Category Archives: Daily Dose Of Emuna

BS’D

There is a simple yet proven practice brought down by Rav Chaim m’Volozhin ztk’l that empowers us to live with strong emuna and acceptance. It is founded on the principle that nothing controls our destiny but G-d. Thus Rav Chaim taught that by repeating the words Ein od Milvado (there is none other than Him) and implanting in our heart there is no other force but G-d; we can break free of any encounter that manipulates our connection with Him.

Thus is the power of emuna and bitachon. Fundamentally, emuna is the constant practice of reminding ourselves how much G-d loves and cares for us even if life is not exactly what we hoped for. Talk to G-d, air out your concerns, you may not be granted your requests but you will certainly gain a tremendous feeling of closeness and feel His loving embrace.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Remind yourself today how much G-d loves and cares for you; in fact He loves you like no other!

BS’D

Often we get disappointed when our requests go unanswered. When a person is left with an unsatisfied desire, they naturally fall into a state of worry, frustration and protest. However, what is really causing this negativity to creep into one’s life? A sense of lacking; ‘There’s something missing.’ When we feel a void we erroneously believe that things are not going ‘as they should.’

An important thing to remember is that G-d fulfills all of our desires, all of our true desires, to the degree that is perfectly fit for us. He knows our size and our fit and gives us what we need according to the ‘size’ of our neshama. A person’s real ratzon and desire is directly linked to that which he really needs; what his soul needs.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Think to yourself: could it be that what you currently want is not good for you or can ultimately lead to a greater challenge?

BS’D

‘Ein k’Ahmcha Yisrael’ – Ahm Yisrael is holy. On the tip of most Jewish tongues, regardless of their Torah observance, or how difficult one’s situation is, the words ‘Baruch Hashem’ is found, words that profess gratitude and emuna. In this merit, Ahm Yisrael experiences bitachon and happiness and are able to cope with life’s challenges.

Emuna refers to trusting in Hashem’s ability to help and guide us through every circumstance; it does not mean that G-d will deliver what we desire. It is important to understand this well; emuna is belief in G-d’s intimate interaction in our lives however not that G-d will fulfill our wants.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Think to yourself “what might be a possible ‘G-dly’ reason for not ‘receiving’ one of my desires that I have been praying for.” Allow yourself to expand your vision on seeing how this may be a positive delay.

BS’D

Accepting and celebrating Plan B teaches us a great emuna lesson. It also helps us work on our middah of hod, submission which is one of the sefirot and G-dly manifestations. Adjusting our expectations and plans takes flexibility, the ability to ‘go with the flow’ of G-d’s will in spite of it being different from our own intentions.

We can still choose to sing along to the new tune, no matter how different from our old one. And then to use an ayin tov, a good eye to see our new tune as perfectly suited to us! Whether it appears to us that life is following plan A, B or Z, ultimately all is ratzon Hashem, the will of G-d and all follows His master plan.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

Contemplate the idea that everything is from G-d and G-d is everything. No matter which direction you’re facing, it is still the way G-d wants you to go!

BS’D

Often, life does not go according to plan A. Indeed, G-d appeared to have had an ‘original plan A’ – that is, for Adam HaRishon to live in Gan Eden and for His name to be known to all. Yet because of Adam’s sin, the world is now living according to plan B (as it appears to us). Yet, this world of Plan B is still called ‘tov me’od (very good)’ as written in Sefer Bereishis (1:31).

When plan A fails we may feel lost, sad or frustration, yearning for the illusive plan A. However, instead we can transform our yearning and excitement for plan A and apply it to plan B. We can strive to accept plan B and view it as tov me’od, just as G-d wants it be right now.

Feel and heal exercise of the day:

The ‘could have’s’ and ‘should have’s’ can occupy a good part of our life. But think about it, if it ‘could have’ and ‘should have’ then it ‘would have!’ That pretty much sums up plan A vs. plan B.