’s presence and motivate us to change our ways. We should constantly view ourselves and our world as transient – each stage is sending us a new message and leading us to a new phase of life.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Consider the fact that we are like tourists in this world. Hashem is the ultimate tour guide directing and steering us through the valleys and mountains ensuring we make most of the scenary.

BS’D

The Chofetz Chaim ztk’l teaches that we are brought down into this world for the sole purpose of rectifying the world through recognition and acceptance of Hashem as the Creator. It is called a clarity of ’Oneness.’ Emuna enables us to dismiss all doubts about Hashem’s existence and the fact that everything that happens to us is for a reason and is for our best.

We are instructed to serve Hashem out of emuna and bitachon – clear knowledge that Hashem is always with us and steadfast trust that helps us act on that security. Doubts are insidious and often interrupt emuna growth. They may arise out of uncertainty over Hashem’s ability to help, or fear of something we believe is greater and more powerful than Hashem. However, Emuna empowers us to hope and trust in Hashem when beset with misfortune.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Close your eyes and visualize the word Echad in Hebrew א – ח – ד. Focus on the idea of Hashem’s unifying presence in the world.

BS’D

Though each nisayon hurts, we can soften the impact by reminding ourselves that Hashem sends us these challenges to enable us to ‘pay down our debt’ and reach perfection.

The Zohar teaches that we see through the pupil, the black part of our eye. This represents the idea that we ‘see’ and learn through the dark times in life. When he was challenged by his suffering, Iyov asked Hashem ‘Why?’ Hashem replied, “Where were you when I created the world?” Iyov then realized the immeasurable distance between creature and the Creator.

Life is a series of detailed events chained together to form history. A lifetime of 120 years is minuscule compared to eternity. We are not privy to see the whole piece of jewelry. Only when we have reached the end of the chain of events will we be granted the understanding and knowledge of why things happened the way they did.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Hindsight is an exact science.  Look back at the series of events that you have undergone in life and see how you can now connect the dots with more clarity.