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Bracha VHatzlacha Rabbah.
Daily Inspiration Number 284(The Day Before Kippur)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Aryeh Leib Ben R' Baruch.(The Shpole Zeide). His Neshama should have an Aliyah. Zechuto Yagen Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to be blessed with a sweet Torah year! AMEN
The Gemara in Yoma Daf 81b tells us: "It was taught: Rabbi Chiya the son of Rav from Difti says: 'It is written, And you shall torment yourselves on the ninth day of the month'(Vayikrah 32:23)
"Do we then fast on the ninth day of Tishrei? Does not the fast of Yom HaKippur fall on the tenth day of Tishrei? Only the Pasuk comes to tell you that whoever eats and drinks on the ninth day is considered as if he had fasted on both the ninth and the tenth days.
The Ben Ish Hai says: Chazal rule that it is a Mitzvah to eat more that usual on the day before Yom HaKippur, and make it a festive meal. The Mekubalim add that, if possible, one should eat sufficient for two days but, whatever one does, the main thing is that one has in mind to perform a Mitzvah and Hashem will reward one accordingly(Ben Ish Hai, Shana Rishona, Parashat Vayeilech)
The Ba'al Menorat HaMeor says that this is because feasting on the ninth day indicates, that although we are awestricken and overwhelmed by Yom HaKippur, we rejoice at the prospect of being elevated spiritually by the atonement that it brings.
The Ben Ish Hai says that the Achronim z"l write that one should eat fish in the morning of the day before Yom HaKippur, and there is some support to this from the Midrash(Matteh Efraim) and it is also correct according to the Kabbalah.
The Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (11:4) (as quoted in the Sefer Menorat HaMeor, by Rabeinu Yitzchak Abohav) tells us: It once happened that the military governor of a city told his servant: "Go buy me a fish."
The servant could find only one fish on the market. He offered a golden piece for it. There was a Jewish tailor there who offered two golden pieces for the fish. The servant raised his offer to three golden pieces. The tailor, however, raised his offer to five golden pieces. The servant no longer bid against him, and the tailor took the fish home. The servant then went back and told his master all that happened. The military governor summoned the tailor and said to him: "What is your occupation?" He replied: "I am a tailor." The governor asked: "Why did you buy a fish worth but one golden piece for five golden pieces? Moreover, why did you bid against my servant who was trying to buy it for me?"
The servant replied: "How could I refuse to buy it even for ten golden pieces for the festivities of this day before Yom HaKippur on which Hakadosh Baruch Hu has directed us to eat and drink? And we are confident that He will forgive our sins." The governor said: "If so, you have done well" And he bade him farewell.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 283(Shiny Coins vs A Check)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yitzchak Aryeh Wormser(The Ba'al Shem of Michelshtat), R' Avraham Danzinger(Author of the Chaye Adam and Chachmat Adam) and R' Baruch Refael Ben R' Yitzchak Zev Soloveitchik. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tage Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to get all their Shabat needs! AMEN
"And afterwards they shall leave with great abundance."(Bereshit 15:14)
Hashem had given Avraham Avinu a glimpse of the future of the nation which would be descended from him. He told Avraham that the Jewish people would "go forth with great abundance" as free men.
Now what was this great abundance? Chazal tell us that it was the Law which the Children of Israel received in the Midbar on Har Sinai. But if this is indeed true, why were the Hebrews, before leaving Egypt, actually commanded to ask the Egyptians for money and goods?
We turn to the amazing Maggid of Dubno to reconcile this contradiction with one of his famous Meshalim: A young man had hired himself out to a wealthy merchant to serve him for six years, for which he would be paid with a bag of silver coins. When the six years were over and the time came for the servant to leave, it occurred to the master that a bag of silver was much too small a reward for the splendid services the boy had rendered him. He therefore put the silver aside and instead wrote out a check in an amount many times that of the total value of the silver coins. But the servant, instead of thanking his master for his generosity, sullenly stuffed the piece of paper into his pocket and went home weeping.
The next day his father called at the merchant's house and said to the wealthy man, "You have been most generous to my son and I want to thank you. But the boy is still a child and does not comprehend the value of a check. All he knew was that he expected to receive a bag filled with shiny new coins and that instead he got a plain sheet of paper. I should be most grateful, therefore, if you would let him have at least part of his wages in solid silver."
In the same manner did Avraham Avinu come to Hashem, saying "You have been generous indeed in promising the Torah to my descendants. But the nation will be young and not mature enough to understand the value of the Torah, and if they will have to leave the slavery of Egypt with empty hands they will say, "Indeed, Hashem has fulfilled part of His promise. We did become slaves. But what about the great abundance which we were to receive at the hour of our deliverance?"
It is for this reason, the Gemara explains, that Bnei Yisrael were clearly commanded to take gold and silver vessels from the Egyptians. This would be tangible wealth which they could appreciate at that time. In this manner Bnei Yisrael would see immediately that the promise given by Hashem to their righteous forebear had retained its validity.
It was only as Israel grew in wisdom that it came to understand that its true wealth lay not in the coins and trinkets gathered in Mitzrayim but in the Divine gift of the Torah, which has stood by our side to this very day.(Meshalim Shel Ha'Maggid M'Dubno, Haggadah Shel Pesach)
Something to think about:
"What part of Thou Shall Not, dont you understand!"-Love G-d (Heard from R' Orlofsky)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 282(Guilty of Treason!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Gedalia Ben Achikam, R' Naftali Trop(Rosh Yeshivah of Radin), R' Shimon Natan Nota Ben R' David Tzvi Shlomo Biderman of Lelov, and R' Natan Ben R' Avraham Sternhartz. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut for Klal Yisrael to get along! Amen!
Rav Yosef Chayim Sonnenfeld approached the Austrian Ambassador and said, "Your excellency, I come on behalf of all religious Jews. We beg that you demand that Dr. Hertzberg, the founder of the infamous new school, immediately return the child he has kidnapped." "What do you mean?" asked the astonished ambassador.
"Dr. Hertzberg has taken into his secular institution an orphan child who was being raised by Orthodox parents." answered Rav Yosef Chayim.
The ambassador asked, "What do you mean a secular institution? Why, I visited that school the other day and observed that all the religious laws were being observed. He has only introduced a good secular education in addition to the Torah that is being taught. He wants to improve on the education that your institutions offer."
Rav Yosef Chayim responded carefully, "Your excellency, I am sure you remember the famous incident with Dr. Helman during the French-Austrian war. He was the tutor of the children of the Austrian Defense Minister.
One day, as the minister was walking with his eldest son in the garden, he heard his son singing a French army march tune. He could not believe his ears. He asked his son for the source of this infamous song. His son answered, "Dr. Helman taught it to me during our French classes."
The Minister went into rage. He immediately called in Dr. Helman and screamed, "How dare you teach a foreign culture to my son, especially the culture of the same nation that is destroying our youth and bleeding our land! You taught him the song that they sing in battle as they kill our soldiers. You are guilty of treason of the highest order!" Dr. Helman was tried and convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment."
Rav Yosef Chayim stood up and with a shaking voice continued, "Dr. Hertzberg wants to implant in our children a foreign culture, a culture that is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Jews. His so-called superior education is from those same people who annihilated the Jews both physically and spiritually. He, like Dr. Helman is equally guilty of treason. The purity of our children's Torah education must remain unsullied!"
The ambassador arranged for the orphan child to be transferred to one of Rav Yosef Chayim's institutions.(Sefer Ma'asei Tzaddikim, Torah)
Something to think about:
"If someone transgresses against another person he must pacify and appease that person, by word and by deed before he is forgiven by Hashem as the Gemara in Yoma Daf 85b tells us: "Rabbi Elazar the son of Azaria expounded: "It is written, From all your sins before Hashem shall you be cleansed."(Vayikra 16:30) "Yom Kippur atones for the Aveirot between a person and Hashem. Yom Kippur does not atone for the transgressions of a person against his fellow unless he appeases him first."(Sefer Menorat HaMeor, Rabeinu Yitzchak Abohav, Yom Kippur, Perek Vav)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 281(Merits For The Childless)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yaakov HaLevi Lipschitz(Author of the Zichron Yaakov) R' Naftali Hertz(Rav of Pintchov) R' Rephael Landau Ben R' Avraham, R' Eliezer Deutsch(Author of the Pri Hasadeh) and R' Yisrael Rabinowitz of Skolya-Kishinev. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to written in the book of a good Torah Life. AMEN!
The obligation to support Torah study is incumbent upon everyone. Yet it is especially important for the childless, for the Torah tells us that that is a substitute for children.
However, a person must know the phrase, "better than sons and daughters"(Yeshayahu 56:5), does not refer to a one-time donation. Rather, in order for this phrase to apply one must behave similarly to those who did merit children, whose thoughts are always upon them.
A parent's only concern is that he should be able to feed and support his children so that they will not be weak, hungry or thirsty, and that they should be successful in their studies, through which they earn Olam Haba.
Similarly, let the childless individual inquire continually after the welfare of the students in the Yeshivah and the Talmudei Torah to see that they are fed and provided for properly. And let him hire for them a suitable mentor so that they will be successful in their studies.
And if he is too poor to support them himself he can earn the credit of supporting Torah by constantly urging others in this matter. For Chazal tell us: "Whoever prompts his fellow to do a Mitzvah is credited by the Torah as if he did it himself."(Sanhedrin 99b)
(Moreover Chazal say in Megilla 13a that person who raises an orphan in his home is credited as if he bore him. This, then, is another strategy for the childless. Let them take orphans into their home and raise them and they will be called after their names. One explanation of why this is not mentioned in the Pasuk in Yeshayahu is that it is included in the Mitzvah of performing acts of Chessed, which was already alluded to in the Pasuk: "And you shall choose the things that I desire"[Yeshayahu 56:4]
An even better explanation is that adopting children is still no better than raising one's own, whereas the three Mitzvot mentioned in the Pasuk -- Shabat observance, acts of Chessed, and support of Torah study -- are actually better than sons and daughters. However, if one not only raises the orphan but also pays for his studies until he reaches adulthood, then one's reward will surely be multiplied many fold.)
All of the above applies even if one is incapable of teaching others personally. But a person's merit is even greater if Hashem has granted him the ability to teach others himself, especially if he is able to teach G-d-fearing youth. Then, in addition to to the Mitzvah of supporting Torah he also fulfills the dictum: "Whoever teaches his colleague's son Torah is credited by the Torah as if he made him"(Sanhedrin 99b) Then his pupils will be undoubtedly be called after his name.(Sefer Shem Olam, Part I, Perek Tet Vav, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
Something to think about:
Do not feel bad about something good that you did, because if you do, you will lose the good that you did.(HaRambam)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 280(Nefesh vs Nefashot)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Shaul HaMelech, R' Chayim Yehudah Leib Ben R' Avraham Dov Auerbach(Rosh Yeshivah of Shaar HaShamayim, Father of R' Shlomo Zalman), R' Sa'adya(Father in-law of R' Chayim Vital) Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to be forgiven both Ben Adam L'Makom and Ben Adam L'Chaveiro. AMEN!
"They gather at Your feet, receiving Your words [literally: they will rise up through Your commandments].(Devarim 33:3)
In Hebrew "you" and "your" come in singular and plural forms. In the Aseret HaDibrot, Hashem addressed Klal Yisrael with the singular form when He said, "I am Hashem your G-d...," "You shall not kill," etc. By addressing Klal Yisrael in the singular, Hashem raised the status of Klal Yisrael over that of the nations of the world, who are referred to only in the plural. Thus the six members of Esav's household are called Nefashot "souls," in contrast to the seventy members of Yaakov's household who are called nefesh, "soul" -- "With seventy Nefesh your forefathers went down to Mitzrayim"(Devarim 10:22)
Ar Har Sinai, when the six hundred thousand of Klal Yisrael chose to accept the One Hashem, they themselves were raised up to the level of oneness. They became "a nation one on earth"(Shmuel II, 7:23) Their oneness so set them apart from the nations that they became "a people that dwells alone and is not reckoned among the nations."(Bamidbar 23:9)
Our Pasuk thus says, "They gather at Your feet" -- they accepted You as their G-d. Therefore, "they will rise up through Your commandments" -- through the Aseret HaDibrot, in which You addressed them in a singular, they were raised up above all the nations.(Sefer Aderet Eliyahu, Hacham Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad)
Something to think about:
Right before David HaMelech died he told his son Shlomo, "Vechazakta Vehayita L'Ish". R' Krohn explains this Pasuk to mean you want to succeed, you must first be an "Ish" you must have good middot to succeed in Torah.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 279(Staying Away From "Avodah Zara")
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabeinu Chayim Pinto and R' Eliakim Ben R' Yaakov Yosef. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to have all their Shabat needs. AMEN!
A poor traveling salesman lived in a city in Morocco. He traveled with his wagon and bought and sold scrap metal, and it was known that he had a very hard time making ends meet.
One day, a Muslim sheikh came to this man and offered him a piece of copper at a very low price. The salesman was more than happy to accept the offer. The sheikh said to him, "This copper will bring you much blessing. If you put this piece of copper on your table and put a candle on each side of it, then you will become very wealthy."
The man did as he was told and sure enough, his business surged and branched out, and in an astonishingly short time, he became very wealthy.
Hacham Chayim Pinto was traveling at the time and arrived in the salesman's city. He immediately sensed something flawed in the Jewish community, and asked the people if anyone there worshipped Avodah Zara. They all responded in the negative, they did not know anyone like that. Rav Chayim then asked if any Jews had recently become wealthy. To this the Jews were able to answer positively; they told him about the metal dealer and his amazing good fortune.
Rav Chayim went to the man's house. He asked him, "How did you become so wealthy in such a short time?" The man saw that the Hacham was a trustworthy and caring person and he told him the entire story about the sheikh and the piece of copper. Rav Chayim was much shaken when he heard this story. He asked the man, "If someone would give you a house full of gold and silver, would you worship it, Chas VShalom?" Rav Chayim continued, "Without you realizing it, this sheikh caused you to worship Avodah Zara! This piece of copper came from his home, and it was taken from an Avodah Zara."
The man did not hesitate for a moment. He smashed the copper into an unrecognizable mass and threw it out. All the money that he had made since acquiring the copper was an abhorrence to him; he did not want any of the profit he had earned since his meeting with the sheikh. He gathered his money and gave it to the poor Jews of his city. Hacham Chayim was so impressed with this mans that he gave him a Bracha to be wealthy in the merit of his goodness and generosity. The man continued dealing in metals and became very wealthy once again.(A Legacy of Leaders, Rav Haim Pinto)
This past year many have had issues with Parnasa. Some of them unfortunately turned to dishonesty hoping that then they will be able to make a good living, and they did. But we must know that it is Avodah Zara! It is from the other side! We are approaching the Yom HaDin, we must shadder the Avodah Zara "The Almighty Dollar" and rely on our "Almighty Hashem" to help us. And in the Zechut of staying away from evil, and connecting ourselves to the Holy Side, and following in its honest ways, we will be zoche to a year filled with Osher Shefa Bracha VHatzlacha Rabbah AMEN!
Something to think about:
Do not do for a friend, because you expect something in return.(Heard from R' Wallerstein)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 278(The Power of Learning Mishnah)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabeinu Elazar Ben Rabeinu Moreinu Shimon Bar Yochai, Hacham Aharon Ben Rabeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira and R' Yechiel Michel Ben R' Yitzchak(Maggid of Zlochov. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all that are single to find their zivugim bekarov AMEN!
It is incumbent upon a person to learn Torah Shel Ba'al Pe(The Oral Law) Specifically, he should study the Mishnah, together with it's commentary - the Gemara, which helps one to know and to understand the explanation of the Mishnah.
The Mishnah was said to Moshe Rabeinu on Har Sinai straight from the mouth of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. In Pirkei Avot we read, "Moshe received the Torah at Har Sinai and transmitted it to Yehoshua." Since the MIshnayot were given over orally, it is proper to say "transmitted to Yehoshua" and indeed the correct way to fulfill the Mitzvah of teaching them is to do so orally. It is for this reason that the hidden numerical value of the word "Mishnayot" is the same as that of "Ba'al Pe" -- oral. This alludes to the fact that the optimal way to teach Mishnayot is orally.
Studying Mishnah is the key to subduing the Yetzer Hara -- its cure, as it were. Through studying Mishnah, the Neshama is purified and sanctified. It is for this reason that the word "Neshama" (soul) is comprised of the same letters which spell the word "Mishnah" Furthermore, the word "HaMishnah" spelled hey-mem-shin-nun-hey has the same numerical value as "Yetzer Hara"(Evil Inclination) This alludes to the fact that by studying MIshnah the Yetzer Hara is subdued.
As is noted in many places -- including the Zohar Hakadosh -- the praise for the Mishnah and those who study it for the sake of Heaven is great indeed. Therefore, the numerical value of "Mishnah" is the same as "for the sake of 26 (the numerical value of the Tetragrammaton)" In other words, the main thing is to study the Mishnah for the sake of Heaven. A person needs to be fluent in Chumash, Mishnah and Gemara. When he is, the adage: "A triple threaded cord will not quickly be broken" shall be fulfilled in him.(Sefer Ginzei HaMelech, Tikkun HaTeshuvah, Rabeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira)
Something to think about:
The Shloh Hakadosh says that while a person listens to the sounds of the Shofar he should have Teshuvah in his mind.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 277(Three People Who Make Hashem Weep)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Chavakkuk HaNavi, R' Yisrael Meir Ben R' Aryeh Zev HaKohen Kagan(The Chafetz Chayim), R' Yechezkel Abramsky(Author of the Chazon Yechezkel) and Reb Yoel Aryeh Ben Reb Natan Nota. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. AMEN And a Zechut for Dov Ben Yitzchak to find a honest good job to support his amazing family. AMEN!
Chazal tell us in (Gemara Chagigah 5b) "There are three people over whom Hakadosh Baruch Hu, cries every day: Over one who has the opportunity to engage in Torah study but fails to do so..." Only Hakadosh Baruch Hu, truly knows the benefit to man's Neshama receives from Torah study.
(For no one else has ever beheld it, nor can anyone else ever comprehend it entirely -- not even the Malachim and the Niviim, as it is written: "No eye besides You, O G-d, has beheld that which You will do for those who await it"(Yeshayahu 64:3) Chazal comment on this Pasuk: "All the Niviim only prophesied concerning [the reward of] Torah supporters, but as for the scholars themselves, 'No eye besides Yours...'"[Gemara Brachot 34b])
Hashem observes continually how a person spends the precious hours he has been allotted for the purpose of gathering a store of Torah knowledge, to which no pleasure or enjoyment in this world can be compared. This will be a source of eternal pleasure for his Neshama. However, He also notices how a person fritters away his precious moments on matters that are of no benefit to the Neshama at all! (Thus the Pasuk in Kohelet challenges: "What benefit is there to a man in all the toil that he toils under the sun?"[1:3)]
Hashem is like a father to Klal Yisrael, as it is written Banim Atem L'Hashem "You are children to Hashem"(Devarim 14:1) Therefore He is pained and weeps over the loss of His precious children, because it is an eternal loss that can never be made up, for the only place which Torah can be acquired is this world. As the Torah itself declares the Torah is not in Heaven!
Any man with an understanding heart should reflect upon this at all times. Let him consider what is happening when a man sits idle with his companions, listening amusedly to their anecdotes or reading the newspaper or other material not related to his business. At that very moment Hakadosh Baruch Hu, Who created his Neshama and brought it to this world for his good, is sitting and crying over the loss of his time.
During that time he could have been studying Torah and acquiring storehouses of pearls and precious stones, which would have shone upon him forever with honor and greatness, yet he exchanged all this for things that bring no benefit to his Neshama at all! One the contrary, they bring upon him only sorrow by leading him into frivolity, mockery and forbidden speech, for which he will one day be made to give a reckoning.
If a person contemplates this well, he will derive no enjoyment at all from idle socializing or from reading unnecessary material. Rather, during every moment that he is free from his craft he will examine whether he can use it for study, which will bring him eternal joy and life.
The Pasuk cited above mentions two others over whom Hakadosh Baruch Hu cries: "...over one who lacks the opportunity to study but does so anyway, and over a communal leader who lords over the community arrogantly."
An explanation is required as to why Hashem would cry over one who studies although he lacks the opportunity. The Chafetz Chayim explains that this is very simple. In the previous case He grieves for the suffering of a person's Neshama, while in this case He grieves for the suffering of the body. That is, if his poverty and want make it impossible for him to study yet he forces himself to do so anyway, exceeding the limits of his strength, Hashem's love for him increases immeasurably. Concerning such a one the Pasuk proclaims: "As a man takes pity upon his son who serves him"(Malachi 17-20)
Although Hashem grieves greatly at the man's dire straits, it is not always in his best interests to improve them. For example, sometimes Hashem sees that this will cause him to abandon his praiseworthy ways and that he will be unable to withstand the trial of wealth. Sometimes it is impossible to change the lot that was assigned to him from birth, as was the case with Rabbi Elazar ben Pedas in Baba Metzia. And sometimes a person's poverty is in fact a boon, because it causes his reward to be greatly magnified.
In any event, if a man studies despite abject poverty, he has no reason for anxiety or consternation, for Hashem Himself knows his situation and grieves for him. If Hashem declines to improve his lot, it must be for his good.
The third case is that of a communal leader who lords over the community arrogantly. This, too, is related to his lofty station, for the reward awaiting a Jewish leader is very great. On the Pasuk: "Take Yehoshua"(Bamidbar 27:18) Rashi Hakadosh, quoting the Midrash, says that he showed him the reward awaiting the leaders of Klal Yisrael. Yet the leader referred to in this dictum destroyed his reward and deprived himself of his lofty station with his own hands through his pride. It is for the forfeiture of his eternal joy that Hashem weeps.
