Friday, May 31, 2019

Parshas Bechukosai

Hashem promises that if we follow Him and do the mitzvos, we will be blessed with peace. We will lie down at night and will not be afraid because we will have inner peace.

How can we achieve an inner sense of calm? When we are satisfied with the things we are doing with our lives and we are living with meaning, we will feel good about ourselves. When we make a difference in the lives of others, we feel peaceful and whole on the inside. And when we strengthen our belief that Hashem is running our lives, we can stay calm even when things are difficult or stressful.

May we be able to feel an inner sense of peace by choosing to live a life of meaning and internalizing that everything that happens to us is from Hashem!

Friday, May 24, 2019

Parshas Behar

The mitzvah of Shmittah is in this weeks Parsha. The farmers who keep shmittah face major challenges of emunah and bitachon-how will they have the money they need if they aren't working? They become more selfless and generous when they allow people to take from their fields. By exercising their spiritual muscles, they become stronger in their avodas Hashem. 

Our spiritual challenges enable us to reach higher levels. Next time you are struggling, remind yourself that it is through THIS challenge that you can become better. Realize that each time you overcome a challenge, you climb up a level...and every little step will get you closer to your goal!

May we be able to strengthen ourselves to overcome our spiritual struggles and always keep growing!

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Food

Why is it that before we eat, we feel tired and hungry yet after we eat, we feel energized and ready to take on the day?

Think about it. Who is the only One who gives a person energy and koach? 

It's Hashem. The source of life. So inside every morsel of food that we eat, there's a small piece of godliness that enables us to become reawakened and reenergized after we consume that food.

So when we eat food, we are also ingesting a piece of Hashem!

It sounds like an incredibly high level to attain and internalize. Yet, if we eat mindfully, slowly chewing and swallowing the food in front of us, we can think, Hashem, there's a piece of your energy inside this bread I am eating. Thank you for injecting it inside this food. And please allow me to have the strength to do whatever I need to accomplish today through this meal I am eating.

This is how we can elevate our food to a very high level. Let us direct our thoughts to what is going on inside of our foods and the Godly energy our bodies are absorbing!

(R' Shimshon Pincus zt"l)

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Pesach Sheini

Today is Pesach Sheini.
We remember this day that was given to those who weren't able to bring the korban Pesach in Nissan. They asked for another chance and their request was granted.

Sometimes, we are too quick to say something won't happen or we won't be allowed to do something. And so, we don't  bother asking. 

We see that it is so important to ASK. Make that request. Ask for a raise. Find out if that person is willing to help out. Don't stay stuck in a situation just because you're afraid to speak up. The key to change might just be to ask for help.

May we be able to find the courage to speak up when necessary, and see positive results when we do!

Enjoy your matzah!

Friday, May 17, 2019

Parshas Emor

There is a special mitzvah for a farmer to leave the corner of his field for the poor man when he is harvesting his crop. He demonstrates his awareness of Who blessed him with this good and shares it with those who are less fortunate than he is.

When we are blessed with plenty, we should remember those who aren't as fortunate as we are and share it with them. And while we think of giving in terms of money, there are so many ways to give. We can give our time or our knowledge, a listening ear or a compliment, encouragement or good advice. Some forms of giving don't have a price tag but they're worth more than all the money in the world!

May we always be on the giving end by sharing whatever good we have with others - from money to talents and everything in between!

Friday, May 10, 2019

Parshas Kedoshim

There are many mitzvos in this week's parsha. One of them is the commandment not to take revenge. When someone does something that causes us pain, we are told to refrain from hurting them back. 

When we go through physical, emotional or financial pain in our lives and we know exactly who caused it, it's easy to blame and want to hurt back. If we remind ourselves that no one can cause us any pain unless Hashem allows it, we can stop ourselves from wanting to get back at them. Each person is a messenger from Hashem and for reasons we may not understand, we were supposed to go through this exact experience. 

May we be able to strengthen our belief in Hashem so we can overcome our desire for revenge!

Friday, May 3, 2019

Parshas Acharei Mos

After Aharon's sons died, Hashem clearly states what should be done so something like this won't happen again. 

We see that it's so important to be clear with others when something is bothering us. If someone hurts or upsets us, they can't read our mind! When we express our feelings with sensitivity and speak openly, we give the person an opportunity to fix what happened. Only then can they figure out what can be done to make sure it won't happen again.

May we be able to fix relationships that need to be fixed by speaking openly, with sensitivity and care so that we become closer to those we love most!