Happy is the man who considers his ways. He will be fortunate in this world and the next.(Sefer Torat HaBayit, Perek Hey, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
Something to think about:
"Well I believe in you, Love G-d"(Heard from R' David Orlofsky)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 276(Incline Your Ear)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Uri "the Seraph" Ben R' Pinchas, R' Meir Yehudah Getz(Rav of the Kotel, Rosh Yeshivah of Bet El and R' Yitzchak Menachem Mendel Ben R' Shmuel Tzvi(The Alexander Rebbe) Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to have a place to Daven at during the Yomim Noraim. AMEN
"Incline your ear and approach me; hear, and your soul will live."(Isaiah 55:3)
Why is hearing so important? A stranger once came to a town. He claimed to be a physician whose speciality was curing eye ailments.
Reuven had a mild eye infection. He said to himself, "If I go to my usual eye doctor, he will take a high fee and give me a remedy that will take a long time to work. Let me try this new fellow. Since he needs to establish his reputation here, he will probably give me a better deal."
Reuven went to the stranger. After a brief checkup, the "physician" put drops into Reuven's eyes."What have you done?" cried Reuven. "Now I cannot see at all!" "Have no fear," said the stranger soothingly. "These are special drops that weaken the eyes at first. But soon your eyes will become strong and bright" Reuven foolishly believed the stranger. He rose to leave. The stranger feared that others, less gullible than Reuven, might advise him to report to the police. So he said, "Let me place two drops in your ears to help your eyes." He administered the eardrops, making Reuven deaf. Now the stranger was satisfied, for no one would be able to direct Reuven to the police.
The Yetzer Hara is like malpractitioner in the story. First it blinds the mind's eye lest a person read Mussar works and do Teshuvah. Then, fearing that he might go to a Shiur, it closes his ears lest he hear and do Teshuvah.
Thus everything depends on the ear. Small wonder the Navi said, "Incline your ear and approach me; hear and your Neshama will live."
In a way, hearing a Shiur is even more important than studying from a Sefer. By reading alone, a person may only study from one Sefer; by hearing the Shiur, he learns things gleaned from many Sefarim. The Navi therefore said, "Hashem my G-d has opened my ear, and I did not rebel, I did not turn backward."(Isaiah 50:5) -- because Hashem opened my ear to hear, I became stronger in Torah and Mitzvot.(Sefer Birkat Hayyim, Haftarat Re;eh, Hacham Yosef Hayim of Baghdad)
Something to think about:
The way you act towards people on Rosh HaShanah is the way Hakadosh Baruch Hu is going to act towards you during the year.(Heard from R' Shlomo Diamond)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 275(Extraordinary Behavior)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabbeinu Yaakov Ben R' Moshe HaLevi Segal Moelin(The Maharil) and R' Mordechai Dov Twerski Ben R' Meshulam Zusia Yitzchak. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut for every Jew to have amazing friends AMEN!
Rav Avraham Ishaya Karelitz, the Chazon Ish, was renowned for his diligence in Torah study. During weekdays he would not even get undressed, but would fall asleep in his clothes so that in the morning he would be immediately prepared to continue the study of Hashem's holy Torah. One night, however, he changed his normal routine. A young boy from the town of Mir asked for lodging at his home. The Chazon Ish also has a boy from Vilna staying in his house, who name was Chayim. Chayim wished to stay up that evening to learn with the Chazon Ish. He asked the guest from Mir: "Would it disturb you if we keep the lamp burning so that we can learn?" The boy replied, "Even ten lamps would not interfere with my sleep."
Chayim pleased with the response, went to study with the Chazon Ish. To his amazement, the Chazon Ish was hurriedly undressing and demanding that the light be extinguished so that they could go to sleep. Chayim did not say anything that evening, but in the morning he asked: "Please Rabbi Karelitz what is the reason for your extraordinary behavior last night?"
The Chazon Ish explained, "I wanted to ensure that our guest would have a good night's sleep. He said that light wouldn't disturb him so that he would not interfere with our learning. We must always be concerned with one's true needs and welfare."(Sefer Ma'asei Tzaddikim, Kavod HaBeriot) Derech Eretz Kadma L'Torah.
Something to think about:
"In our generation we buy things we do not want, with money we do not have, to impress people we do not like!"(Heard from R' Yonatan Rietti)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 274(Reaching To The Kise HaKavod)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yonatan Ben R' Natan Nota Eibeshitz (Author of the Kreisi UPleisi). His Neshama should have an Aliyah. Zechuta Yagen Aleinu. Amen!
Rabbi Levi said: "Great is Teshuvah, that it reaches up until the Kise HaKavod(The Throne of Glory), as it is written (Hoshea 14:2): 'Return, O Israel, until Hashem, your G-d'"(Yoma 86a) And Chazal have said: "When Moshe Rabbeinu ascended to the first firmament he found classes of Malachim, who opened a Torah scroll before him, read about the first day of Creation, discontinued, and began speaking in praise of Torah. When ascended to the second firmament he found clusters of Malachim, who read about the second day of Creation, discontinued, and began speaking in praise of Torah and Israel. When he ascended to the third firmament he found Malachim and troops, who read about the third day of Creation, discontinued, and began speaking in praise of Yerushalayim. When he ascended to the fourth firmament he found mighty Malachim, who read about the fourth day of Creation, discontinued, and began speaking in praise of Mashiach(who should come speedily in our days amen) When he ascended to the fifth firmament he found camps upon camps who read about the fifth day of Creation, discontinued, and began speaking about the anguish of Gehenoim. When he ascended to the sixth firmament he found Malachim, who read about the sixth day of Creation, discontinued, and began to speak about Gan Eden, and to implore Hakadosh Baruch Hu, to place the portion of Klal Yisrael in Gan Eden. When he ascended to the seventh firmament he found ofanim, serafim, galgalim, Malachei Rachamim(angels of mercy), Malachei Chessed U'Tzedaka(angels of loving-kindness and charity), and angels of shuddering and trembling, whereupon he grasped the Kise HaKavod(The Throne of Glory). They began reading about the seventh day of Creation -- "And Heaven and earth were completed..." --- discontinued, and began to speak in praise of Teshuvah. It is hereby seen that Teshuvah reaches up until the Kise HaKavod, as it is written (Hoshea 14:2): "Return, O Israel, until Hashem your G-d"(Sefer Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar HaTeshuvah Shaar 26)
Something to think about:
Love is the thing that binds and attaches man to his Creator, increasing his spiritual strength and enveloping him with an aura of the Divine. The main element of such love is the joy in one's heart, the flaming of the Neshama before it's Creator, and the devotion of all one's powers to sanctify Hashem's Name and fulfill His Will.(Sefer Derech Hashem, Chelek Rivii, Avodat Boreinu, Perek Gimmel, R' Moshe Chayim Luzzatto)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 273(A Civilized People)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabbeinu Yaakov of Orleans HY"D.(Talmid of Rabbeinu Tam), R' Moshe Ben R' Pinchas of Ostrob, R' Hillel Vitkind(Rosh Yeshivah of Beit Hillel in Bnei Brak) and R' Moshe Tzvi Aryeh Ben R' Chayim Yechiel Michel. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to get all their Shabat needs AMEN!
"Whoever does not have either Torah, Mishnah, or an occupation is not from civilization.(Gemara Kiddushin 40b)
The earth consists of civilization, wilderness, and sea. Civilization is a place clean and free of wild beasts that is pleasant for man to inhabit. It corresponds to Klal Yisrael, who, when they follow the ways of the Torah, bring benefit to the world. The wilderness is a place of danger from wild beasts and from brigands; in addition, the climate is too extreme to be pleasant for man. It corresponds to Yishmael, of whom it is written: "He shall be a wild beast of a man; his hand shall be in everything, and everyone's hand shall be against him."(Bereshit 16:12) The sea is even more dangerous than the wilderness; man cannot inhabit it at all! It corresponds to the nation of Edom, which is even more dangerous than Yishmael.
Our Gemara teaches: "Whoever does not have either Torah, Mishnah or an occupation is not from civilization" -- he is not part of Israel, which is civilized.(Sefer Benayahu, Hacham Yosef Hayim of Baghdad)
Something to think about:
The three most important word in marriage and really in any relationship are "I was wrong!"(Heard from R' Pesach Krohn)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 272(Divine Light)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yehudah Ben R' Bezalel Loew (The Maharal M'Prague) and R' Abdullah Ben R' Avraham Somech (Rebbe of the Ben Ish Hai). Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to do complete Teshuvah both Ben Adam L'Makom and Ben Adam L'Chaveiro AMEN!
"Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of Hashem has risen over you."(Isaiah 60:1)
"The glory of Hashem has risen over you" seems to repeat the thought expressed in the words "you Light has come." What is the reason for this redundancy?
A man lit a candle at night. It blew out, and he re-lit it. Again it blew out, and again he re-lit it. At last he said, "Why should I trouble myself for nought? I will wait until the sun rises, and I will travel by its light."(Shoher Tov 36:10)
Simliarly, Klal Yisrael went into darkness of the Egyptian bondage and were redeemed by Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They were subjugated by the Greeks and were redeemed by Matityahu and Hasmonean and his sons. Then they were subjugated by Edom.
This time, Klal Yisrael says, "We are tired of being redeemed and exiled. We do not want the light of man, but the light of Hakadosh Baruch Hu." Thus it is written: "L-rd, G-d of kindness, shine Your light on us!"(Tehillim 118:27, Shoher Tov 36:10)
In our Pasuk, too, Hashem tells Klal Yisrael, "Arise, shine, for your Light has come." Klal Yisrael replies, "We are tired of being redeemed and then exiled, redeemed and then exiled."
Hashem then says: In the past you were redeemed by man. But this time, "the glory of Hashem has risen over you" -- you will be redeemed by Hashem, and His redemption, like Hashem Himself, is eternal.(Sefer Birkat Hayyim, Haftarot Ki Tavo, Hacham Yosef Hayim of Baghdad)
Something to think about:
"A woman who wants to be thanked for the Hallah she makes, must thank her husband for the dough he brings home."(Heard from R' Pesach Krohn)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 271(The Power of Unity)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Chayim Benveniste (Rav of Izmir, Author of the Knesset HaGedolah, and R' Yaakov Koppel Reich (Av Beit Din of Budapest) Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for R' Zecharia Shimon Wallerstein to have Osher Shefa Bracha VHatlzlacha B'Ruchniut VB'Gashmiut with Shalom Bayit and much Nachat from his children and talmidim AMEN!
"The children of Israel shall encamp, each with his own standard, according to the signs, by their fathers' houses. They shall encamp a ways off, round the Tent of Meeting.(Bamidbar 2:2)
There are thirteen letters in the names of the Avot, corresponding to the Gematria of Echad "one" because the Avot are the chariot of the Shechinah, which is the site of unity. Their seed, Israel, must be a nation one on earth, for Israel must resemble its ancestors.
The word "one" is Israel's standard, for Hashem praises them with it, as we learn: "Hashem has praised you this day"(Devarim 26:18) by calling you "one" (Brachot 6a)
The Pasuk thus means, "The Children of Israel shall encamp, each with his title [of 'one'], according to the signs, by their fathers' houses." The Hebrew word for "signs" is similar to the Hebrew word for "letters" and names are called "houses"(Sefer Yetzirah) The Pasuk thus ends: "according to the letters of their fathers' [i.e. the Avot] names" Then they will merit to "encamp a ways off, round the Tent of Meeting" -- to always be close to the Shechinah.
But if there is strife and dissension among Klal Yisrael, the Shechinah leaves. That is what happened when the second Beit HaMikdash was destroyed on account of dissension.(Ben Ish Hai, Derushim Bamidbar)
The Mefarshim say that the thirteen letters of the Avot's names were inscribed on the four standards of the camp. Thirteen is the Gematria of Echad "one" They were written on the standards to show that Israel must be one -- unified -- as it is written, "Who is like Your people Israel, a nation one on earth!"(Shmuel II, 7:23) Through this their standard -- their honor -- will be raised. For even if their deeds are not worthy, the merit of their Achdut(unity) will protect them, as it is written, "Efraim is unified, though idolatrous -- leave him in peace!(Hosea 4:17)
Thus our Pasuk says: "The Children of Israel shall encamp, each with his own standard, according to the ensigns, by their fathers' houses" -- they shall encamp in unity, as hinted by the letters of their fathers' names that are on the standards, which are the Gematria of one. Then, even if "a ways off" -- even if they go in a way that is far from the right path -- "round the Tent of Meeting shall they encamp" -- they will not be exiled from their land, but shall remain encamped around the Temple.
And so it was. The idolatrous King Ahav of Israel went out to war and every one of his soldiers returned home alive, because there was unity among the people. But the Second Beit HaMikdash was destroyed and Klal Yisrael put into Galut because of divisiveness among the people.
Thus it is written, "One with one approaches; no spirit can pass between them"(Job 41:8) -- when Israel, called "one" approaches Hashem with the virtue of unity, the Yetzer Hara cannot pass between them. For where their is unity, the Satan cannot accuse.(Ben Ish Hayyil 4, Kallah 3)
Our Pasuk hints that the Children of Israel will be gathered in from Galut and will return to the Beit HaMikdash in the merit of two things. One is unity, alluded to in "the letters of their fathers' names" The other is loving-kindness, gomel dalim, taught by the letters gimmel daled of the Hebrew alphabet. This point is alluded to in the world Mineged "opposite" which can be broken down into min gimmel daled "through gimmel daled"
Through unity and loving-kindness, they "shall encamp around the Tent of Meeting."(Ben Ish Hayyil 1, Kallah 1, Hacham Yosef Hayim of Baghdad)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 270(If You Follow My Laws)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yitzchak HaKohen Shapiro, R' Avraham Avigdor Nachum Ben R' Yaakov Yitzchak Dan Landau(Talmid of the Brisker Rav), and R' Yechi Shnior(Talmid of the Baba Sali). Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. And be a zechut for Eliyahu Tzvi Ben Rachel to have Bracha V'Hatlzlacha both in Ruchniut and Gashmiut AMEN!
A person should make an accounting when he senses in himself an inclination to rebel against the Creator and to break His covenant. He should reflect and meditate on all that he has perceived, with his senses, of the world's roots and branches, of its simple elements and complex beings, of that which is above and that which is below -- how they all exist by Hashem's word and keep His covenant. Has he ever seen any of them deviate from the restraining bond of Hashem's service, rebel against His word, or break His covenant?
Imagine [what would happen] if one of them were to violate Hashem's covenant: man would cease to exist! For example, if one of the elements were to violate Hashem's covenant and change its nature, or if the earth were to leave the center and the waters of the ocean were to flood out, bursting their bounds and engulfing the earth's surface -- would a man be left on the face of the earth?
Even more wonderful is the case of one's own physical organs. If they were to violate Hashem's covenant [with them] vis-a-vis man -- for example, if organs that are naturally mobile were to become immobile, or those that are naturally immobile were to become mobile, of if the senses did not supply man with what they were appointed to bring to him -- then his constitution would break down, his structure would come apart, and his control fail.
How, then, can a man not be ashamed to violate his Creator's covenant in a world that has not violated Hashem's covenant in his regard; when he does so with the help of organs and limbs -- appointed by Hashem to serve and support him -- that have not violated Hashem's covenant in his regard?
Consider the following analogy by Rabeinu Bachya: Let us say that there was a king who ordered a group of his servants to ferry one of his ministers, with the utmost care, over a mighty river to a certain place at a fixed time. The king then ordered the minister to do certain things for them, in that situation and at that time.
The servants followed the king's order in regard to the minister, but the minister neglected to execute the king's order in regard to them. One of the servants then said to the minister: "You who neglect the king's command, do you not fear that one of us will act toward you as you have acted, and will disobey the king's order to take care of you, as you have disregarded his order concerning us? [Are you not afraid that] you will fall into this mighty river and die a cruel death? Correct your error by repenting and begging forgiveness; because the king ordered us to neglect your safety in the event that you neglected his order concerning us." The minister awoke from his negligence and rectified his error.
And you, my brother -- reflect [for a moment]: Has any one of your organs or limbs ever failed to comply with the Creator's instructions concerning you, when you wished to use it? Surely you know that the Creator has stipulated in His faithful Torah that if you serve Him, everything in the world will be at your disposal and command; but if you defy His word, everything will defy your will. This is clearly stated in Parashat Im B'Chukotey Telechu (If you follow My laws (Vayikrah 26:3) and in many other Pesukim.(Sefer Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Cheshbon HaNefesh, Perek Gimmel, R' Bachya ben Yosef ibn Paquda)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 269(A Woman of Valor)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Moshe Alshakar(Author of Sheilot U'Teshuvot Maharam Alshakar and Kol Bnei Malah U'Matah), R' Chanoch Eiges M'Vilna and R' Yaakov Koppel Chassid Ben R' Nechemia Feivel (Sheliach Tzibur of the Ba'al Shem Tov) Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all that are awaiting children to be blessed with Zara Chaya Vkayama AMEN!
In the final chapter of Mishlei, "A woman of Valor," is an extended metaphor in praise of the Torah. It concludes with the Pasuk, (31:29): "Many daughters have achieved valor, but you have surpassed them all." The "many daughters" are the other Mitzvot a person performs, each of which adds to his Neshama's "valor". Or, if we interpret Chayil as "host" rather than "valor" from each Mitzvah an angel is created, increasing the host of one's defenders. But the "woman of valor" -- that is, the Mitzvah of Torah study -- surpasses them all, for in just a few moments hundreds of defending angels can be created.
If a person achieves what he was meant to achieve in this life, his Creator rejoices in him, as it is written: "Hashem rejoices in His words."(Tehillim 104:31) Moreover, he is a source of pride to Hashem before His Heavenly Hosts, as it is written: "Israel, in you I glory"(Yeshayahu49:3)(Sefer Chovot HaShemirah, Hagdama, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
Something to think about:
The benefit of complete trust in Hashem is expounded in the Pasuk, "Be of pure faith with Hashem Your G-d"(Devarim 18:13) This is a positive Mitzvah which can be fulfilled in a person's heart every day.(Sefer Mitzvot HaBitachon, R' Shmuel Houminer)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 268(Four Cubits of Halacha)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yosef Yuska Ben R' Yisrael Ashkenazi (Author of the Ohel Yosef). His Neshama should have an Aliyah. Zechuto Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to be written in the book of Good Life this year AMEN!
Chazal tell us in Gemara Sanhedrin (99b): that whoever studies Torah for its own sake (Lishmah) causes peace to reign among the hosts of Heaven and earth. Thus it is written: "Or let him take hold of My strength (i.e. the Torah) and make peace for Me; he shall make peace for Me."(Yeshayahu 27:5)
In the same passage, Rav says that it is as if he built the palaces of Heaven and earth, as it is written: "I have put My words in your mouth...in order to plant the Heavens and found the earth."(Yeshayahu 51:16)
Rabbi Yochanan says that he protects the entire world, as it is written: "And with the shadow of My hand I cover you."(sham) And Rabbi Levi says that [in the merit of his learning) he even expedites the Geula, as it is written: [regarding prophesying about the return of Israel to its Land]: "And you say to Zion, 'You are My people'"(sham)
Torah study is of greater significance than the sacrifices. The Pasuk in Shmuel states: "The sin of the house of Eli will not be atoned for through sacrifices and meal offerings"(I 3:14) Chazal infer: "It will not be atoned for through sacrifices and offerings, but it will be atoned for though Torah study."(Gemara Rosh HaShanah 18a)
Another Pasuk declares: "This is the Torah for a burnt-offering, a flour offering, a sin offering, and a guilt-offering etc."(Vayikrah 7:37) Chazal comment: "Whoever engages in Torah study is credited as if he offered a burnt-offering, a meal-offering, a sin-offering, a guilt-offering and a peace-offering."(Gemara Menachot 110a)
In the Zohar HaKadosh we read: "Whoever engages in Torah study is considered as if he offered all the Korbanot in the world to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Moreover, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, grants him atonement for all his sins and numerous thrones are prepared for him in Olam Haba."
The world exists only for the sake of the Holy Torah, as it is written: "Were it not for [the study of] My covenant day and night, I would not have made the laws of Heaven and earth."(Yirmiyahu 33:25)
The Zohar HaKadosh tells us in Parashat Bereshit: Whoever engages in Torah study every day merits a portion in Olam Haba. It is considered as if he built this world, for with the Torah was the world built and perfected. This is the meaning of the Pasuk "With wisdom Hashem founded the earth."(Mishlei 3:19) Whoever toils over it perfects the world and sustains it. Come and see that with the spirit Hakadosh Baruch Hu, made the world, and with spirit it is sustained. These are the spirits of those who weary themselves over the Torah.
Chazal also tell us that when a man is engaged in Torah study he is surrounded as far as the eye can see by the angels created from his breath, and he is in their midst.
No matter what Torah discipline one studies, one receives credit for the positive Mitzvah of Torah learning, even the laws of Korbanot or of Tumah and Taharah. Nevertheless, one's primary focus should be on those subjects that lead to performance. We read in Tehillim: "Hashem loves the gates of Zion (of "distinction") more than the all the dwellings of Yaakov"(87:2) On this Pasuk Chazal comment: "Hashem loves the gates (i.e. the houses of study) that are distinguished by the study of Halacha more than all the other houses of prayer and study of Yaakov"(Gemara Brachot 8a)
They say further that since the day that the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed Hashem has no portion in this world other than the four cubits of Halacha. The Maharsha explains this dictum at length, but in essence what he says is that as long as the Beit HaMikdash stood the Sanhedrin convened in the Hewn Chamber on the Temple Mount. From there they issued definitive rulings for the entire nation and the Divine Presence hovered over them. But now that the Beit HaMikdash has been destroyed, the four cubits that every Torah scholar designates for himself to sit and review his learning take the place of the Sanhedrin as the dwelling place of the Divine Presence.
In Tanna Debei Eliyahu it is taught that whoever studies Halacha every day is guaranteed a portion in Olam Haba. The Shach in Yore De'ah (246) also instructs us, in the name of the Derishah, that every man must study Halacha every day so that his study will lead to practice.(Hagdama to Eitz Pri, reprinted in Amalah Shel Torah, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 267(Mightier Than The Roar of the High Seas)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Shimon Ben HaRosh(1342), R' Simcha Bunim Ben R' Tzvi of Pishischa, R' Moshe Elokim Briah Hopstein Ben R' Yisrael (Koznitzer Maggid), R' Yitzchak Zelanick (Rosh Yeshivah of Me'or Eliayhu), and R' Menachem Menashe(Author of the Ahavat Chayim) Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. And be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to get all their needs for Shabat Kodesh AMEN!
A great and saintly Rabbi was once aboard a ship, together with two of his disciples. Rosh HaShanah drew near and land was not in sight yet. So the Rabbi and his disciples prepared to spend the Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah on the high seas.
On the night of Rosh HaShanah a terrific storm broke out. The ship was tossed about by the huge waves and was in grave danger of breaking up. The big waves swept over the ship again and again, flooding it from bow to stern. The sailors worked hard to bale the water out, until they had no strength left in them. It seemed only a matter of time before the ship would sink, unless the storm passed immediately.
During all this time the saintly Rabbi sat in his cabin, engrossed in prayer, praying with no attention to the storm threatening the ship. At dawn, when the storm had still not let up, his two disciples decided to tell the Rabbi of the danger that threatened all of them.
Entering his cabin, and finding him engrossed in prayer, they hesitated and withdrew, finding no courage to disturb him. A little while later they tried again, but again they turned back, not daring to disturb him. Finally, when the storm seemed to have reached its height and it was a matter of minutes before they would all be drowned, the disciples decided there was no time to be lost. With trembling voices and tears in their eyes they approached the Rabbi and told him of the danger they were in.
"Waste no time. Bring the Shofar quickly and let us fulfill the sacred Mitzvah of sounding the Shofar, while we are still alive," the Rabbi said.
The disciples brought the Shofar, and soon the sound of the Shofar was heard through the boat -- Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, Tekiah. And the high winds seemed to snatch up the sounds of the Shofar and carry them far away.
Suddenly the wind began to calm down, as if afraid to drown out the sounds of the Shofar. Also, the roar of the sea grew quieter and quieter and before long there was a perfect calm over the water. The last sounds of the Shofar rang clearly in the stillness of the early morning. It felt like a wonderful miracle!
The captain, the sailors and many passengers, following the sound of the Shofar, came to the Rabb's cabin, where they found the Rabbi and his two disciples joyfully concluding the solemn Shofar service.
Amazed and full of awe, they bowed their heads in respect, and when the Rabbi concluded the service, the captain said, "That is certainly a magical horn that you have there, for it has changed the stormy sea into a calm lake. If you will sell it to me, I will give you anything you want for it."
The Rabbi smiled as he answered: "No, my friend, it is not a magical horn, but a Shofar, a simple ram's horn, which we Jews are commanded to sound on the solemn days of our New Year. It raises a storm in our hearts, which is mightier than the storm of the sea, for it calls us to return to Hashem with humility.
"I did not know," the Rabbi continued, "that it would save us all. All I wanted to do was to fulfill one more Divine commandment in the last moments of life left to us. But Hashem is merciful, and spared us all, so that we might live a good and holy life. Let us show our gratitude to Hashem by obeying his Mitzvot always, in times of safety as well as in times of danger, for we are always at His Mercy.(Taledei Orot, Inyanei Rosh HaShanah, Chabad.org)(Sefer Kol Teruah, 5:19-20, R' Doueck)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 266(Rosh HaShanah in Bergen-Belsen)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Shalom Yosef Ben R' Yisrael of Ruzhin and R' Avraham Yaakov Ben R' Yisrael of Ruzhin. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. Amen! And a Zechut for Klal Yisrael to get their Yom Tov needs AMEN!
Wolf Fishchelberg walked among the barracks in Bergen-Belsen trying to barter cigarettes for bread. He then noticed a stone flying towards him over the barbed wire from the other sector in the concentration camp. He picked up the stone and the small grey note wrapped around it. He slipped the note into his pocket and kept walking.
When he was back in his bunk he read the note. It was written in Hebrew by a Dutch Jew named Hayyim Borack, who had Argentinian papers. Borack wrote that he succeeded in obtaining a Shofar and he would be able to smuggle the Shofar in one of the coffee cauldrons the morning before Rosh HaShanah. In doing so, the Jews would lose a cauldron of coffee (as the Shofar would be covered with a tiny amount of coffee, just enough to conceal it), but they would get a Shofar on Rosh HaShanah.
Fischelberg took a vote amongst the Polish Jews and they agreed to sacrifice their coffee rations and get the Shofar for Rosh HaShanah. Obviously, this wasn't only about the coffee they would miss. If the Germans found out about the transaction, they would pay with their lives.
The smuggling of the Shofar was a success. No one was caught and the Shofar was not damaged. The Polish Jews risked their lives again as they blew the Shofar on Rosh HaShanah for the inmates. Miraculously, the Germans did not hear the blasts. The Jews did though. They felt that the sounds of the Shofar had made a dent in the Nazi wall of humiliation and slavery. The blasts of the Shofar gave those Jews a bit of temporary freedom from their oppressors and brought them hope that someday freedom would bring down the barbed-wire fences of Bergen-Belsen.(Hassidic Tales of the Holocaust, Yaffa Eliach,Avon Books, The Rosh HaShanah Survival Guide p 74)(Sefer Kol Teruah, 6:7, R' Doueck)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 265(Letting Go Of The "Almighty Dollar")
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Pinchas ben R' Avraham Abba Shapiro, R' Yitzchak ben R' Shalom Yosef of Sadiger and R' Moshe Yehudah Leib of Pashkan ben R' Yitzchak of Bohush. (Author of Birchat Moshe). Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN!
Jewish tradition teaches us that the Jews stopped being slaves to Pharaoh in Mitzrayim on the day of Rosh HaShanah. We also learn from our tradition that Yosef HaTzaddik was freed from the prison of the dungeon on this day. Incredibly, we also learn that Rosh HaShanah was also the day on which Hakadosh Baruch Hu had "remembered" Avraham's wife Sarah, Yaakov's wife Rachel and Elkanah's wife Hannah. We learn that their Tefillot were answered and that they conceived on the day of Rosh HaShanah.
The Rabbis emphasized to us that this is a day where our only submission should be to Hashem Himself and nothing else. By letting go of our worldly preoccupations and turning to important matters of spirituality, this day we become free men, no matter what our occupations are. We become servants of an omnipotent G-d who can change our fortunes in a heartbeat. In the "Tashlich" prayer, we should see ourselves simply as little fish in a pond, fully vulnerable to Hashem's providence and control. This is the feeling Chazal wanted us to have on this day. These are the emotions that the Shofar should evoke in our hearts.
On the Yovel all Jewish slaves are freed from serving their human masters and they now can fully accept upon themselves the service of Hashem Yitbarach. Until then, a slave could not really serve Hashem as a free man would. Servants are thus not obligated in many Mitzvot. However, on the Yovel, the Shofar sounds and the slaves finally take upon themselves Ol Malchut Shamayim -- the yoke of Heaven. On Rosh HaShanah, we similarly blow the Shofar as a clarion call and a reminder to ourselves that we should not be serving any other "Master" Whether it be our boss in our places of work, or our customers or anyone else. We are not to be serving the "Almighty Dollar"!
Instead, Rosh Hashanah is a time for us to realize that we are truly free men only when we come under the exclusive service of Hashem. "Ein Lecha Ben Chorin Ela Mi SheOzek BTalmud Torah"(Devarim 25:55, Gemara Kedushin 22b, Rosh HaShanah 16a)(Taledei Orot, Inyanei Rosh HaShanah p 414)(Sefer Kol Teruah, Perek 6:3, R' Doueck)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 264(Shofar: The Power of Change)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Dan Ben Yaakov Avinu (also birthday), R' Tzadok Ben R' Yaakov HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin, R' Nachum Mordechai Ben R' Alter Yisrael Shimon Perlow of Novominsk and R' Yonatan Shteif (Viener Rav). Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Alienu. AMEN! And a Zechut for the Kreitner Family to have Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah AMEN!
On the eve of Rosh HaShanah in 1929, the Chief Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook found out that there was a particular construction project in Yerushalayim that was quickly nearing completion, and that those involved in the building planned to continue to work toward completing the project, even on Rosh HaShanah. Obviously saddened by this news, Rav Kook decided upon a strategy as to how to address the situation.
The next morning, Rav Kook sent one of his Gabaim (ritual assistants) to visit the workers, and to bring a Shofar with him. Rav Kook gave the Gabai careful instructions not to speak any harsh words, rather to merely go to the construction site, and to simply sound the Shofar.
Upon hearing the familiar sounds of the Shofar, construction ceased, and most of the laborers quickly changed their clothing and and made their way to Shul.
When the Gabai returned to Shul, he asked Rav Kook why the Rabbi did not simply go and address these workers himself; surely a visit from the esteemed Chief Rabbi would have encouraged all of the laborers to join the many who had decided to return to Shul with the Gabai.
Rav Kook explained that had he arrived at the site, surely he would have caused great embarrassment, even shame to the many workers. Although the public desecration of this holiest of days certainly pained him deeply, the pain he felt when the Torah's honor was tarnished in such a public manner enveloped his entire being; but what pained him most was to know that there were Jews who might go through an entire Rosh HaShanah and not hear the beautiful sweet sounds of the Shofar. (Mo'adei HaRei'ah, compiled by R' Moshe Tzvi Neriah)
This story really sums up the multi-tiered inspirational messages contained within the Shofar's sounds. The word's of Rav Kook are particularly profound as he had such a deep understanding of how the Shofar's emotionally charged sound had the power to literally transform each and every Neshama, to literally touch even those most remote and lest connected to Judaism, scattered throughout the four corners of the world. This message vividly resonates for the times we live in today as well.
Rav Kook's beautiful lesson should guide us and serve as the basis for building bridges with all our brothers and sisters. The Shofar's sweet sounds reminds us of the beauty, the enrichment, fulfillment and contentment that Torah can bring to each of our lives. The Shofar's sounds reach that pure spark within each of us, and softly reminds us that we can indeed leave behind all those issues and confusing circumstances that cloud our vision.
When we hear the Shofar this Rosh HaShanah, may it inspire within us a newfound desire for true freedom; freedom to leave behind whatever lingering grudges or pre-conceived notions we may hold toward family, friends, and neighbors.
The sounds of the Shofar have the power to touch our Neshamot. Our job is to open up and let it touch us.(Sefer Yom Teruah, Perek 5:9, R' Doueck)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 263(The King's Crown)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Shlomo Ben R' Yosef Karo, R' Michael Ashkenazi and Rabanit Malka of Belz(The first Belzer Rebbe's wife). Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for Yael Bat Tzipora Miriam Rasha to find an amazing honest way to make a great Parnasa Bechinam Bekarov AMEN!
We all acknowledge the Torah's extraordinary Kedusha. The fact that neglect of Torah study is so common is therefore astonishing. The Chafetz Chayim explains this phenomenon with a Mashal:
When a certain king first began his reign all the nobles of the land decided that the glory of his kingship required that he have a suitable crown. After some investigation they learned that in another city there lived a great craftsman who would be capable of doing the job. Two of the nobles then set out for that city, bringing with them the finest gold as well as precious jewels. The craftsman did indeed create a beautiful crown worthy of praise.
One their way back to the capital the nobles passed through numerous towns and villages and at one point they spied in the distance some peasants plowing their fields with five pair of oxen. One of the nobles turned to his colleague and offered to show him an astounding phenomenon. He called the peasants over and asked if they would like to see something very beautiful. The peasants answered in the affirmative, so the noble took out the new crown and showed it to them. They were duly impressed by its splendor and and admitted they had never seen anything so beautiful in all their lives.
Then the nobleman asked if they would be willing to give him all their oxen in exchange for it. One of the peasants agreed right away, but his companion stopped him. "I will not let you do anything so foolish. With these five pair of oxen we can plow five large fields every day. But how will this pretty bauble help us in our fields?"
At that point the noblemen spoke up, "You ignorant fool! With even a small piece of this "bauble" you could have purchased all the fields and vineyards you wanted. This is the king's crown! Its value is beyond measure!"
So it is with the Torah. We all believe and even see with our own eyes that the Torah is a trove of deep wisdom and we all admire its beauty. The Yetzer HaTov advises a person: Since the Torah is so precious why don't you give up all the mundane matters of this world that so preoccupy you and exchange them for Torah study -- at least for a few hours a day?
The beauty of the Torah's wisdom is so alluring that the person is on the verge of accepting the offer. But just then the Yetzer Hara steps in and counsels him: How can you give up precious hours of work to study Torah? During those same hours you could earn a little more money and buy a nicer house!
The Yetzer HaTov counters: Don't be a fool! How can you compare your wares with mine? (That is, the Torah) What is more, you imply that yours are even more valuable, when in truth my merchandise is more precious than the finest gold! The highest nobles with the most refined understanding of such matters (i.e. the angels) wished to keep it for themselves, saying: "Give Your splendor to the Heavens"(Tehillim 8:2) Even a single item of my merchandise surpasses in value all the precious stones and pearls in the world, for the words of Torah are affixed in the crown of the Melech Malchai HaMelachim. Thus we read in the Otiot D'Rabbi Akiva that the twenty-two letters of the Torah are engraved upon the awesome crown of Hakadosh Baruch Hu Yitbarach, and that with them He planted Heaven and earth.
Now we have the answer to the question we began with: How is it that people are so remiss in their Torah study? For while we truly believe that the Torah is very beautiful and worthy of our amazement, we simply do not reflect enough upon its true worth. We do not consider that it emanates from Hashem's holy crown and that it is Hashem's glory. If we were to give this matter the thought it deserves, we should strive to draw close to the Torah with all our might while we are in this world and would thereby earn its illuminating influence in the World to Come.
Thus is the meaning of the Pasuk: "It is not in Heaven that one can say, "Who will ascend to Heaven for us"(Devarim 30:12) for as Rashi Hakadosh explains: "Even if it were in Heaven you would have to go up and get it!"(Sefer Shem Olam, Perek Yud Daled, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 262(How To View Serving Hashem)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Hacham Eliyahu Chayim(Ben Ish Hai's Father) ben Hacham Moshe Chayim, Rabbi Reuven Margolios, and Rabbi Aryeh Leib Lopian. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN.
Student: "Rabbi, how can a person who lives alone, and has no one watching him be motivated to serve Hashem and go to Minyan and do Mitzvot. He is neither under the authority of his parents or a Yeshiva.?" Rabbi: "First of all, know that just because he is not under the authority of his parents or a Yeshiva does not mean that no one is watching him, someone is always watching us. Secondly it depends on how a person views the Service of Hashem, and there are two ways. The first person views davening and learning and Mitzvot as a robe. When he is alone, he doesn't need the robe. But when someone comes to his house he puts on the robe. There are some people when they are home alone, they think okay no one is watching me so I can do certain things or not do certain things. This is the wrong approach. The second person views Avodat Hashem, like eating, whether a person is alone of with people he must eat. Eating is one of the basic requirements of life. Without food a person will start to get weak and eventually die. If you view Minyan or learning like this, you will never miss, regardless if you live alone or in your parents' home or are in Yeshiva."
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 261(Teaching Others How To Fear Hashem)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Moshe Ahron ben R' Chaim Pinto, R' Dovid Tzvi Shlomo ben R' Elazar Menachem Mendel Biderman and R' Moshe ben R' Kelifa Idan. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to get all their Shabat needs. AMEN!
We read in Tehillim(34:4): "My Soul will glory in Hashem, may the humble hear and be glad." This Pasuk might mean to say that in order to teach others how to fear Hashem, it is permissible to show oneself as G-d fearing. David HaMelech explains what the conduct of one who is G-d fearing should be, how he should pray and bless and conduct his study, his saintliness and good deeds. But all this is in order to teach others so that they should learn from him; there is no pride involved in it, for such a one's heart is completely devoted to Hashem and his only aim is to teach others and to seek his own benefit. As such, it is perfectly permissible to act this way.,
It could be that this is what the Navi intended by the Pasuk, "One who wishes to praise himself may praise himself only with this: know and understand Me"(Yirmiyah9:23) The word, "understand" is in the grammatical form of a command, [which is unusual, for] the Pasuk could have said, "knowing and understanding Me," or "one who knows and understands Me." Instead, it comes to say that one who wishes to praise himself for his fear of Heaven must not praise himself for being G-d fearing in order that people honor him, but only to teach others his deeds so that they should learn from him. Then this is good.
The words, "One who wishes to praise himself may praise himself only with this: know and understand Me" means that it is permitted to praise oneself when one says to another, "understand and do as I do, for this is my way in serving Hashem." This is what is meant by "for I desired these"(Yirmiyah 9:23), that is, Hashem desired that Bnei Yisrael teach each other to fear Hashem, for by doing so knowledge and fear of Hashem increase, as is it written in the Gemara, "Through you and I the One Above will be praised."(Gemara Sotah 40a) The Pasuk, "My Soul will glory in Hashem," means, I praise my Soul with fear of Hashem; I do not seek my own honor, but only do so in order that "the humble will hear and be glad" for they will learn from me what to do.(Sefer Alef Binah 255-256, Rabeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 260(The Greater The Person The Greater The Sin)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Meir Simcha Hakohen of Dvinsk ben R' Shimshon Klonomus, R' Aryeh Leib Tumim, author of Gur Aryeh, and R' Eliyahu Kramer, grandfather of the Vilna Gaon. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut to bring Shalom to this world! AMEN!
We know that every Jew is commanded to refrain from Lashon Hara. A Torah scholar, however, has an even greater obligation to guard his speech, for if he is guilty of Lashon Hara or tale-bearing, oppressive speech or the like, and the matter becomes publicly known, the honor of Heaven is automatically desecrated thereby.
Moreover, it causes the masses to lose their sensitivity for these prohibitions altogether. Thus the scholar transgresses the injunction: "Do not desecrate My holy Name"(Vaykirah 22:32) because he causes Hashem's commandments to lose their severity in the eyes of the people.
The severity with which Hashem views this matter can be gleaned from the Chachamim's teaching that the twenty-four thousand disciples of Rabbi Akiva, who died in the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot, were punished simply for not treating one another with the requisite measure of respect. Ordinarily, oppressive speech does not carry the death penalty. The only explanation for their harsh sentence is that the sight of Torah scholars feuding among themselves caused Heaven's name to be desecrated in the eyes of the masses.
The greater the individual, the greater the desecration. For example, the Torah makes a point of telling us that Korach's faction was made up of two hundred and fifty communal leaders. This is emphasized to indicate to us what it was that made their sin so serious.
Therefore, my brothers and friends, all who tremble at Hashem's word, let us strengthen ourselves and guard our speech meticulously for the honor of His Name and may Heaven be sanctified through us AMEN!(Chovat HaShemirah, Peticha)
Something to think about:
Only people who do not overvalue the world can enjoy it.(Simcha 221)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 259(Who Wants Life)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yissachar Bertcha Leifer of Nadvorna (1848) ben R' Yitzchak of Kalish, R' Yitzchak Yeshaya Halberstam HY"D of Tchechoiv, R' Moshe Friedman HY"D of Boyan-Krakow, R' Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, R' Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook and R' Shalom Eichenstein of Zidichov-Tsfas. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And the Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to all be granted amazing life this year AMEN!
A person's spiritual improvement depends mainly on his guarding his tongue. All service of Hashem depends on our mouths, for Torah, which is the essence of all the worlds, depends on our mouths. As the Pasuk says, "For [words of Torah] are life to those who find them"(Mishlei 4:22) about which Chazal (Eruvin 54a) comment, "Do not read [the Pasuk] as 'who find them' but rather as 'who speak them with their mouths' ('motziam' rather than 'motzeihem') [The Pasuk thus means that Torah is life to those who recite it out loud.] For the very breath with which a person utters a sound is spiritual and it has the power to rise on high and split the heavens and then rise higher and higher until it reaches the upper worlds, where it acts and does whatever it is fit that if do. Now for a voice to have the power to have effects in the upper spheres, it must be perfect, pure and holy, for it can have holy effects in the upper spheres only as long as it is of the same mold: just as they are holy, so must the voice be holy, for like meeting like strengthens both. But if the voice is defective, Chas VHalila, not only is it lacking the power to repair things, but it does damage. About this the Torah has said, "You shall be holy for I am holy"(Vayikrah 19:2) that is, if you desire and want to cleave to My holiness and have it apply to you, you must be holy, for with this My holiness will attach itself to you.
About this David HaMelech A"H said, "Who is the man who wants life? Who loves days of seeing good? Guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking falsehood."(Tehillim 34:13) David HaMelech warns us and asks, "Who wants life?" that is, who wants to draw over himself the celestial life of Kedusha in order to be illuminated thereby? Such a one is called "one who loves days of seeing good" that is, he loves the days of his life that Hashem gaven him in this world, in order that celestial Kedusha should fall on him. And he desires that Kedusha in order to serve Hashem completely and perfectly, for this is the main reason for a person's being brought into this world. David HaMelech continues, saying that one who desires this must guard himself against the following matter in order to attain his desire: he must, "guard [his] tongue from evil." One must understand that repairing the spheres and building them depends on the words which a person utters during Torah study, Tefilla and Brachot over the Mitzvot. In other words, it all depends on one's breath of speech, which is spiritual and which rises until it reaches the upper worlds and they are restored through him, as we have said. However, the breath of speech cannot have these effects until it is holy and pure without any admixture of impurities, which is why one needs special care that the foul and impure Yetzer Hara not befoul one's speech. That is why the Pasuk says, "guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking falsehood," for the main thing is guarding one's breath so that it should not be mixed with impurities.(Sefer Shaarei Teshuvah, Rabeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 258(The Fire of Torah)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yitzchak Bar Sheshes, the Rivash, R' Eliezer ben R' Yisrael Hager and R' Shmuel David Walkin. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And be a Zechut for all who need help getting up early for Slichot! AMEN!
All removal of Tumah(impurity) is dependent on studying Torah. The Torah is called "fire", and just as fire cleanses and purifies and refines gold and silver from dross, so the Torah, if a person studies it for its own sake, removes all impurities and dross from him, and he is left purified and cleansed like refined silver with no dross at all. About this David HaMelech A"H said, "The words of Hashem are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen crucible, purified seven times over"(Tehillim 12:7). That is, even though a person is not holy, neither through his parents nor through himself, through the words of Hashem which are pure, he will become like silver refined seven times over.
Even though they have evil and despicable traits in them, if people take it to heart to study Torah, it will be their remedy, since "the words of Hashem are pure words" and this study will make them sifted and purified and refined like silver purified seven times over, and no impurity or dross will be left in them.
Even if a person has seven types of impurity attached to him, through the holy and pure Torah they will be sifted out and purified and will be as if they had never existed. About this the Navi writes, "Are my words not like a fire, says Hashem, like a hammer that splits a rock?"(Yirmiyah 23:29) This comes to arouse a person not to be slack in his pursuit of holiness due to the impurity which is attached to him, since the fire which is Torah burns it all and does not leave anything behind. As the Pasuk states, "Are my words..." referring to words of Torah; if you study them, they are like fire which burns any impurity which has settled in you.
Even though the Yetzer Hara is also a fire, there are kinds of fire which can consume other fire, and the fire of Torah is greater than that Yetzer Hara's fire and can burn it. And if the Yetzer Hara is hard as a rock, the Torah is a hammer that can burst it. Therefore, do not fear, even if you are full of Tumah, for the Torah burns everything.
And once a person increases his Torah study, it protects and saves him and removes all Tumah from him and Hashem himself in His glory fights for him against all accusers.(Sefer Ma'aglei Tzedek, 171-173, Rabeinu Yitzchak Abuchatzeira)
Something to think about:
My soul, make provisions abundantly, not meagerly. While you still are alive and able; For a long journey lies ahead of you. Do not say, "Tomorrow I will make provisions"; For today is gone, And you do not know what the morrow may bring. Realize that yesterday will never return, and that all that you did then is weighed, counted, and appraised. Do not say, "Tomorrow I will act"; For the day of death is hidden from all who live. Hasten to do each day the appointed task, for death, at any time, may send its arrow and bolt. Do not delay doing the prescribed work of each day; for as a bird wander from its nest, so must man wander from his place.(Sefer Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Teshuvah, Perek Zayin)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 257(Teaching and Inspiring)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' David HaNagid (1300) ben R' Avraham ben HaRambam and R' Chanoch Henoch Dov of Alesk ben R' Shmuel (1884), the Lev Sameach. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN!
When a person of stature is drafted into the army and is required to travel from place to place with the rest of the troops, he does not consider it demeaning because he knows that this is the rule for all the king's servants.
Every servant of Hashem must behave precisely the same way. If he sees that he is able to affect people with his sermons and inspire them to study Torah and serve Hashem, this is what he must do, even if it requires that he travel from city to city. He must not shirk his obligation. Thus it is written concerning the Navi Shmuel: "And he went every year and made rounds of Beit El, Gilgal and Mitzpeh"(7:16)
The following passage appears in the Tanna Debei Eliyahu: Perhaps you will ask why those sixty-five thousand were killed in Geva of Binyamin. It was because the great Sanhedrin that Moshe, Yehoshua and Pinchas left behind them should have girded their waists with iron wires and raised their robes above their knees to make the rounds of all the cities of Israel. They should have spent a day Lakish, a day in Beit El, a day in Hebron, a day in Yerushalayim and so on throughout all the regions of Israel, teaching the people...
However, they neglected to do so. Instead, as soon as they entered the land each person went to his own vineyard, to his own wine and to his own field and said, "All will be well with me." This they did in order to spare themselves excessive exertion...
Then when the men of Binyamin were guilty of despicable and inappropriate behavior Hakadosh Baruch Hu, wanted to destroy the entire world. For He said, "I only gave them the Land of Israel so that they would be free to study My Torah, each subject in its proper time; so that they would learn from it proper behavior.
"Therefore, since the Geva of Binyamin did not engage in the study of Torah and proper behavior all the tribes gathered there and went forth into battle and sixty-five thousand were killed."
So who was responsible for all those deaths? Was it not the Sanhedrin left by Moshe, Yehoshua and Pinchas the son of Elazar?(Sefer Chomat HaDa'at, Perek Alef, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
Something to think about:
The Pasuk says, "Speak to them [Torah subjects] when you sit in your house, when travel on the roads, when you lie down and when you get up" Anyone who thinks about this instruction to persist in the study of Torah in every possible circumstance, abroad as well as at home, when retiring as well as when arising, will understand that there is no better advice or remedy for strengthening one's belief in Hashem than this.(Sefer Ma'aglei Tzedek 8, Rabeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 256(The Nature of Yirat Shamayim)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to do complete Teshuvah, and return to their Father in Heaven AMEN!
A person who wishes to perfect himself in his Divine service must fear and love Hashem. Fear of Hashem comes from knowing that Hashem is Master of masters, Creator of all and Ruler of all, and that He observes every tiny detail in order to treat every person according to his conduct and the fruits of his deeds, either for good or for ill, and that He punishes for each and every thing and rewards for each and every thing. As it is written in the Torah, "To fear this revered and awesome L-rd, Hashem your G-d"(Devarim 28:58) These are the words of Moshe Rabeinu, and can one help not tremble and have one's hair stand on end on reading these Pesukim which he said in order to arouse Bnei Yisrael in their fear of Hashem Yitbaracha? As he told them, it is an absolute obligation to fear Him, for Hashem Yitbarach's creation of man was not obligatory, but only a result of His will; it was not necessary, but only voluntary. And His only intention was specifically to benefit man, as Chazal have said. All Jews, in particular, must fear Hashem, and even more, must love Him, since Hakadosh Baruch Hu chose us from all other nations and gave us His Torah and showed us His straight ways, His attributes, His secrets and His hidden treasures.
This is the intention of the Pasuk, "To fear this revered Hashem." It comes to teach us the obligation which binds a person to be G-d fearing of Hashem Yitbarach according to His greatness and honor. For the world did not exist and Hashem made it; man did not exist and Hashem made him; and He only created all of this for His honor, as the Tanna said, "Everything which Hakadosh Baruch Hu created, He did only for His honor," which is why it says "the revered." The Pasuk also says "the awesome" for Hashem is awesome in His actions which we see constantly and continuously over the nations, deciding which shall suffer the sword and which shall have peace, which shall suffer famine and which shall have plenty, and all is through His Divine providence, as if He were present among us. When its says, "this great and awesome..." the word "this" is a pointer showing that Hashem Yitbarach oversees all of our actions and nothing escapes Him.(Ginzei HaMelech, Tikkun HaTeshuvah, Rabeinu Yaakov Abuchatzeira)
Something to think about:
The Peleh Yoetz says that when a Neshama comes back by Gilgul into anything other than a human being, the Neshama remembers its past Gilgul and what it did wrong.(Peleh Yoetz, Gilgul, Ayin Chet) Imagine being a rock or an apple and looking up at a person who is just "chilling" (which REALLY means wasting time), imagine what the Neshama who now cannot do anything, would do for one moment in a human body, where he can put on Tzizit or give a coin to Tzedaka or smile at someone, which are all easy Mitzvot that can help us get to Olam Haba. If you are reading this means that you came back as a human, don't let it be a waste, by just "chilling"!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 255(A Rare Commodity)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Avraham Yaakov ben R' Meir HaKohen Pam (2001) was the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vadaat and Refael Yehuda Ben Tzvi Yitzchak HaLevi. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah. Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN!
It is well known that the rarer a commodity is in this world, the higher its value. For example, copper is less plentiful than iron, therefore it is more expensive. Likewise silver is more valuable than copper, and gold than silver. And pearls, which are very rear indeed, are worth more than all the rest.
Let us now extrapolate a thousand-fold to Hashem's Torah. After a man leaves this world and is silenced from further engagement in study and Mitzvot, it is impossible for him to acquire Torah in any of the supernal worlds (despite the fact that there are many thousands of them as Chazal tell us in Gemara Avodah Zara 4). Torah can only be acquired while a person is alive in this minuscule world, although it is like a mustard seed even by comparison with the visible spheres, as the astronomers tells us, and certainly by comparison with the higher worlds. Imagine, then, how incalculably precious the Torah must be. This is what the Pasuk in Mishlei means when it calls the Torah: "More precious than pearls"(3:15)
Even though in the next world a person's comprehension of the Torah is much greater than it is here, this only applies to those portions and laws over which he toiled while he was alive. But portions and laws that he made no attempt to understand and concerning which he has no conception, he will never be able to comprehend.
This is why the term "sowing" is used in relation to both Mitzvot and Torah. With regard to Mitzvot it is written: "Sow for yourselves in righteousness"(Hoshea 10:12) And in regart to Torah it is written: "Light has been sown for the righteous"(Tehillim 97:11) (In Mishlei there are numerous Pesukim in this vein) If a person is lazy to sow, what will there be for him to reap?(Torah Ohr, Perek Chet)
Something to think about:
An engaged Yeshivah student from Yeshivat Torah VaDa'at, visited Eretz Yisrael prior to his wedding. He went to several great Mekubalim to find out what Pasuk he should have in mind the first time he is with his wife. After visiting several Rabbis he compiled a list of about ten Pesukim. When he came back to America he went to his Rebbe, Rav Pam ztl and showed him the list and asked him to choose which Pasuk he should have in mind. Rav Pam with a genuine loving smile, folded the paper in half put it on the table, and looked up at his precious student and said: "You must have one thing in mind when you are with your wife for the first time: to make her happy". We lost a Gadol in Ben Adam L'Chavairo, let us follow in his footsteps and grab every opportunity to make someone happy and smile, like he did.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration 254(Merit In Both Worlds)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yehoshua Charif of Cracow, R' Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin (1893) the Nitziv, Rosh Yeshiva of Volozhin, R' Shmuel Tzvi Hirsh Horowitz and R' Avrohom Mordechai ben R' Yitzchok Meir Alter. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And be a zechut for Yechezkel Yaakov Ben Shana Laya, Daniel Yoel Ben Chana, Avraham Ben Tzipa Chaya, Eliyahu Yehuda Ben Feiga Rachel, Yechezkel Chaim Ben Miriam and Nachum Ben Sarah to find their zivugim Bechinam Bekarov AMEN!
In Vayikrah Rabbah Parashat Kedoshim (95:2) Rav Huna and Rabbi Yirmiyah say in the name of Rabbi Chiya Bar Abba that in the future Hashem will fashion canopies for the supporters of Torah together with the scholars in Gan Eden. They cite three Pesukim: "[Being] in the shade of money [is like being] in the shade of wisdom"(Kohelet 7:12); "Happy is the man who does this and the human being who holds it fast,"(Yeshayahu 56:2); and: "It is a tree of life for those that hold it fast."(Mishlei 3:18).
A similar thought appears in the Midrash in connection with the Pasuk: "To Zevulun he said, 'Rejoice in your going out and Yissachar in your tents."(Devarim 33:18) Why, the Midrash asks, is Zevulun mentioned first since Yissachar was older? This was because Zevulun traveled abroad to engage in commerce and then used his wealth to support Yissachar. Therefore the Pasuk was called after Zevulun's name.
But even in this world a person forfeits nothing for his support of Torah. This is made clear in the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah Parashat Tetzaveh) in a discussion of the Pasuk, "For a commandment is like a lamp and the Torah is like light"(Mishlei 6:23): Whoever performs a commandment is considered as if he kindled a lamp before Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Moreover he sustains his Neshama, which is also called a "lamp" as it is written: "Ner Hashem Nishmat Adam -- The Soul of man is the lamp of Hashem"(Mishlei 20:27).
And what is the meaning of the phrase, "and the Torah is like light"? It often happens that a person intends in his heart to do a Mitzvah but his Yetzer Hara tells him, "Why should you do a Mtizvah and lose your money? Rather than give it to others, you should give it to your own children!"
But then the Yetzer Tov says, "Put it towards the Mitzvah! See what is written: 'For a commandment is like a lamp' Just as the illumination of a burning lamp is not diminished even if a thousand kindle from it, so, too, one who spends money on a Mtizvah loses nothing of his wealth. Therefore it is written: 'For a commandment is like a lamp and the Torah is like light'"
The same idea appears in the Zohar Hakadosh Parashat Vayechi: Why does Zevulun's blessing always precede that of Yissachar? After all, Yissachar toiled in Torah study and Torah always comes first! So why does Zevulun's blessing precede?...Rather Zevulun merited this for taking the bread out of his own mouth and putting it into the mouth of Yissachar. For this reason his blessing comes first.
From here we learn that one who supports Torah scholars receives a Bracha from on High. Moreover, he merits both tables (i.e. reward in both worlds) a benefit that no one else merits. He merits that his wealth is blessed in this world, and he merits a portion in the World to Come..!
May Hashem, the benevolent One, bless His people in the merit of the great Mitzvah of supporting Torah study.(Amalah Shel Torah, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 253(Born For Toil)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yaakov Meshulam Orenstein, R' Yehuda Fatiyah(Talmid of the Ben Ish Hai), R' Yoel ben R' Chananya Yom-Tov Teitelbaum (1979), the Satmar Rebbe, R' Meir Ashkenazi and R' Eliyahu Baruch Goldschmidt. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah Zechutam Tagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for Tzvi Ben Chaya to find his zivug bekarov AMEN!
Chazal tell us (Gemara Kiddushin 40b) that a person is first judged regarding his Torah study, as it is written: "The releasing of water is the beginning of judgment."(Mishlei 17:14) In other words, he is judged for having "released" himself from the study of Torah which is compared to water, as in the Pasuk "Oh! Let all who are thirsty go to water!"(Yeshayahu 55a)
Suppose that a man travels thousands of miles to a distant land to purchase some valuable commodity that cannot be found in his home country. Then, while he is there, he goes off to indulge his appetites and makes no effort at all to acquire the merchandise that he came for and returns home empty-handed. Will he not be the talk of the town? Will he not be considered a fool? Was it for such frivolities that he subjected himself to a journey of thousands of miles?
The same applies even more strongly with regard to Torah study. A Jewish Neshama originates on High, from beside the Kese HaKavod(Divine Throne). From there it must undertake a journey of thousands of times longer than that of the man in the analogy. Chazal have said that from the earth until the lowest firmament is a journey of five hundred years.(Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 9)! The same distance separates between one firmament and the next. The only reason a person is brought to this world from such a great distance is to acquire Hashem's Torah. Thus it is written: "Man was born for toil"(Iyov 5:7) That is, for toil in Torah study.
This being the case, if a person exempts himself and returns on high empty-handed, he is guilty of shear madness. Moreover, he thereby shows contempt for the word of Hashem, for if he had contemplated the Torah's great sanctity for even a moment and considered that Hashem Himself descended upon Har Sinai to bring it to us, he would never have exempted himself from its study. This shows that the words of the Torah are simply unimportant in his eyes Chas VChalilah.
Chazal comment regarding the Pasuk, "For he has despised the word of Hashem...that Neshama will surely be cut off"(Bamidbar 15:21): "This refers to a person who had the time to engage in Torah study but failed to do so."(Gemara Sanhedrin 99a)
If a person will make a reckoning of the days of his life, he will realize that several times a week and possibly several times a day he had the opportunity to engage in study but neglected to do so. This should shake him greatly, lest Heaven declare him one who despises the word of Hashem!
An understanding person will take this to heart at all times. Then he will be fortunate and all will be well with him in this world and the next.(Torat HaBayit, Conclusion, "Letter to a Man of Understanding")
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 252(Do Justice and Love Kindness)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by Mazornet Inc, and MazorGuides, Hashem in his infinite Chessed should bless them with Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam And should direct the people in need of their service to Mazornet.com.Amen!
And Liulay Nishmat R' Yeshayahu Menachem ben R' Yitzchok of Cracow (1599), originator of the Heter Iska. And Refua Shelaima for Yosef Chanina Ben Sarah Sima who was seriously injured in a car accident and will be having an operation today around 4-630pm.
The Torah tells us that we should strive to develop the attribute of Chessed with ourselves, as the Navi declared "He has told you, O man, what is good and what Hashem requests of you -- only to do justice and love kindness."(Michah 6:8) One might have expected the Pasuk to say either "to do justice and kindness" or "to love justice and kindness" The change in expression between "doing" justice and "loving" kindness is puzzling. The preamble, "He has told you, O man," is also puzzling. It seems to imply that if a person had not been told about these principles he would be unable to derive them for himself. But does not the entire world agree on the importance of justice? And are there not many other Pesukim that have already revealed to us the importance of doing Chessed?
All these questions can be answered when we understand the dictum of Chazal in Gemara Sanhedrin (7a): "If a man's shirt is taken from him in court let him sing songs of rejoicing." The Chafetz Chayim explains this with the following Mashal:
In a certain city, there was once a large band rebels who decided that each of their members should wear a cloak of a distinctive color that would be unique to their group so that they would be able to identify one another.
One day, some of them went to a pub for a few drinks. By the end of the evening they had become so inebriated that they refused to pay their tab. The proprietor responded by confiscating their special cloaks as security, so that when they sobered up they would return to pay their bill. Fuming with indignation they stumbled out and made their way home.
Meanwhile the king had learned of their conspiracy and the secret sign. Officers were dispatched immediately to apprehend all those wearing the special cloak. Thus whoever was caught wearing such a garment was immediately arrested; his deeds were investigated, and his treachery was revealed. Consequently, he was imprisoned and all his wealth and property were permanently confiscated by the royal treasury.
The only ones who survived unscathed were those whose garments had been taken from them by the pub owner. As they considered their good fortune they remarked to one another, "We thought this fellow had done us a great injustice, but it turns out that he saved our lives! Let's go and express our gratitude to him; and in the future let's not get involved in any more conspiracies!"
Similarly, a person should realize that if his possessions, and especially any of his clothing, are not free of the taint of theft, he may lose his entire fortune as a result, including that which was obtained lawfully. This is similar to a principle laid down by Chazal regarding the failure to give sufficient Tzedaka(Charity) [Ketubot 66b, and Sukkah 29b]
Therefore, if a rabbinical court rules that a man's garment was in fact obtained unjustly and he is ordered to return it to its proper owner, the loser's immediate reaction should be one of jubilation. Had he not lost this one item, it would have been decreed that he lose all his possessions.
Now we can understand the Pasuk from Michah. If a person invests all his energy in accumulating wealth and is not scrupulous about avoiding theft, extortion, fraud, etc, it is a sign that he thinks this is the way to prosperity and that any reckoning will only be made in the future. To refute this the Navi declares: "He has told you, O man, what is good!"
People think that accumulating riches is to their "good" The truth is that their "good" consists of doing justice. One must examine every penny of profit to see that it conforms with the Torah's idea of justice, for if it does not, it will not last. Thus the phrase Asot Mishpat does not only mean "doing justice" it also means carrying out the request that leads to justice.(Sefer Ahavat Chessed, Chelek Bet, Perek Alef, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
Something to think about:
"One should not get up to pray except with humility."(Gemara Brachot, Perek Hey) The Shita Mekubetzet [R' Betzazel Ashkenazi] explains: One should pray with humility and tranquility to concentrate on the words that will come out of his mouth in Tefilla.[As quoted in Pathways to Prayer Sephardic version]
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 251(Sitting At The Table)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Ephraim Zalman ben R' Menachem Margolies and Yelena Bat Mintoov. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah Zechutam Yagen Aleinu. AMEN! And a Zechut for all single people to find their Zivugim Bekarov AMEN!
My brother, if the Jews have been scattered all over the globe it is not because they are all sinners, Chas VChalila. It is merely the fulfillment of an ancient decree spelled out in the passages of rebuke in the Torah. For example the Torah states: "And Hashem will scatter you among all the peoples from one end of the earth to the other"(Devarim 28:64)
Similarly, it is written: "If you have been driven to the ends of the heavens, Hashem your G-d will gather you in from there."(Devarim 30:4) This implies that by the time of the Geula some Jews will have wandered to the farthest corners of the earth. This does not mean that this is to be the lot of every Jew. Even if this sentence has already been pronounced upon the Jewish People in general, there is no Mitzvah which states that a person should carry out the decree himself by moving to some distant land.
A Jew who finds himself in a remote region, far from the centers of Jewish life, must ask: "Why did I end up in such a place? Why wasn't the curse fulfilled through someone else? Why have I been selected?" If he would have resolved not to leave his homeland under any circumstances -- knowing that in his native land the Torah and its observance are held in higher esteem -- then surely Hashem would not have objected. On the contrary, He would have provided him with a living in his native country.
The Chafetz Chayim explains this point with a beautiful Mashal: Outside a certain small house were a number of lawn chairs, upon which one could sit and relax and breathe in the fresh summer air. Inside, the father was telling his young children, "Dear ones, our dinner table is too small for all of you to squeeze around it. I want some of you to take your plates and go sit on the chairs outside. I will make it up to you by granting you a double serving of food."
One of the young boys was quite precocious and he piped up. "Let one of the others go. I wouldn't give up sitting next to you for all the extra portions in the world! When I'm here beside you I can watch every move you make. That way I can try to be just like you when I grow up. What will I see if I go outside -- a bunch of cows and sheep grazing in the field?"
When the father heard the boy's thoughtful words and kissed him and promised that he would always be allowed to sit with him at the table and would never have to eat outside. He even rewarded him with a generous serving that he did not lose by his decision. The other children, who did not seem to mind so much and who had already gathered up their plates, remained outside.
It is true that Hsahem decreed long ago that the Jews would be dispersed in large numbers to the farthest regions of the inhabited world. However, He did not specify who would be the ones to go. (HaRambam uses a similar concept to explain why the Egyptians were punished for their treatment of the Jews, even though their enslavement and affliction had been decreed in Shamayim many years earlier when Hashem made his covenant with Avraham Avinu (Bereshit 15:13) Because that decree did not specify whom their tormentors would be every Egyptian who mistreated a Jew did so of his own volition and was thus deserving of punishment)
Every thinking person should plead with Hashem that he should be spared. Let him pour out his heart before Him like a child beseeching his father, and say: "Heavenly Father, please don't make me leave my home town to go wandering abroad. Here I have a Beit Midrash where I can study Your Torah and pray to You. This is more precious to me than all the riches to be found in distant lands."
"Here I am privileged to enjoy our legacy. What will happen to me if I go abroad? Surely the vicissitudes of exile will cause me to neglect Your Mitzvot. Perhaps I will even end up consuming non-Kosher food for whatever reason. And what will become of my children there? Oh, please don't make me go!"
"Dear Father, provide me with a livelihood for myself and my family right here. I don't care how meager it is, as long as it is here, where the Torah is! If it has already been decreed that Jews must reach those other lands, as well, before Mashiach comes(He should come soon) let it be fulfilled through someone else!"
If a person pours out his heart in this manner, surely his Tefillot will be answered. It is well known that "audacity" of this sort towards Heaven is efficacious. This is true even with regard to mundane matters, and certainly when the honor of Shamayim is involved.
However, this strategy will only work if one's resolve is firm. If he is not adamant about maintaining his current level of observance and he vacillates over whether or not to go, it is very likely that Hashgacha(Providence) will force him to "leave the table" to seek his livelihood elsewhere. Then even if he tries to stay he will not find a crumb.
You must also be aware, my brother, that one must only ask for the bare minimum. Thus Yaakov Avinu davened: "and [He] should grant me bread to eat and clothes to wear"(Bereshit 28:20) When the Jews in the desert asked for bread to eat, it was granted to them graciously the following morning. When they demanded meat, it was not granted graciously.
Above all, a person must try to strengthen his trust in Hashem, and through this he will merit salvation, as it is written: "Put your hope in Hashem and He will save you"(Mishlei 20:22) Chazal comment on this Pasuk: "If a person puts all his trust in Hakadosh Baruch Hu, Hashem will be his refuge in this world and in the next."(Sefer Nefutzot Yisrael, Perek Zayin, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 250(Boiling Hot Water)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yaakov Yisroel ben R' Chaim Peretz Kanievsky, the Steipler Gaon and Rachel Bat Tuvia. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah, Zechutam Yagen Aleinu. AMEN!
No matter how much insult and abuse a person suffers at the hands of others, he should realize that it has all been decreed from above to atone for his sins. This does not exonerate the offender, of course, since he had free choice, but Providence always brings harm through those who cause harm to others.
The Torah states "You shall know it this day and return it to your heart that Hashem is G-d in the Heavens above and on the earth below"(Devarim 4:39) Chazal deduce from here that whenever a person is insulted, it is actually his own Aveirot which have caused him to be insulted. This is true even if the offense was done intentionally and with malice.
Elsewhere in the Torah it states: "When men quarrel and one man strikes his fellow...he shall pay for his loss of time and cause him to be healed"(Shemot 21:19) The Gemara cites this as the source permitting physicians to practice medicine. Were it not for this Pasuk, Chazal tell us, we would have been required to rely on our knowledge that all illness comes from Hashem and that only He can heal. Note that the Pasuk refers to a case where the injury was clearly caused by another human being intentionally and still the Gemara categorizes it as an affliction sent from Heaven!
When Shimi ben Geira heaped verbal abuse on David HaMelech A"H and pelted him with stones and dirt, David HaMelech replied: "Hashem told him to curse David, so who will then say, "Why did you do this?"(Shmuel II, 16:10)
Hashem causes these things to happen to us for our own good, in order that our Aveirot should be atoned for through our disgrace. If a person will take this to heart, he will realize that there is no reason to become upset over such incidents at all and he will feel no compulsion to respond. On the contrary, he will thank Hashem for sending him an opportunity for atonement. Thus Chazal say: "Those who are insulted but do not insult, who bear their disgrace but do not respond, who act out of love and rejoice in affliction -- concerning them does the Pasuk state: 'And those who love Him are like the powerfully rising sun."(Shoftim 5:31)
Consider the following Mashal: Imagine that a person was covered with dirt from head to toe. His friend ran and brought a bucket with hot, soapy water, and began to scrub the fellow's body to remove all the filth. However, in order to remove the caked-on mud it was necessary to use very hot water, which caused the fellow some discomfort. Yet his friend was doing him a favor by helping him to rid himself of the dirt. Would it make sense for him to bear his friend a grudge over the fact that the water was unpleasantly hot?
In Bereshit (43:6) Yaakov Avinu chastises his sons for informing the Egyptian vizier -- who was in fact his long-lost son Yosef -- that another brother remained at home, causing him to order that Binyamin too, be brought before him. The Midrash tells us that Hashem took Yaakov to task for this. Thus the Navi Yeshayahu later proclaimed (40:27) "Why do you say, O Yaakov, why do you speak O Israel, saying: 'My path is concealed from Hashem'?" In other words, Yaakov should have realized that Hasgacha had manipulated them into disclosing Binyamin's existence; he should not have placed the blame for this upon his sons. Moreover, he should have known that it was for his own good.
When a person understands that an unpleasant incident was entirely to his benefit, it will be easy to refrain from seeking revenge or bearing a grudge.(Sefer Shem Olam, Part I, Perek Gimmel)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 249(Triple)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Chaim ben R' Yosef Dov Ber Soloveitchik, R' Ahron ben R' Yisachor Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe, R' Alexander Sender of Komarna and R' Dovid Hager of Zebultov ben R' Menachem Mendel of Kosov. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah Zechutam Yagen Aleinu. AMEN And a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to get what they need to have an amazing Shabat AMEN!
"Your name shall no longer be called Yaakov, but Israel."(Bereshit 32:29)
By giving him the name Israel, the malach multiplied the name Yaakov, by three. For the Yud (10) of Yaakov, he gave him the Lamed (30) of Israel, for the Ayin (70) he gave him the Reish (200) and the the Yud (10) for the Kuf (100) he gave him the Shin (300). What remains is the Bet (2) for which he should have given Yaakov a Vav (6). Instead, he gave him an Alef (1) to hint at unity.
The Alef of Israel combines with the Bet of Yaakov to make Av "father" or "patriarch" This indicates that Yaakov is the last of the Avot as Chazal taught: "Only three are titled Avot" (Brachot 16b) In fact, the Gematria of Av is three.
When the Jewish people do Hashem's will, they are called Israel; when they do not, they are called Yaakov.(Kiddushin 36a; Isaiah 44:5, Rashi) Regarding the time of Geula, the Navi said, "On that day, Israel will be triple"(Isaiah 19:24) -- the Jews will all be righteous and will therefore be called by the name Israel, which is three times the value of Yaakov. They will then be Hashem's treasure, as it is written, "If you will hearken to My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasure from among all peoples."(Shemot 19:5) The word Segulah, "treasure" also means "vocalized with a segol" which consists of three dots -- alluding to the three-fold name, Israel.
The Jewish people are called either Yaakov or Israel because when Yaakov received the name Israel, Hashem did not nullify the name Yaakov. But in the future, we will be called only Israel, as it is written, "He shall call himself Israel."(Isaiah, 44:5)(Aderet Eliyahu, Vayishlach, Hacham Yosef Hayyim)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 248(The Kingdom of Torah)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yehuda Zerachya Azulai (1870) was a great-grandson of the Chida, R' Eliezer of Uzipoli and R' Levi Yitzchok ben R' Boruch Schneur Schneerson. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah, Zechutam Yagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for Simcha Bat Devora, Yaffa Rina Bat Janet and Esther Bat Perel to find the Zivugim Bekarov Bechinam AMEN! And for Dov Ben Yitzchak to get a good honest job Bekarov AMEN!
He will fulfill the testimony in Yaakov [because] He placed the Torah in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to make known to their children.(Tehillim 78:5)
A time will come when Israel will rule the world in the merit of Torah, for of the Torah it is written, "Through me kings will reign"(Mishlei 8:15) In the Messianic era, the people of Israel, who accepted the Torah, who study it and fulfill its laws, will reign.
Hashem made a sign that in the end, Israel will take power. When the twin babies Esav and Yaakov were struggling to be born first, Esav won. "Afterward his brother emerged. His hand was holding Esav's heel (Eikev) so he was named Yaakov"(Bereshit 25:26) Thus the Midrash relates that a [Roman] nobleman asked Rabbi Gamliel, "Who will take power after us?"
Rabbi Gamliel answered by writing down the Pasuk, "Afterward his brother emerged. His hand was holding Esav's heel"(Bereshit Rabbah 63:9)
Yaakov's name and the fact that he was born grasping Esav's heel is testimony that Israel will take power after Esav. Of this testimony, our Pasuk says, "He will fulfill the testimony in Yaakov [because] He placed the Torah in Israel." Even though Yaakov and Esav divided up two worlds between them, with Esav taking this world and Yaakov the next, Yaakov will nevertheless take power in this world in the merit of accepting the Torah, which enables kings to rule. Our Pasuk is referring specifically to the Oral Law, which "He commanded our fathers to make known to their children," for originally it was not written down, but was transmitted orally from one to another.(Hayyim VeHaShalom, Hacham Yosef Hayyim)
Something to think about:
The Sefer HaChinuch writes that nothing is truly complete or perfect unless it gives. There was once a man who fell off of a ship and was drowning, the coast guard was yelling at him "Give me your hand" but the man was not responding. Suddenly the man's wife told the coast guard "Do not tell my husband to give, he doesn't know what that means tell him to take the floating device" How sad! We must accustom ourselves to give or else we will never be truly complete!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 247(The Simple Soldier)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yaakov ben R' Machir Culi, author of Me'am Loez, R' Naftali ben R' Yehuda of Nemerov, R' Shimon Shalom ben R' Menachem Kalisch of Amshinov, R' Menachem Nachum ben R' Yitzchok Friedman of Boyan and Reb Shmuel Yaakov Ben Shalom Naftali Aharon. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah Zechutam Yagen Aleinu AMEN!
It sometimes happens that those with meager resources do more, proportionately, to support the Torah study of others than those who have greater wealth. This will be a great source of shame for the latter in the World to Come.
The Chafetz Chayim has an anecdote to illustrate this point well.
A certain military officer was appointed to be in charge of more than thirty thousand of the king's soldiers. However, he abused his authority by misappropriating the limited rations of his men, leaving them barely enough for their survival, while at the same time imposing upon them exceptionally heavy demands. As time went on, the soldiers became more and more resentful.
One day the king came to inspect his troops. During the course of his visit he happened to ask some of the men about their conditions and provisions. A few of them summoned the courage to speak up, complaining bitterly that they were hungry and thirsty and worn to the bone. The king immediately ordered a team of military doctors to give those men a thorough medical examination. The doctors confirmed their complaints.
The king was furious. He went straight to that officer's command post and tore the stripes from the officer's uniform. The king then gathered the troops together and addressed them: "Who among you feels capable of putting this regiment through its exercises?"
A simple soldier spoke up, "With your Highness's permission, I believe that I can fulfill your Majesty's request." The king gave the signal for him to proceed. Right away he began putting his comrades through their paces, examining them in the most thorough fashion. First came the cavalry, then the infantry, and then all the other divisions in turn.
The king watched the proceedings with satisfaction. Then he turned to the disgraced officer. "Compare the amount of money I have wasted on you with the amount I have spent on this simple soldier," he commented "He receives a salary of a few rubles a year, amounting to less than one kopek a day. You, on the other hand, cost me thousands of rubles a year, yet compare the quality of his work with that of your own! Furthermore, I put large sums at your disposal for you to spend on my soldiers' needs, but now I discover that you have taken it all for your own personal use while leaving them to starve! "From this moment on you are relieved of your commission, for you have shown yourself to be unworthy."
Know, my brother, that the kingdom of Heaven is run along similar lines to an earthy kingdom. If Providence grants a man wealth, he must know that it is only a trust. Hashem intends for him to use it not only for his own sustenance but also for the sustenance of those less fortunate as well as for the support of Torah scholars.
This is actually explicit in the covenant that Hashem made with Klal Yisrael on the plains of Moav. The last of the Brachot that they were commanded to proclaim upon Mount Gerizim was "Blessed is he who sustains this Torah" (Devarim 27:26) If one fails in this obligation, he incurs the corresponding curse.
Similarly, the Torah states: "Guard yourself lest you abandon the Levite"(Devarim 12:19) The reason for this is alluded to further on in the last Parasha of Sefer Devarim "And to the Levite He said...They shall teach Your laws to Yaakov and Your Torah to Yisrael."(Devarim 33:8-10) In other words, the reason Israel was required to support the Levite was because the Leviyim were the ones charged with teaching Torah when the rest of the people were preoccupied with working the land.
There are those who constantly strive to do their best to fulfill this obligation, thereby earning for themselves a praiseworthy reputation in this world and a generous portion in the World to Come.
There are others, however, who believe that their wealth has been given to them for their benefit alone. Therefore they refrain from giving charity or supporting other worthy causes, or they give a small sum, which is not at all proportionate with their means. In the next world they will be covered with shame for Hashem will reveal how much their less affluent brothers did to help the poor ad to maintain Torah institutions, while they, who had so much more to give, kept it all for themselves.
They will moan bitterly when they see that those whom they looked down upon are elevated to lofty positions in the World to Come, while they are consigned to relative poverty.
This alluded to in Baba Batra Daf 10b where we are told that Rabbi Yehoshua's son Rabbi Yosef, was once on the brink of death. When he recovered his father asked him what he saw when he was in the other world. He said "I saw an upside down world -- the high were brought low and the low were raised up high!" His father responded "You saw a world clarity" -- i.e. he saw how things really are.
Sometimes when a person fails to use his trust properly, Hashem deprives him of it even during his lifetime. The bottom line is that is that one must always bear in mind the Pasuk: "For everything if from You, and from Your Own hand have we given You."(Divrei HaYamim I 29:14)(Torah Ohr, Perek Yud Alef, R' Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 246(The Greatest Defense Lawyer)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Shlomo Chanoch HaKohen of Radomsk HY"D ben R' Yechezkel. A great-grandson of the Tiferes Shlomo, he was murdered in Warsaw in 1942. His Neshama should have an Aliyah Zechuto Yagen Aleinu AMEN! And a Zechut for Risha Rachel Bat Mazal, Devora Bat Michal, Chava Raizel Bat Chaya Yeta and Frida Bat Yaffa to have beautfiul Zara Chaya Vkayama who will grow up to be Talmidai Chachamim and Baatei Torah AMEN!
A man once came to the Holy Chafetz Chayim for words of encouragement. He had fallen on hard times and was very concerned over the direction his fortunes had taken. The Chafetz Chayim consoled him with the following Mashal:
Two wealthy men were falsely accused of producing counterfeit bills. One of the accused possessed a fortune worth five million dollars while his companion possessed only one million. Both men were arraigned on charges of counterfeiting and remained in custody pending the trial. Several years went by while the police gathered evidence against them.
Since there was no one to attend to their business affairs in their absence, their fortunes dwindled until the wealthier one was left with two million and his companion was left with a mere hundred thousand or so. They both looked forward anxiously to the day when their trial would finally be held and their fate would no longer remain in limbo.
Finally they received word that a court date had been set. It was now time for each of them to hire a defense attorney who would represent the accused at the trial. The less affluent one made contact with an old friend who was now an attorney of high repute. He immediately promised to take on the case. During one of the rare opportunities that the two defendants had time to discuss their case, the less affluent one commented "You are so much more fortunate than I am. You still have millions whereas I am left with just a few thousand."
The millionaire responded dejectedly, "You have succeeded in procuring one of the best lawyers in the country. He is well connected and will surely be able to do much on your behalf. This is worth more than all of my assets. My case is apparently so bleak that even my lawyer does not know what to say on my behalf. I will probably be sentenced to life in prison, and then what good will my millions do me?
In this story the much-desired advocate was nothing more than a well-connected lawyer. Suppose that he had been the minister of justice. Would not his client have been that much more fortunate? And if the king himself offered to take up his case would not his sense of relief have exceeded anything that monetary resources could have afforded him?
This is precisely the situation that the poor are in. Suppose that the Rambam had promised to plead on someone's behalf in the World to Come. This would surely be a great cause for rejoicing. Nevertheless, the defendant would still not be certain of acquittal because the other great scholars sitting on the bench might fight against him.
If his advocate were to be one of the Chachmai HaTalmud, he would have more reason for optimism. The outcome would still be in doubt, however, for the opposition might consist of scholars of the Mishnaic period. If even these scholars offered to defend him, he would still have to be concerned lets the prophets incline towards the side of prosecution.
Now if the prophets promised to come to his aid, it would bode well indeed. Nevertheless, there would remain the possibility that Hashem Himself would find against him. There is already a precedent for Hashem disagreeing with the judgment of His prophets. When Shmuel HaNavi was sent to the house of Yishai to anoint a replacement for Shaul HaMelech, the first son he saw was David's older brother Eliav. Shmuel was positive that Eliav was the chosen one but Hashem responded "Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, for a human being looks with his eyes whereas Hashem looks into the heart"(Shmuel I, 16:7)
If, however, Hashem Himself promised to stand beside a man on the Day of Judgment, his joy would know no bounds and would outweigh all the material possessions in this physical world.
Such an advocate cannot be acquired through riches, nor even through the fulfillment of the MItzvot. It is true that every Mitzvah produces a defending angel, but every sin produces a corresponding prosecuting angel.
Only a poor person is assured that Hashem will come to his defense, as it is written: "For He will stand at the right of the destitute to save him from those who would judge his soul"(Tehillim 109:31) When a poor man comes before the Heavenly court Hashem will stand beside him to vindicate him; and clearly if he has Hashem on his side, he has nothing to fear.
Thus the destitute have good reason for rejoicing every day of their lives. They need only recall that their suffering earns them the right to have Hashem as their defender. In this they are far more fortunate that the wealthy, for it is well known that riches will be of no use on the Day of Judgment -- unless they were used for charity. It is just as in the Mashal above. It is worthwhile for the poor to remember this at all times and not to worry at all.(Sefer Shem Olam, Conclusion, R' Yisrael Meir Hakohen Kagan)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 245(Repayment)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Shlomo Chaim Perlow of Koidenov. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and Zechuto Yagen Aleinu AMEN.
"You have put gladness in my heart when their grain and wine increase."(Tehillim 4:8)
When we see the descendants of Esav living in wealth, we should rejoice. Why? Because they are eating what belongs to us, and it will all be repaid to us.
While Esav and Yaakov were still in Rivka's womb, they divided the two worlds between them. Yaakov took the world to come, and Esav took this world. Accordingly, Yaakov's descendants should not be entitled to anything of this world beyond the minimum needed to exist.
However, Esav married descendants of Canaan, whom Noach had cursed to be a slave (Bereshit 10:25) And of a slave's offspring, it is written, "If his master gives him a [Canaanite] wife and she bears him sons and daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master's"(Shemot 21:4) -- the children of a Canaanite maidservant are not called the father's, but hers.(Kiddushin 68b) Esav's children from his Canaanite wives are not his, but hers. Esav therefore has no heirs -- except for his brother Yaakov. That is why the Brachot were taken away from Esav and given to Yaakov.(Zera Berach)
Since Yaakov is Esav's sole heir, Yaakov inherits this world as well as the next. Thus whatever the descendants of Esav take from this world beyond their bare necessities is actually stolen from the descendants of Yaakov.
Israel was promised that during the Messianic era, they will enjoy fabulous wealth(Ketubot 11b) The reason is that whatever wealth the nations of the world enjoyed throughout history was properly Israel's. But because of Israel's sins, the guardian angels of the nations were empowered to steal it and give it to the nations. In the future, however, when Hashem judges the nations, all that was stolen from Israel will be returned. As a result, Israel will be showered with unbelievable riches.
Therefore when we see the prosperity of the nations, we should rejoice, knowing that in the future it will all come back to us.(Ben Ish Hayyil 4, Kallah 5)
Something to think about:
When a person increases his involvement in learning Torah and doing Mitzvot, he will come closer to Hashem and cling to Him, and his fear and love of Him will be set in his heart. Then when he gets up to pray, it won't be difficult at all for him to concentrate and to make requests of Hashem in the proper way.(Derech Chayim, R' Menachem di Luzzano, 96-100)(Quoted in Pathway to Prayer, Sephardic version)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 244(Divine Protection)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be Liulay Nishmat Reb Yitzchak Meir Levine, Reb Yosef Greenwald of Pupa and Professor Dr Tadeusz Reichstein. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah Zechutam Yagen Aleinu AMEN.
All the peoples of the earth shall see that the Name of Hashem is called upon you and they shall fear you.(Devarim 28:10)
Hashem's names are descriptive of His interaction with the world. Of these, there are two that relate to Israel alone: the Tetragrammaton (Yud Key Vav Key) and Sha-di. Their acronym is Yesh. Of this it is written, "To bequeath Yesh (substance) to those who love Me" (Mishlei 8:21) -- these Names are reserved for the Jewish people, who love Me.
The nations of the world are sustained by the Name Elokim, which is equal to the Gematria of HaTeva "nature" This is the Name used to refer to G-d when He conducts the world through natural events. Israel is sustained by the Yud Key Vav Key, which indicates Hashem's conduct of the world through miracles. The filled-in form of the Yud Key Vav Key is equal in Gematria to the word Adam. Only Israel, which is linked to the Yud Key Vav Key, is called Adam. Therefore, "all the peoples of the earth shall see that the Name of Hashem" which is hinted at in the title Adam, "is called upon you" and no other people. Therefore, "they shall fear you" because Hashem makes miracles for you.
The other Name that Hashem uses exclusively in interacting with Israel is Sha-di. This Name is used to overturn nature. Because of this "the constellations have no power over Klal Yisrael."(Gemara Shabat 156a) for this Name changes the fate of Klal Yisrael from bad to good. With this Name, Klal Yisrael overpowers its enemies, as it is written, "Sha-di will be against your enemies."(Job 22:22)
The Jewish home is protected by the Mezuza placed on its doorpost in fulfillment of the Mitzvah.(Devarim 6:9). The Name Sha-di is written on the outside of the parchment opposite the place where the word Vhaya "it shall come to pass" which contains the same letters as the Yud Key Vav Key Name, is written on the inside. Together, these Names protect Klal Yisrael, as it is written, "In His holy Name we trust"(Tehillim 33:21) The numerical value of the word "Shem" (name) is equal to the two Names (314+26) This five times Chayim "life". Through these Names, life flows into the five parts of the soul.
Because these two Names are used exclusively for Klal Yisrael, we do not write a Mezuza for a gentile or give him one. If a Jew lives in a house owned by a gentile, he must put up a Mezuza, but if he leaves and no Jew is coming in to live there, he must take the Mezuza with him.(Ben Ish Hai, Halachot, Shana 2)
Something to think about:
A person without friends is like a left hand without a right.(Simcha168)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 243(Pintele Yid)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Tzvi Hirsch ben R' Aharon Friedman of Liska, Reb Yosef Naftali Stern, R' Yitzchak of Mezritch and R' Yitzchak Friedman of Bohush. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah, Zechutam Yagen Aleinu AMEN. And a Zechut for Eliyahu Tzvi ben Rachel to have Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov. AMEN
The story is told of Reb Aharon of Karlin, a favorite disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch. A fellow disciple, returning home from Mezritch, came about midnight to Karlin, and wanted to visit him friend. He at once went to his house, and saw Reb Aharon studying.
He then knocked on the lighted window, "Who is it?" asked a voice from within. Certain that Reb Aharon would recognize his voice, he answered "I" No reply came, and the door was not opened, although he knocked again and again.
At last he cried out, "Aharon, who don't you open the door for me?" Don't you recognize my voice? It is I! It is I!" Then he heard from within, "Who is it, who is so bold to say: It is I, as Hashem alone may do?" He said in his heart, "I have not yet learned my lesson," and returned immediately to the Maggid.
"It is I!" "It is I"" In English only the letter "I" is capitalized "You, he, she, we, they, them, etc.' are all written with small letters. The gentile believes in his "I", whereas the Jew remains truthful to his 'pintele Yid"
Whenever a number of self-proclaimed "I"'s get together to decide matters of worldly relevance, their decisions are based on the "Aye"s. Note that when a number of "I"s are joined together, the union becomes IIIIIIIIIIIIIII, a ladder. However, this ladder does not reach to the sky, but rather lies merely on the ground.
The Jew, however, knows that at best he is no more than a small "i". He is not even a print i, only a script i The script i represents his progress through life. As infancy turns into the teens, as he "matures" and emerges from the "ground" he acquires a feeling of self-ego.
However, as he studies more and more of the Torah, his ego begins to diminish until all that remains is the 'pintele Yid' This is represented by the dot above the i. We note that a dot is a mathematical absurdity. It has not mass, occupies no space -- but there it is! So too, the Neshama -- it has no mass, occupies no space -- but there it is!
This 'pintele Yid' this script i, seeks to join others. Finding another Yid, the script "i"s join. Upon uniting, the two become the script letter, "u" When alone, the Jew did not consider the I, and so upon joining with another Jew -- his own concern is You, the other person. He never concerned himself, with himself, and now that he has found another pintele YId, his only concern is the other's welfare. He is even willing to give up his "pintele", now that he is part of a community.(Sefer Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha, R' Celnik, 2:1)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 242(Reversed Roles)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Nosson Nota Shapiro of Krakow, R' Mordechai ben Avrohom Benet, R' Yehuda Leib Pesach ben R' Avrohom of Lipsk, R' Yaakov Dovid ben R' Menachem Mendel (Tzemach Tzadik) Hager, R' Yosef of Chelm ben R' Mordechai "Mayim Amukim", R' Yisroel Shmuel ben R' Aryeh Leibush of Tamoshov, R' Yaakov Yosef ben R' Moshe of Orzetchov, R' Eliyahu Maaravi, R' Yosef Eliyahu Henkin, and R' Yosef Greenwald of Pupa ben Yaakov Chizkiya. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah, Zechutam Yagen Aleinu AMEN!
HaGaon Rav Yoel Sirkish, the Bach, was Rav in the town of Belz. His wages were minimal, barely enough on which to survive. He could not even afford candles with which to learn at night, and so he would study by heart or by the light of the moon.
Some of the wealthy people of the town noticed that their Rav's house was always dark in the evening. Upset at what seemed to them as laziness, they called a meeting and said: "A Rav who does not stay awake at night to learn cannot be the Rav of our town! Let us discharge Rav Sirkish and find someone more to our liking!"
Fortunately, the Bach had already been offered a position in Brisk, and so he took the news very calmly. Before learning, however, he called together the community and said:"Because of its sins, the entire city of Sodom was turned over and destroyed! Didn't Hashem have any other way, perhaps less extreme, of taking retribution for the people's evil ways?"
He waited a moment and then answered his own question: "The people of Sodom deserved their fate, because they had reversed the functions in the city. Instead of worrying that the salary of the Rav should be sufficient, and letting the Rav worry about his own Torah learning, the people were concerned about his learning and he had to worry about about his livelihood."
It did not take long for the inhabitants of Belz to discern the Bach's message and, with crimson faces, they silently watched him depart.(Ma'asei Tzaddikim, Tochecha)
Something to think about:
The Story is told of a king before whom a man was sentenced, and a whip was brought for punishment. The king said to the man, "As G-d lives, were it not for my great anger with you, I would have taken strict revenge against you." And then he pardoned him. [That is, precisely because the King grew angry did he decide not to discipline the man; for he did not think it proper to satisfy anger.] It is related further of him that he used to say: "I know of no offense heavy enough to outweigh my meekness."(Sefer Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Hakeniya, Perek Alef)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
www.OhrDaniel.com is up and running come get inspired!!
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Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 241(Losing Two Thousand Rubles)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Aryeh Leib Katzenelbogen, R' Moshe Ber ben R' Ahron of Stolin, R' Ephraim Zalman ben R' Menachem Manish Margolies, and R' Yeshayahu ben R' Avrohom Moshe Veltfried of Kalish. Theri Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN. And a Zechut for the Eichler family, who recently made Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. Hashem should bless them to be zoche to build a Bayit packed with Torah, Avodah, Chessed and Yirat Shamayim AMEN.
One year, just before Yom Kippur, a young man came to the Rebbe Reb Meir MiPrimishlan, and asked him: "Please Rebbe, tell me how I may know whether I have properly done Teshuvah and repented for all my sins."
The Rebbe Reb Meir said: "I will tell you a story to explain how sorry one must be for any sins that he has committed. There was a young man who sat and learned for many years after his marriage. After these years, he took his dowry and, following the advice of some merchants, he purchased a quantity of wool for one hundred rubles. He traveled to the market place, and to his joy and astonishment, his wool had increased to a value of two hundred rubles. As he stood and watched, the wool brokers kept raising the price, until at the end of the day the price of wool stood at two thousand rubles. He held on to his merchandise, thinking that in the morning the price would be even higher. He went to an expensive inn and ordered the best meal and finest room for the night.
In the morning already counting his riches, he arrived at the market place and was shocked to find that the bottom had dropped out of the market, and wool was only ten rubles."
Reb Meir turned to the young man before him, and said gently: "When you will be as sorry for your sins as that man was for not selling his wool the previous day, then you will have completed your Teshuvah."(Ma'asei Tzaddikim, Teshuvah)
Something to think about:
Rav Moshe of Korbrin instructed his followers: "I tell you and warn you that if you are always joyous, Hashem will help you in all circumstances; and if not, who knows what will be your end!"(U'Le'oatzei Shalom Simcha, p65)(Simcha 245)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 240(Caring About The "help")
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Aharon, the Stoliner Rebbe, Reb Yitzchak Blazer, R' Hillel ben R' Meir HaLevi Malisov. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN. And a Zechut for Esther Miriam Bat Mazal, Dinah Bat Sheina Beila, Leah Kafira Bat Sarah, Perel Devora Bat Yochevet and Rosa Bat Chasiba to find their zivugim bekarov. AMEN
HaGaon Rav Yisrael Salanter Ztl once received an invitation to spend a Shabat at the home of one of his pupils. Unsure as to whether or not to accept, Rav Yisrael said: "I do not stay in any home unless I know the workings of the household."
The pupil answered: "My home is run strictly according to Halacha. The meat we use is bought from so and so, who is known to be very religious and honorable. We only use Glatt meat with no questions about growths on the lung or anything else. The cook is a very modest and religious woman, the widow of a scholar, with excellent lineage. My wife also constantly checks over everything. Every Friday night, by the Shabat meal, we set a beautiful table. Between each course, we say over Torah ideas, we learn the Jewish code of laws, and we sing songs of honor to Shabat. We finish late at night."
Rav Yisrael consented to come but only on the condition that the meal last two hours or less. Not having a choice the student accepted.
And so, Rav Yisrael came and that Shabat they ate one course after the other. The meal was finished in one hour. Before saying Birkat Hamazon, the Talmid asked Rav Yisrael, "Please Rebbe, tell me what was your purpose in rushing the meal so!?"
Rav Yisrael did not respond. Instead, he asked for the cook to be brought in. "Please excuse me" he said to her, "for tiring you out this evening by rushing through the courses."
The widow answered, "All the blessings should come upon you! I wish you would be here every week. I am always tired from my work of the whole day, and now, thanks to you, Rav Yisrael, I can go home early and rest." Rav Yisrael turned to his Talmid and said, "You have an answer to your question!"(Ma'asei Tzaddikim, Chessed)
Something to think about:
All enjoyment originates in Gan Eden. Even jokes or riddles derive from that source, as long as they are uttered in true joy.(Rav Tzadok HaKohen)(Simcha 87)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 239(Far Better)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Yissachar Ben Yaakov Avinu, Rabeinu Yitzchak Abarbanel and Rav Shimon Ziat. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN.And a Zechut for Dov Ben Yitzchak to find a good honest job to support his family. AMEN.
The Gerrer Rebbe, together with many other reknowned Gedolim, was traveling by train to visit the Knesia Gedolia of Agudat Yisrael in VIenna. As expected, all the townspeople wished to catch a glimpse of the many Gedolim who were to disembark from the train. The Gedolim descended from the train and were greeted by those who had anxiously awaited their arrival. All the Gedolim were there except one -- the Chafetz Chayim.
The Gerrer Rebbe sensed that the people yearned to see the great Chafetz Chayim as well. He, therefore, went back onto the train and tried to persuade the Chafetz Chayim to join the other Gedolim.
The Chafetz Chayim explained: "Every person is allotted a certain share of Kavod. If that person uses his share of Kavod in Olam Hazeh, his portion has been diminished and little remains for Olam Haba -- The World to Come!" Upon hearing the explanation of the Chafetz Chayim, the Gerrer Rebbe replied: "It is far better to lose all one's Kavod in Olam Haba, than to be the cause of anguish to a fellow Jew!!!"
The Chafetz Chayim stood up, took the arm of the Gerrer Rebbe and together they disembarked to greet the waiting crowd.(Ma'asei Tzaddikim, Ahavat Yisrael)
Something to think about:
If a Jew truly knew what it meant to have an eternal existence, he would be so happy that he would rush into the street and dance the Cossacks' dance like a madman.(Ba'al Shem Tov)(Simcha 201)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 238(Judging Others Favorably)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Pinchas of Sokolivka, R' Shalom Noach ben R Moshe Avraham Brezovsky (2000), Slonimer Rebbe, R' Moshe Greenwald of Chust, and R' Simcha Bunim Ehrenfeld. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN.And a zechut for Rav Natanel Lebowitz and his amazing family to have Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov AMEN!
"One who judges others favorably will be judged favorably by Hashem."(Gemara Shabat Daf 127b)
Rashi Hakadosh explains: To promote peace, one should always think, "He did not sin against me, either because he was under duress, or because he may have had good intentions..."
This obligation, which is listed by many Authorities as one of the official 613 Mitzvot, is based on a Pasuk in Parashat Kedoshim (Vayikra 19:15) "With righteousness you shall judge your fellowman."
Rashi Hakadosh, The Sefer HaChinuch and others explain that this includes the precept to judge others favorably.
HaRambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 4:4) catagorizes the mental act of one who entertains negative suspicions of others as a grave sin that people mistake for a minor infraction, with the rationale that their thoughts are intangible and inconclusive. They argue, "What have I done to him?" without realizing the severity of mentally condemning a righteous person as a potential sinner. In fact, HaRambam explains that this is one of twenty-four sins that are most difficult for people to rectify.
Consider: Why is it that we tend to judge our own actions in the most favorable light, but we judge others in the most critical light?(How To Judge People, Targum Press)
Something to think about:
Shabat gives us a new perspective on the affairs of the week. The joy of the days of the week are only for Shabat, for without Shabat their joy is meaningless.(HaGaon Rav Shimshon Picus ztl, based on Midrash Rabbah, Bereshit 10:10)(Simcha 241)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 237(The Chicken, The Donkey and The Lamp)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yehoshua Greenwald, Av Beis Din of Chust, and R' Shlomo Zalman Hanau of Frankfurt-on-Main, author of Binyan Shlomo. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. And a Zechut for the Rosenberg family to be Zoche to much Parnasa Bekarov AMEN!
A person should always accustom himself to saying, "Everything the Merciful One does is for the best" Rabbi Akiva was traveling. He had with him a chicken, a donkey and a lamp. He came to a town and wished to lodge there overnight, but none of the townspeople took him in. He said, "Everything the Merciful One does is for the best." He went and camped out in a field. The wind came and extinguished the lamp. A cat came and ate the chicken. A lion came and devoured the donkey. He said, "Everything the Merciful One does is for the best."
At night, a legion came and took the townspeople captive. He said, "Did I not say that everything the Merciful One does is for the best? Had the lamp been lit or had the chicken or donkey made noise, the soldiers would have come and taken me captive."(Gemara Brachot 60b)
The Ben Ish Hai explains: As the leading Hacham of the generation, Rabbi Akiva was to the Jewish people as the head is to the body. The events that Hashem made befall him contain hints for all of Klal Yisrael.
The lion's devouring of the donkey alludes to Nebuchadnetzar's destruction of the first Beit Hamikdash. Of Nebuchadnetzar it is written, "A lion has come up for its thicket."(Yirmiyah 4:7) The cat's eating of the chicken alludes to the Greeks' defilement of the second Beit Hamikdash. The wind's extinguishing of the lamp alludes to Edom's destruction of the second Beit Hamikdash, for Edom is called a wind.
At the beginning of the night, three "bad" events befell Rabbi Akiva, but in the morning, it became apparent that these were actually good, for they had protected him. Similarly, the suffering of Israel in the dark night of Galut appears to be a punishment, but when the morning of Geula comes, it will be apparent that it was all to save Klal Yisrael from being annihilated for their sins.(Ben Yehoyada, Hacham Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad)
Something to think about:
All worries are forbidden except one: "Why am I worrying?"(Reb Moshe Leib of Sassov, Imrot Taharot)(Simcha 115)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 236(The Feelings of a Chicken)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yitzchok ben R' Shlomo Luria Ashkenazi, The Arizal, R' Gedalyah Chiyun, R' Chaim of Krasna, R' Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky of Vilna, R' Binyamin Paler, and R' Yechiel Michel Dorfman. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN.
Many years ago, a family was zoche to have the famous Ari Hakadosh stay with them in their house for a period of time. When it came time for the Arizal to leave, as a show of gratitude he asked his hosts if there was anything that he can do to thank them. His host told him that it had been many years that his wife has been unable to conceive a child. The Arizal took his host to the back of the house, to where the chickens were. The Ari Hakadosh told him that there used to be a step stool by the chicken coup, which allowed them to go down and drink some water. His wife had taken the stool away, because she did not like the way it looked. The Ari Hakadosh told him, even though your wife did not take it away to hurt the chickens, the chickens now have to wait until you or your wife come to give them water, and this causes them pain. These thirsty chickens have been crying to Hashem to help them. The Ari Hakadosh told his host as long as these chickens cry to Hashem, your wife will not be zoche to have children who cry.(Quoted in the Sefer Kav HaYashar) Look how careful we must be, with the feelings of a chicken, and look at the power of a chicken's tears. Can you imagine what happens when a human being cries to Hashem, that you hurt him. This woman did not mean to hurt these chickens, imagine how bad it would be if you intentionally hurt another person! How careful we MUST be!
Something to think about:
Even a fleeting positive thought has wondrous results. The reward for the happiness associated with the Mitzvah is greater than the reward for the performance of the Mitzvah itself.(Chida, Tziporen Shamir)(Simcha208)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 235(A Fish out of Water)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Menachem Azariah ben Yitzchak Brechya (1620) Rama MiPano, R Tzvi Meir HaKohen Rabinowitz, Av Beit Din of Radomsk (1902), R' Ephraim Taub of Kuzmir, and R' Benzion Halberstam. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN! And a Zechut for Dov Ben Yizchak to find a job Bekarov! AMEN
Man should not make the mistake and rationalize--What's all this noise about how bad it is to take my son out of Yeshivah? Do you think just because I took him out that he will not be just as good a Jew as anyone else? But my brother, the truth is that this thinking is wrong because the teachings of our Chazal in Gemara Brachot (61b) and in other places have been tested and validated in our times, that any Jew taken out of a Torah environment is like a fish out of water. Even though there might still be some life left for a moment, clearly it is impossible that this fish will die! It will live only as long as there is a film of water on its body, but as soon as the film of water dries up, the fish will immediately die because its basis for life is gone!
So too is the fundamental holiness that hovers over His people, Israel, that only because of the Torah will they merit in the future to live an everlasting life, as the Pasuk teaches (Devarim 4:4): "and all of you who have attached yourself to Hashem your G-d are alive today" Chazal tell us (Devarim Rabbah, Parashat Eikev, 1:10): the meaning of this Pasuk is that life is entirely centered on one's dedication to Torah and that when man distances himself from the Torah, as long as there is a thin film of Torah remaining on him and there is still some observance, even if it is just habit that he developed as a child, he will live. But with the passing of time, as this film disappears and his observance of routine Mitzvot also vanishes, Chas VChalila, and he no longer has any attachment to Torah or Mitzvot, who knows what his end will be?(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Shaar HaTorah, Perek Yud)
Something to think about:
"A sage once said, 'I wonder how a creature that has passed twice through passageways for urine and blood can become proud and arrogant"(Sefer Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Hakeniya, Perek Hey)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 234(Your Level of Trust)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Gedalia Ahron Rabinowitz of Monastrich, R' Dovid Shapira, R' Chaim Yechezkel Taub of Ozorov, R' Yitzchok ben R' Mordechai Twersky, and R' Yehoshua Heschel HaLevi Horowitz. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN.
Many things depend, to a large degree, upon a person's level of trust in Hashem. This particularly so with regard to one's livelihood: Your level of trust will determine the extent to which you will exert yourself to make a livelihood. Even when you are occupied with the natural causes that bring about a livelihood, realize and recognize that you are performing this activity merely in order to fulfill your duty, but that in truth it is Hashem Who controls all the causes, and He is the One who determines whether, and to what degree, you will be successful -- irrespective of your endeavors. People who recognize this do not exert themselves too much, and certainly not in a way which interferes with their Avodat Hashem (Service of G-d), because they know that in any case their success depends on Hashem -- not on their efforts.
Rabeinu Avraham ben HaRambam (HaMaspik L'Ovdei Hashem, Shaar HaBitachon, p 82) wrote the following: Listen, now, to the words of David HaMelech, that exaggerated effort will not be effective unless it is combined with assistance from Heaven to achieve the desired result, and that those who are beloved before Him Yishtabach, achieve what they need with ease -- without effort or, at least, with little toil -- because Hashem gives them their needs without exertion or the need to devote themselves to increase effort. This is the meaning of the Pasuk (Tehillim 127:1-2): "If Hashem will not build the house, in vain do its builders labor on it...it is in vain for you to rise early, that you sit up late, so you eat the bread of sorrow, for indeed, He gives His beloved ones restful sleep." Meaning, for the righteous -- the "beloved ones" of Hashem -- Hashem provides their needs without any exertion. If you would be one of those who are beloved to Him, by the merit of your trust a small amount of effort would have sufficed and you would have been able to go to sleep with tranquility.(Siftei Chayim, Shaar Nes V'Teva, Perek Hey)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 233(Correct Their Mistake)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Moshe Stern, Reb Aharon Tumim, and Reb Shimshon Ostropolier. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN.
Many non observant Jews say: "Orthodox Jews look down on us. They don't respect us as Jews. We're not good people in their eyes, because we don't keep the rituals they do."
Let us correct their mistake. Judaism teaches that only Hashem can judge people(Pirke Avot 2:5) All we can judge are specific actions: it is wrong to murder, it is wrong to steal. But we have no way of knowing which Jew is better than another or which Jew is more beloved by Hashem.
There's an old saying: "It's not where you are on the ladder; it's how many rungs you have climbed." It is possible that one deed performed by a secular Jew could have more merit in Hashem's eyes that 100 Mitzvot done by a person who started out observant. The Torah itself shows us this. One Jew cannot kill another to save his own life -- even if that other Jew is a thief, a drug addict or a murderer. The principle behind this says the Talmud, is that we do not know, "whose blood is redder."(Pesachim 25b) We cannot judge the value of another Jew.
If you want to be successful in Kiruv, you must reassure people, through your words, attitude and tone of voice, that you do not look down on them, and that you are not judging them. When someone tells you, "I'm a good Jew at heart," he is often in need of reassurance that you respect him despite any objections you have have to his lifestyle.
And we must explain to them how this misconception arose. Condescending attitudes are not unique to Orthodox Jews. They exist across the entire religious spectrum and derive from the human need to be "right" It is a common defense reaction to look down on those whose beliefs are not your own. It may exist where people do not feel confident that they have a belief that will stand up to scrutiny. This syndrome can be found in secular, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Jews. Those who believe they have religious license to devalue other people for any reason have a skewed understanding of Judaism. Plain and simple.
At the same time, however, being an open-minded person does not mean that one accepts every opinion without investigation. It simply indicates a willingness to listen to any argument based on logic and evidence. One cannot condemn Orthodox Jews for holding to their convictions, provided a) those believes are based on investigation and reason, and b) that they do not denigrate those who do not share those beliefs.
Only Hashem knows the potential and trials of every individual, and only He can judge the level of righteousness of a human being. Only Hashem knows exactly how many rungs of the ladder each of us have ascended.(The Eye of a Needle, R' Weinberg)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
www.OhrDaniel.com is up and running come get inspired!!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 232(How To Judge Others)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabeinu Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi), 1040-1105, and Reb Yochanan HaSandler. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
The way we judge others is linked directly to the laws pertaining to the prohibition against speaking Lashon Hara. Rabeinu Yona (Shaarei Teshuvah 3:218) introduces the whole subject of judging others favorably in the midst of explaining six levels of Lashon Hara.
Based on this, the Chafetz Chayim, in his introduction to the laws of Lashon Hara, lists judging others favorably as third of fourteen positive Mitzvot that might be transgressed while engaged in speaking gossip (by studying the list we can discern that the Chafetz Chayim chose this to be third because it is third in importance.)
"At times, he [one who speaks Lashon Hara] also transgresses the Mitzvah to judge people favorably. For example, if he saw someone speaking or doing something that can be judged in a positive or negative light, even if that person is an average type, he is obligated to judge him favorably... One who relates or listens to gossip about this speech or action without judging the doer in a favorable way has transgressed this Mitzvah"(Chafetz Chayim Kelal 3:7)
What If I am pretty sure that the person is guilty of wrongdoing? "Even when the side of demerit is so overwhelming that the Halacha does not completely prohibit you from coming to a negative conclusion, you must still refrain from rushing to tell others about your conclusion. You would be obligated to check on many details prior to relaying negative information"(Chafetz Chayim 3:8)
In Kelal (6:7) the Chafetz Chayim also explains, "Just as one may not believe negative information about someone, one is also forbidden to believe a negative interpretation that someone relates due to their failure to judge the person meritoriously.
"Believing such an interpretation would be a double transgression: 1) failure to judge people meritoriously, and 2) accepting Lashon Hara."
Thus, we learn that there is a second-level application of the Mitzvah to judge other favorably. Besides that which we see and experience firsthand, when we hear information we realize is basically factual but also contains interpretations, we have the Mitzvah of discarding the interpretations and judging favorably.
For example, many people will relate partial episodes without including important prefaces or voice inflections. They may omit the fact that the person was caught off guard and that he himself subsequently regretted it, or that he had been angry due to some unrelated matter that caused him to react in an explosive manner.
The Chafetz Chayim (Chafetz Chayim, Pesichah, Asayin, Be'er Mayim Chayim 3) concludes with a rule: One who desires to judge others favorably will always find a way to succee! "In the way one is determined to go, he will be led"(Gemara Makot 10b)(How to Judge People, 31-34, Targum)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
www.OhrDaniel.com is up and running come get inspired!!
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Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 231(Hashem's Will)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Moshe Teitelbaum author of the Yismach Moshe, Reb Shlomo Ganzfried (1804-1886), author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, and Reb Chaim Friedlander, mashgiach in Ponovezh. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael! AMEN
Let us clarify a fundamental idea. When we say that Hashem "created" the world we certainly do not mean that Hashem used certain tools to create the world, as a human craftsman who manufactures an item needs tools to fashion the desired item. Hashem did not even need to say anything in order to create; as soon as Hashem wanted a creature to exist, it was created, for His will is reality. Not so with a human being -- his will cannot create anything, for after wanting something he has to execute his will through a [separate] act. Without an action his desire remains merely a thought. Only of Hashem is it said, "Life is in His will"(Tehillim 30:6) for through His will alone life exists and reality is created.
But if the word "said" in connection with Hashem means that "He wanted" why then does the Torah say, "And E-lokim said, Let there be light(Bereshit 1:3) and not, "and E-lokim desired that there be light, and there was light"? The answer is, when somebody wants others to know what he wishes, he reveals that will by saying it. So, too, in regard to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, "He said" is a metaphor for an expression of His will. And when we actually see His deed, His will becomes revealed to us through that action. This is the meaning of the Pasuk, "And Hashem said, 'Let there be light'", Hashem wanted the light and expressed that desire to us -- and there was light, because at the same moment that He wanted light, the will was expressed, and the light was simultaneously created.(Siftei Chaim, Hashgacha Pratit and Klalit, R' Chaim Friedlander)
Something to think about:
The Misilat Yisharim says that if a person forces a smile on their external face for the sake of others, Hashem will give him reasons to smile on the inside too.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 230(Cutting-Short Is A Benefit)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Shmuel Rozovsky, Rosh Yeshivat Ponovezh. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
The Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim brings down the following (6:17) "I went to my nut garden..." Rebbe Yehoshua Ben Levi compared Israel to a nut. Just as when a nut is cut, another one immediately grows to take its place and there is a benefit that comes from having cut it, that it grows back just like hair and nails that are cut and grow back, so too the Jewish people, as much as they cut short the efforts of their labor by using their money to support Torah Scholars, the cutting-short is a benefit to them. It is for their own good as great wealth is heaped onto them in this world and a great reward is left for them in Olam Haba. More than that, this man's best friend, his companion whom he supported in learning is identified by his name and he has a portion of the merit of his friend's Torah learning, as Chazal teach in Gemara Sotah 21a, regarding Shimon the brother of Azarya.
...Shimon the brother of Azarya said over in the name of his brother Azarya (in the first Perek of Mishnayot Zevachim 2nd Mishnah) yet Shimon was greater than his brother Azarya? But because Azraya was a businessman who fed and gave support to his brother Shimon, therefore the (formulation of) law is attributed to him. Similarly the Torah teaches in (Devarim 33:18) "and to Zevulun he (Moshe Rabeinu) said...Zevulun, be happy in your departure and Yissachar in your tents." (Moshe Rabeinu's blessing to Zevulun preceded his blessing to Yissachar) yet Yissachar was older than Zevulun (and he should have been blessed before Zevulun)! But because Zevulun was occupied in commerce and separated himself from daily society so that could sustain all of the needs of Yissachar and pay Yissachar for learning, therefore, the Torah credits Zevulun first, as the Pasuk says, "Zevulun, be happy in your departure (Rashi, meaning: be successful as you depart to do business) and Yissachar in your tents."(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Shaar HaTorah, Perek Hey)
Something to think about:
It takes 37 muscles to frown and 22 muscles to smile. Smiles conserve energy!!!(Simcha 175) So start lowering your energy bills by turning those frowns upside down and start SMILING :)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 229(Being Like Water)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored Liulay Nishmat Victoria Chaya Bat Clara. Her Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for her amazing family and all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN We should all be zoche to follow in her footsteps and live lives packed with Chessed and love of Hashem, and raise families who are devoted to the Service of our Father in Heaven AMEN! (Please learn something today in her zechut)
Only(Rak) you have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will reduce all your sins from upon you.(Amos 3:2)
The word Rak "only" explains why Hashem chose Israel of all the families of the earth. It alludes to humility, for in Scripture, Rak, indicates diminution.(Bereshit Rabbah 1:14); the humble person diminishes himself. In addition, it can be pronounced Rek, "empty"; the humble person considers himself empty of anything to boast about.
Indeed, it was for the trait of humility that Hashem chose Israel. "Said the Hakadosh Baruch Hu, to Israel: I desire you, for whenever I give you honor, you diminish yourselves. When I gave honor to Avraham Avinu, he said 'I am dust and ashes'(Bereshit 18:27) When I gave honor to Moshe Rabeinu, he said, 'What are we?'(Shemot 16:7) When I gave honor to David HaMelech, he said, 'I am a worm'(Tehillim 22:7)"(Gemara Chullin 89a)
Moreover, Chazal taught in Gemara Sanhedrin 43b, that the sins of the humble person are forgiven. For sacrifices atone for sin, and humility is equivilent to all the sacrifices, as it is written, "Hashem's sacrifices [plural] are a broken spirit"(Tehillim 51:19)
The power of humility can be learned from water. The nature of water is to seek the lowest level; yet water is extremely powerful. Similarly, a person whose nature is lowly and humble is powerful; he is able to ward off accusers and punishments.(Birkat Hayyim, Haftarat VaYeshev, Chacham Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad)
Something to think about:
Just as a person is punished for saying something negative, so he is punished for ignoring an opportunity to say something positive.(Zohar Hakadosh, Parashat Vayikrah)(Middos 77)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 228(Hashgacha: Pratit & Klalit)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yosef Yitzchak Rottenberg. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN. And should be a zechut for the Weinberger family to have Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam AMEN
Hashem's supervision of creation is manifested in two forms knows as Hashgacha Pratit,(specific or individual) providence and Hashgacha Klalit, general providence. What is the difference between these two? We must avoid the typical superficial interpretation which would explain that "general providence" means that Hashem knows and acts only in a general way, while "specific providence" means that Hashem knows every single detail and acts upon those details.
This superficial understanding is certainly wrong, for Hashem's knowledge is all encompassing. His knowledge is not limited to current events; it extends to all future events as well, as we say in our Tefillot, "You remember everything ever done, and not a single creature is hidden from You. Everything is revealed and known before You, Hashem, our Hashem, Who keeps watch and sees to the very end of all generations.(Musaf on Rosh HaShanah) So whether Hashem supervises with "general" providence or with "specific" providence, it certainly makes no difference in His knowledge of events -- either way He knows every single detail. All this is true in regard to the first aspect of Hashgacha, namely the observation of all that is done.
Concerning the second part of Hashgacha, as well, which is the action towards the creatures, we cannot say that creatures who are supervised with Hashgacha Klalit are only acted upon by Hashem in a "general way" while the details are, Chas VShalom, relegated to other forces. For it is written, "You have been shown to know, that Hashem, He is the Hashem, there is none beside Him.(Devarim 4:35) Chazal explain that this extends even to the empty parts of the world (Yalkut Shemoni 270) meaning, there is no independent force which acts in the world. Only Hashem does. So certainly even those creatures who are supervised with Hashgacha Klalit, are acted upon Hashem alone.(Siftei Chaim, Perek Alef, R' Chaim Friedlander)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 227(Supporting Torah Scholars)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yitzchak Grodzinski of Vilna, and Reb Yitzchak Kolitz. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN And be a zechut for the Eichler family to be zoche to sell their house in America and build a Bayit of Torah and Yirat Shamayim in Eretz Yisrael AMEN!
Come and see the greatness of those who support the Torah and sustain Torah scholars with their resources and bond closer to them, that the Pasuk counts them as bonding closer to the Shechinah as Chazal teach this concept in Gemara Ketubot Daf 111b in commenting on the Pasuk (Devarim 4:4) "and you, who bond to Hashem your G-d" But is it really possible for man to bond to The Shechinah because after all, the Pasuk also teaches, (Devarim 4:24) "because Hashem Your G-d is an all consuming fire"? (Answer) Whoever marries off his daughter to a Torah Scholar or implements business for the benefit of Torah Scholars or allows Torah Scholars to benefit, to gain from their resources, the Pasuk considers this person as though he bonds to the Shechinah. Moreover Chazal have taught (Gemara Brachot 10b) "whoever invites a Torah scholar into his house and causes him to benefit from his assets, the Pasuk counts this as though he offered up Tamid (twice-daily) sacrifices, etc..." The Gemara in Brachot 63b says, "Rebbe Nechemiah began his lecture with praise for his host by expounding on the Pasuk in Shmuel I 15:6, "Shaul HaMelech said to the Kehnee people, get up and move away from this place...because you extended kindness to the entire Jewish nation." There is a very obvious logical conclusion to derive from this; Yitroh extended hospitality to Moshe Rabeinu only because he wanted to enhance his own personal prestige (and years later Shaul HaMelech reciprocated with great kindness to Yitroh's descendants) Regarding someone who extends the hospitality of his home to a Torah Scholar (and feeds him and allows him to benefit from his possessions) how much more so will HaKadosh Baruch Hu reciprocate with kindness to this host!(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Shaar HaTorah, Perek Hey)
Something to think about:
Who is wise? One who learns from every person.(Pirkei Avot 4:1) One who learns from only one teacher will never see any sign of blessing.(Gemara Avodah Zara 19a) Each individual has a segment of the Torah that is his. One segment does not resemble to the other. A teacher can only transmit his own portion to his students.(HaGaon Rav Shlomo Alkabetz)(Middos 278)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 226(Start Grabbing Apples)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Shlomo of Karlin, Reb Avraham Grodzinksi, mashgiach of Slabodka, Reb Mano'ach Hendel, Reb Levi Yitzchak Bender. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN. And Yaakov Ben Mazal, Clara Bat Victoria, Aryeh Leib Ben Chana, Mazal Bat Clara, Israel Tzvi Ben Mazal, Risha Rachel Bat Mazal and Esther Miriam Bat Mazal should be blessed with Osher Shefa Bracha VHatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam. Amen.
If one did not concentrate for most of the prayer and he is near the end of the prayer, how can he arouse himself to start concentrating?...A Mashal is brought down to explain this, there once was a young girl who was standing in the marketplace with a large basket of apples to sell. A robber came and started grabbing from the basket, and she was so startled that she didn't know what to do, so she started to cry. A wise person who stood at a distance said to her, "Why are you just standing there crying? Are you waiting until he grabs everything? Behold, he's grabbing, you should grab too, and whatever you are able to take in your hand will be yours!" It is exactly the same concerning prayer: The evil inclination (Yetzer Hara) overpowers a person and subdues him with laziness and strange thoughts, until he ceases concentrating on many of the Brachot of the Amidah. You too should "grab" and motivate yourself with all your strength to concentrate on the Brachot that are still left.(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Hagdama)
One who is used to putting special emphasis on the mention of the Name of Hashem will find that this is beneficial for getting rid of strange thoughts during prayer.(Az Nidberu III, Perek Yud Alef, R' Binyamin Zibler[as quoted in Pathway to Prayer, Sephardic version])
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 225(Playing in the Garbage Dump)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Shlomo Machlama, author of Merkaves HaMisheneh on Rambam, R' Avraham Mattisyahu ben R' Menachem Nachum Friedman of Shtefanesht, and Rabbi Eliyahu ben Moshe Loanz(Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem). Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael! AMEN! And a Refua Shelaima for Avigayil Bat Ariella.
One should internalize the following Mashal. (Quoted from the Sefer Ma'alut HaTorah) A great and awesome king saw someone rummaging through a garbage dump, beaten and afflicted by all kinds of tragedies and terrible sicknesses and deficient in all of his needs. Yet this man found favor in the eyes of the king and the king ordered him to bathe and clean off all of the filth that was on him. Then the king had him cured of his sicknesses to the point where he was entirely healthy. The king then had him dressed in expensive clothing and crowned him with precious gems and pearls and gave him his entire treasury and commanded him to govern his country and have him his daughter in marriage and appointed him as chief advisor over all his other ministers. Additionally, the king commanded his entire aristocracy to serve this man while they were wearing their most regal clothes and attend to his every need. Furthermore, while this man is wearing his regal clothes and is crowned with precious gems, everyone at the highest echelons of government must walk ahead of him carrying lanterns to illuminate the way for him. However, while this was all happening, this man saw children rummaging through a garbage dump, collecting rocks and playing, and he was jealous of them and wanted to do what they were doing. He stripped himself of all of the precious clothing and jewels and he despised the luxuries that were given to him and he abandoned the greatness of monarchy that was given to him and the aristocracy that preceded him and lauded him. Then he proceeded to roll in the garbage dump and became filthied by the garbage as he re-assumed the lifestyle he had before. This man's punishment is endless (Is there an end to this man's punishment?) since he totally humiliated the honor of the king and his court and all of the people who attend to the king's needs and he soiled the king's precious clothing. The Mashal is self-understood, and how much more so is the punishment prepared and readied for those who leave the Torah, who abandon it in order to play games in the garbage dump of the emptiness of the world.(Sefer Shemirat HaLashon, Shaar HaTorah, Perek Daled)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 224(100 Gold Coins)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Avraham Chaim Na'eh, Reb Chaim Shaul Karelitz, Reb Avraham Yitzchak Bloch, Reb Betzalel Rakow. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
Riveting one's attention on the words of Tefilla is an important goal of Tefilla. The Halacha requires that there be no obstruction between us and the wall when we daven. The wall represents the Shechinah; nothing should stand between us and Hashem's presence.((Sefer Chareidim, 6:79) We must know to Whom we are speaking and what we are saying. Kavanah involves concentrating totally on the words of Tefilla, having cleared our mind of extraneous thoughts. (Shloh Hakadosh, Tamid, Ner Mitzvah) After cleansing our mind, we should direct it upwards.(Shemot Rabbah22, Yevamot 105b)
The Gemara forbade praying when a person cannot concentrate on the words of Tefilla.(Brachot 30) The Rambam explains that this refers to a time when a person's mind is unclear and his heart is troubled.(Hilchot Tefilla, 4) Although this Halacha does not apply nowadays, we learn from the Rambam's explanation that Kavanah involves both the head and heart. Intellectually, we must comprehend the prayers, and emotionally, we must identify with the concepts we are expressing.
It is not easy to restrict oneself to a single thought. It takes a great deal of practice and self control to train our hearts to truly cleave to Hashem, so we will not have extraneous thoughts during prayer and can focus exclusively on the meaning of the words we are uttering. Each of us must make an effort to come up with a personal combat plan for our Michemet Mitzvah. We must devise personal ways to focus on the words of Tefilla.(Nefesh HaChayim, Shaar Bet, Perek Yud Bet)
Strain every fiber of your body to focus on the concepts inherent in every word.(Taavat HaRivash) When you say "Baruch", focus on Hashem as the source of all Blessings. When you say "Attah" focus on the personal relationship Hashem has with each of us. When you say Hashem's name, focus on the fact that He is Master of all, Who always was, is, and will be. When saying "Elokeinu" focus on Hashem's strength and His Divine Providence.
R' Moshe of Kobrin taught in the name of R' Mordechai of Lechovitz that whoever says the word "Lord" and at the same moment intends to say, "of the world" has not said anything. When he is saying "Lord" he must devote himself entirely to the word "Lord"
When praising Hashem, focus on the fact that Hashem alone--and no other entity--is deserving of these praises. When asking for the necessities of everyday existence, focus on the fact that only Hashem is aware of the specifics of our needs and has the ability to provide us with what we require.(Beit Elokim 83) When we ask for health, we must remember that if Hashem were to turn away from us for even a moment, Chas V'Shalom, we would be inundated by suffering. This should enable us to rouse our heart to say words of Tefilla with greater integrity.(Shalmei Tzibbur, Hilchot Tefilla and Kavanah)
In the city of Krasna, a man announced that he would walk across the river on a tightrope if given 100 gold coins. The famous Reb Chaim of Krasna was among the spectators who came to watch. He was amazed at what a person would do for money. As he stood watching the tightrope walker, Reb Chaim was impressed with the man's total concentration on his efforts. He was obviously not thinking about the 100 gold coins that he would get at the end, or he would have fallen in the water. Reb Chaim later told his students, "Imagine! If for 100 gold coins a man can concentrate so deeply on what he is doing, how much more should we concentrate when praying and serving Hashem!!!"(Towards Meaningful Prayer, 169-171, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 223(Simple Arithmetic)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Chacham Ben-Zion Abba Shaul, Rav Yona Stenzel, Rav Eliezer Yehudah Finkel, and Rav Yitzchak HaLevi Herzog. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN! And a Refua Sheliama for Esther Miriam Bat Mazal.
Someone once greatly offended Chacham Ben-Zion Abba Shaul. The day a friend asked the Chacham, "Did you recite the Tefilla last night?" (He asked this because one should not recite the Kriyat Shema Shel Al HaMitta, the Shema said before going to sleep, while angry.)
"To tell you the truth," replied Rav Ben-Zion, "I found it very hard to forgive him. Twisting and turning in bed. I said, 'Hashem, my anger is justified, but what should I do? Skip the Tefilla?' Then I sat up in bed and for a long time struggled to judge that person favorably. When I was certain that I no longer bore a grudge against him, I placed my head on the pillow and recited the Tefilla."
Rav Ben-Zion's formula for developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships was based on simple arithmetic: Instead of calculating what others owe him, he would ask, "What do I owe others?" He would then specify all of the Mitzvot between man and his friend, such as "Love your neighbor as yourself," "Do not despise your brother in your heart," "Do not be a bearer of slander" "Do not harbor vengeance," etc. When he was done, he would ask himself, "How can I be at odds with people to whom I owe so much?"(A Legacy of Leaders, Rav Ben-Zion Abba Shaul)
Something to think about:
It is a great Mitzvah for a person to always be happy and to distance himself from sadness and depression...Man is inclined to unhappiness due to the difficulties that he encounters, for every person is hemmed in by suffering. Therefore, a person must force himself with great vigor to always be happy. He must raise his spirits using all available means--even frivolous distractions if necessary.(Rebbe Nachman M'Breslov)(Simcha232) SMILE HASHEM LOVES YOU!!!!!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 222(Water As Opposed To Fire)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yaakov Yitzchok Spiegel and Reb Yaakov Aryeh of Radzimin. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!
In his many years as a Maggid Shiur and Rosh Yeshiva, Chacham Yaakov Ades influenced an entire generation of Sephardic Torah scholars. Here are two of the insights he had in the complicated realm of education.
Even as a young teacher, Chacham Ades excelled in developing each student's potential and creativity. After teaching a topic in Gemara, instead of giving a standard test he would ask the boys complicated questions and have each write down his own opinion on the topic. Once, he explained to his students, the philosophy behind this method. "Learning Gemara is like baking bread," he told them. "Each woman may start with the same dough and the same oven, but none of the loaves come quite the same." Chacham Yaakov was teaching Gemara, but he was teaching, also, that every student was special, and every student's understanding of Torah was unique and important.
In a time when corporal punishment of students was widespread and, indeed, often encouraged, Chacham Yaakov had a different method.
The verse upon which we base the Halacha of Kashering vessels tells us, "Whatever does not go through the fire, dip it in water." Chacham Yaakov once explained this verse homiletically, as a philosophy of education. "When you want to correct someone," he said, "don't take him through the fire. Instead, take him through the water. Correct him in a soft and soothing way, and he will be 'Kashered'"(Stories of Spirit and Faith 176)
Something to think about:
There is no such thing as total failure. It is always followed by progress and advancement.(Maharsha, Brachot 4)(Simcha83)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 221(The Salamander)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael to get out of this horrible exile, and be zoche to receive Mashiach Tzidkainu Bmhaira Vyamainu AMEN!!
The Torah protects a person from the punishment of Gehenoim, even though he sinned consciously. We learn this from an incident involving "Elisha -- The Other" that Chazal taught in Gemara Chagiga Daf 15b "When 'the other' passed away, they (Heaven) said he will not be judged in Gehenoim nor will he be allowed entry into Olam Haba. He will not be judged in Gehenoim because he toiled in Torah. He will not be allowed entry into Olam Haba because he consciously sinned." The Agadat Mishlei relates the following: "There is no charity that can save a person from the judgment of Gehenoim expect Torah. Chazal advise: If someone is caught up in the net of the Day of Judgment, the only thing he can do (to save himself) is to sit and immerse himself in the words of Torah which can atone for his sins." The Gemara Chagiga Daf 27b further says that the fire of Gehenoim has no effect on Torah Scholars. This is learned from a logical deduction taught by the "salamander" which is a creature that is a derivative of fire (when fire burns continuously for 7 years in one spot, a creature is created from it that has the appearance of a mouse and it is called a "salamander") One who rubs its blood onto himself will be immune from the ravages of fire. But Torah Scholars whose entire being is fire, how much even more so will the fires of Gehenoim have no effect on them, as the Navi Yirmiyahu teaches (22:29): "see, My Word is like Fire, says Hashem."(Sefer Shemirat Halashon, Shaar HaTorah Perek Gimmel)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 220(Not Just Another Animal)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat HaRav Haim Ben Moshe Benatar(The Ohr HaChayim Hakadosh), Rav Aryeh Leib Ginsberg(The Shagas Aryeh) and Rav Mordechai Weinberg. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
The governor of Sale, Morocco where the Ohr HaChayim lived, was marrying off his daughter. The governor's entire family bought expensive clothing and sent them to Rav Haim to weave gold threads into the material. He said to them, "Every month I work enough to earn my livelihood, and the rest of the time I devote to Torah study. This month I have already earned enough money for my livelihood. Come back next month."
However, the messenger knew that the governor's wife could not wait -- the wedding would be taking place that very month. He insisted that they needed the material decorated immediately. Rav Haim still refused the job, and he gently sent the servant on his way before returning to his studies.
When word got back to the governor that Rav Haim had refused to perform the work for his daughter's wedding, he was extremely incensed. He ordered his servants to starve the lions that he kept in his courtyard and sent a warning to Rav Haim that if he did not accept the job at once he would be cast into the yard with the hungry lions. The Rav ignored the warning and continued his learning.
The governor's men eventually came and forced Rav Haim from his home. They threw him into the lions' den, where he sat amidst the lions, and sang chapters of Tehillim in a sweet, pleasant voice. The lions formed a circle around him, as they watched him and listened to his singing. The astounded servants ran to report to their master what was happening, and the governor came to see the amazing scene with his own eyes. As soon as he looked into the den, and witnessed for himself the breathtaking sight of Rav Haim singing peacefully, surrounded by the calmed beasts, the governor ordered that Rav Haim be lifted out of the den. When Rav Haim stood before him again, safe and well, the powerful man begged the sacred Hacham for forgiveness, entreating him with gifts.
Thus was this verse fulfilled through the great Ohr HaChayim: "And your fear and intimidation will be cast over all the beasts of the land." Chazal teach us that anyone within whom the image of Hashem rests in totality instills fear upon the animals; "...and no animal overcomes a person unless he appears to the animal as another animal."(Mesechet Shabat 151b) The Meforshim explain that this means that he has lost his Tzelem Elokim, his image of G-d.(A Legacy of Leaders, Rav Haim Benatar)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 219(High-Quality Service)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yosef Trani, the Maharit (1568-1639). Reb Yaakov Halevi Ruderman, and Reb Mordechai Attiah, Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN.
The Telshe Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Yosef Bloch, elaborates on the statement of Chazal that a person who fails to maintain his Torah study for trivial reasons can be compared to one who worships idols.
What reasons would Chazal consider worthwhile, as opposed to trivial? Does this only apply to activities such as eating or sleeping, since those are surely required to keep a person healthy and able to learn?
"Necessity," Rav Bloch clarifies, "is everything a person needs, to feel happy, strong, self-confident, and growth oriented. Whatever a person requires to move ahead with vigor and confidence is necessary, and justifies cessation of Torah studies."
Rabbi Bloch then asks, "But shouldn't we take inspiration from those outstanding Jews who did not live that way? The Gaon M'Vilna, for example, studied eighteen hours a day. He never left his room, and the shutters were always closed. He certainly did not stroll in the woods or enjoy physical pleasure. Shouldn't we take people like that as our inspiration and try to imitate them?
Rabbi Bloch explains that for the Gaon M'Vilna, the greatest joy and pleasure was Torah study. We, who have not reached his lofty level, need physical pleasures to provide us with satisfaction. Our temptations were not his temptations; his battle was not our battle. We therefore cannot use him as our role model in that respect.
Rabbi Bloch concludes by pointing out that although happiness is not explicitly listed as one of our Mitzvot, we cannot serve Hashem in the manner He desires if our needs are not met. Hashem wants high-quality service, using all our talents, abilities, and energies. If we are anxious, nervous, and lacking in self-confidence, we will not be able to serve Hashem well. Investing, in a positive emotional mind-set is an investment in the quality of our service of Hashem.(Shiurei Daat II, 9)(Simcha, 231-232, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 218(Hod V'Hadar)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is in honor of the famous Machlis family of Yerushalayim. Hashem should bless them with Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov AMEN! and Liulay Nishmat Rav Elchanan Bunim Wasserman, R' Aryeh Leib Epstein, Author of Hapardes. R' Chaim HaCohen Rappaport, Rav of Ivov. R' Moshe Ben R' Naftali Hirsch Rivkash, the author of the Be'er Hagolah on Shulchan Aruch. and R' Chanoch Henoch Dov Ben Elazar Rubin, Sassover Rebbe of London. Their Neshamot should all have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!
Hashem, in Your strength the king will rejoice...His glory is great in Your salvation; You will set honor(hod) and majesty(hadar) honor upon him.(Tehillim 21:2,6)
This Kapital is about the Mashiach, who will rejoice in Hashem's strength -- miracles will be made for him through the Name Hashem, which operates above nature. And through these miracles, "His glory is great in Your salvation."
Hod and Hadar, "honor and majesty" allude to the two Sephirot that correspond, respectively to the Divine attributes of strict justice and loving-kindness. The Hebrew word for "You will set" also means "You will make equal" Our Pasuk thus says that Hashem will temper strict justice and turn it into loving-kindness. Thus it is written, "You will spread out right and left."(Isiah 54:3) -- with the attribute of loving-kindness, symbolized by the right, and with strict justice, symbolized by the left.(Hayyim VeHashalom)
It will live, and He will give them of the gold of Sheba. He will pray for them continually, and He will bless them throughout the day.(Tehillim 72:15)
The Messianic kingdom, "will live" forever. At that time, Hashem will give Israel bounty, freedom, and redemption, "of the gold" -- through the attribute of strict justice. The Mashiach will pray continually for Israel's well-being.
Now the attribute of loving-kindness reigns supreme in the morning; in the afternoon, strict justice takes over. But on Shabat, loving-kindness is supreme throughout the day. Similarly, in the Messianic era, "He will bless them throughout the day," -- loving-kindness and blessing will be supreme throughout the era.(Hayyim VeHaShalom, R' Yosef Hayyim of Bahgdad)
Did you know that:
The Zohar Hakadosh says that prior to the coming of Mashiach, there will be a time, where it will look as if the Yetzer Hara is correct and the Torah is wrong. This will be one of the final test that we must pass, before Mashiach can come.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 217(When You Are Down, Give More)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for HaRav Mordechai Kaplan and his family. They should be blessed with Osher Shefa Bracha VHatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov AMEN!
"Beware lest there be an evil thought in thy heart, saying: 'The seventh year, the Year of release is at hand, and your eye will be evil against your needy brother, and you will give him nothing; and he will cry to Hashem against you, and it will be a sin for you."(Devarim 15:9)
The Torah passage is a blunt warning to the wealthy not to use the financial problems presented by the Shemittah year, the Year of Release, as an excuse not to give Tzedaka or to grant loans to the needy, saying: "For one whole year now, I will not be permitted to till the soil or to sow, and to harvest the fruits of my field and so I must be very careful with what I have." Tzedaka to the poor, motivated by brotherly love for our fellow-men, is one of the basic traits of the truly Jewish personality. As the Gemara puts it, "Israel is known for three characteristics: mercy, chastity, and charity"(Gemara Yebamot 79a) If you close your ears to the cry of your needy brother, the Scriptures tell us "it will be counted as a sin."
The Dubno Maggid explained this point with the following Mashal: A great ship was proudly sailing on the high seas. She carried aboard many important merchants bringing huge quantities of merchandise abroad. One day, there arose a violent storm and it became obvious that the ship was in danger of sinking. The captain called his passengers together and asked them to throw overboard whatever heavy merchandise they carried with them, lest they all be drowned. The merchants, anxious to save their lives, immediately began to bring out their precious cargo and to ditch it as quickly as they could. One of them, however, who was known to have with him a considerable load of valuable goods, was about to ditch not his well-sealed crates, but his Tallit and Tefillin and the holy books he had carried with him to help him do his duty to his Father in Heaven. But his companions stopped him, saying: "Foolish man! Throw into the ocean your crates of precious stones, you can do without them! But are you insane, to throw away the holy symbols and utensils of your religion!? These are your life, the very things we need if we want Hashem's protection!!!!!
When people are in stress and fear for their survival, they hasten to throw overboard not their luxuries and excess finery, but the laws of mercy and charity one which, in fact, their very life ultimately depends. As Chazal have stated in the Talmud, "If a man sees that his own means of support are growing scanty, he should increase his contributions to Tzedaka."(Gemara Gittin 7a)
Thus the Word of Hashem warns us never to forsake the needy, not even when the Year of Release draws near and we are tempted to be careful with our resources. If we will try to economize with our own possessions at the expense of the poor man, "he will cry to Hashem against you, and it will be a sin for you." The Dubno Maggid translates the Hebrew word chet, which is usually rendered as "sin", by the term "lack" In other words, if the poor man must complain to Hashem about your callous disregard of his deeds, it is not he, but you, who will suffer loss thereby. It is therefore within your own power to avoid such loss by showing kindness and consideration to the needy even if you think that you yourself are in financial straits.(Hakol Kol Yaakov)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 216(A Hacham's Wisdom)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Dov Ben Yitzchak to find an amazing and honest job to support his family Bekarov! AMEN!
David Antaky walked out of the Bet Din, his head downcast. He slowly made his way toward his small, shabby home in the poorer part of the city, his shoulders bowed low, as if they were carrying a weight almost too heavy and difficult to bear.
He kept his gaze on the floor, like a man who no longer has the strength to even look ahead of him. Shuffling along, oblivious to everything around him, he bumped into another man walking the Aram Soba streets. David pulled himself up short and mumbled an apology, preparing to continue on his miserable way. He gave an indifferent glance toward his fellow and immediately straightened up respectfully. This was no common man that he'd inconvenienced, this was Rabbi Avraham Antebi, who'd served as Chief Rabbi of Aram Soba for decades!
As a Talmid Chacham, R' Avraham always had thoughts of Torah study in his head. As Dayan and Chief Rabbi, the problems of his community were also never far from his thoughts. Yet, despite his many weighty concerns, R' Avraham always found the time to help an individual in distress -- and that David Antaky was in distress was obvious.
In a voice edged with understanding, R' Avraham asked David what was troubling him. Heartened by the sympathy in the Hacham's voice, David began his tale of woe. It seems he owed a large sum of money to Levi Missry, a wealthy Aleppo businessman. He'd been unable to pay the debt despite all his best efforts, and ultimately Missry had taken him to Bet Din. The Bet Din had ruled in Levi Missry's favor, and now David faced dire consequences if he couldn't find the sum -- an impossible task. R' Avraham gave David warm words of encouragement, and the two parted.
David felt cheered by the encounter and by the great man's sympathy. Had he known what R' Avraham was planning he would have felt even better.
A servant opened the door of the magnificent Missry home, prepared to tell the person knocking that his master could not see him. Levi Missry had given specific orders not to be disturbed. After all, his time was valuable, and he was busy with his business affairs. When the servant saw the dignified figure of the city's Chief Rabbi though, he immediately showed him in and announced his arrival.
Levi Missry was thrilled to welcome this prestigious guest. He gave immediate orders for a full and lavish spread of cakes and fruits to be brought in, and he offered the Chief Rabbi his most comfortable chair. The two then began to speak. R' Avraham sat patiently with Missry, discussing both personal and business matters at length.
Finally, the Chief Rabbi stood up to depart. Levi too stood up to escort him out. He felt deeply grateful to R' Avraham, both for the honor of such an extended visit, and for the practical advice and counsel that the Hacham had given him.
Levi had the successful businessman's tendency to put a monetary value on almost everything. "I cannot tell you how much this visit has meant to me," he declared as he led R' Avraham out. "Such a thing is worth a thousand golden coins to me!"
R' Avraham faced him squarely. "A thousand golden coins?" he smiled. "Don't exaggerate the worth of your merchandise, as merchants tend to do." "No my teacher and rabbi, I am not exaggerating," Levi protested. "The Hacham's visit really was worth that much to me." "In that case," R' Avraham said, "if you really mean what you say, and this visit was worth a thousand gold coins, perhaps you would be willing to overlook David Antaky's debt, which is not a tenth of that sum."
Levi took a deep breath. "From this moment on, Antaky's debt is canceled, as my teacher has requested." He turned to the large wooden desk in one corner of the room, pulled out a document from one of its many pigeonholes, and tore it in two. "Antaky does not owe me one single bronze coin; I forgo the sum with my full heart."
The "thousand gold coin visit" was extended for a few more minutes; long enough for the Chief Rabbi to give Levi Missry his heartfelt blessing for success.(Stories of Spirit and Faith)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 215(VDavak B'Ishto)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by Daniel Alexander in honor of the marriage of both Moshe Benjamin Klyman to Renee Levy and Gabe Gilbert to Miriam Levitansky, They should both be zoche to build a Bayit Shalom and Neeman BYisrael and have amazing beautiful zara chaya vkayama who will grow up to be Talmidai Chachamim and Baatei Torah. AMEN
The Torah commands us: "Vdavak B'Ishto Vhayu L'Basar Echad--He shall cleave to his wife and become one with her"(Bereshit 2:24) This means a man's wife should be his most important concern. So too the Pasuk says the woman was created to be man's Eizer(helper) throughout life. Each spouse must make it a priority to make the other feel that they are their MOST important concern. HaGaon Rav Pam Ztl explained that a bride walks around her groom to demonstrate that from that moment on he has become the center of her universe. So, too, in the marriage Ketubah, read publicly to emphasize this commitment (among others), a husband pledges to honor his wife above all others.
This attitude demands that we give priority to our partner's needs. It requires that we never put a friend's needs before our spouse's. It means greeting a spouse in the warmest way and saving a special phrase of endearment for your partner over all others. It means stopping everything to help a spouse (within reason!)
A great deal of marital friction is caused when a spouse feels that others are getting better treatment than they. A spouse may feel that more attention and warmth is going to a parent, a sibling, or a childhood friend. We must be diligent at showing our spouse that we hold them dearer than all others. (This is one of the primary reasons why spouses sometimes don't get along with their mate's siblings or good friends. They are jealous of the attention and treatment siblings or friends are receiving which they feel--rightly or wrongly--should be lavished more on themselves.)
Thus when being free with money, one should be freest with his wife. When cooking up a storm, one should the most for one's husband and not for guests. When sharing news one should first share it with one's wife.
Included in this category is absolute loyalty to your partner. This means never divulging confidences. It also means rushing quickly and completely to your partner's defense, even if it may be on an issue which you complain about yourself!(Passionate Judaism, R' Moshe Meir Weiss)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 214(Standing Up)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Yael Bat Tzipora Miriam Rasha to have Osher Shefa Bracha VHatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov and Hashem should open her eyes to His many blessings! Amen!
Hacham Shalom Hedaya told this story when he eulogized Hacham Ezra Harari-Raful.
Hacham Shalom Hedaya was walking down the streets of Yerushalayim's Old City and he met Hacham Ezra, his colleague on the Sephardic Bet Din. Hacham Ezra immediately suggested that the two take a walk to the Yeshivat Baalei Batim, which contained close to 100 elderly Jews who learned there every morning until Mincha. Hacham Ezra suggested the two of them join the elderly scholars for prayers. He carefully took a seat at the door, and after Mincha Hacham Shalom saw why. As each old man would pass to leave the Bet Midrash, Hacham Ezra stood up and recited the verse, "You shall rise in the presence of an old person and you shall honor the presence of a sage."(Vayikra 19:32)
"It was a wonder to me that the first thing he thought of in meeting with me was to share with me the merit of this Mitzvah, repeated 100 times," Hacham Shalom concluded.
Without a doubt Hacham Ezra Harari-Raful based his actions on the Gemara in Eruvin (28b) that relates a similar conduct by one of the rabbis of the Gemara. "When Rav Zeira was too weak to learn he would sit in front of the Yeshivah of Rav Yehuda and said, "At least I can stand up for the Rabbis when they come out of the Bet Midrash."(Stories of Spirit and Faith)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 213(Divine Service)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for HaRav Natanel Lebowitz and family to have Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov Ben B'Ruchniut Ben Gashmiut AMEN!
HaGaon Rav Samson Refael Hirsch interprets the phrase "Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha" as follows: It is regrettable that the concept of
'Divine Service' is understood to consist primarily of religious rituals -- prayer and Temple sacrifice. However, true service of Hakadosh Baruch Hu is demonstrated in the process of day-to-day living. A true 'servant of Hashem' devotes all of his energy, all the means and talents at his disposal and every moment of his life to the execution of Hashem's will.
In his "19 Letters" he writes that man is the administrator of the entire Divine estate, the earth. Man is to provide and care for all therein, in accordance with Hashem's will. It is from Hashem alone that man derives the right to take from the world for his own sake.
But with this right there also devolves upon him the duty to appropriate for himself only that which is permitted, and to use it in strict accordance with the Will of its Giver. "Good" should be only that which agrees with the Divine Will; "evil" that which opposes these principles. The criteria should not be whether it is agreeable or disagreeable to man, or whether it is pleasant or unpleasant to man's sensual nature.
Although we are called upon to dedicate our lives with an earnest attitude and a complete resolve, to render homage to Hashem - it can best be done with joy. For it is only a life dedicated to the service of Hashem that can give us true simcha, characterized by the feeling of steady spiritual growth. A blissful joy of life that is not subject to change due to events and situations which we encounter in life.
Serving Hashem should not be seen burden, borne primarily because of fear of the consequences.(Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha,1, R' Celnik)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 212(Hashem's Honor!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Yaakov Ben Mazal and Clara Bat Victoria to live full healthy happy lives until 120 packed with Torah and Mitzvah observance AMEN!
There was once a gentleman, a Talmid Chacham, a very wealthy man, who reached the age of 70. In the olden days, when you reached 70, you made a celebration, because it meant you had lived a normal life span. We all hope to reach 120, but you were considered blessed with long life if you lived 70 years, and therefore, you gave thanks to the Almighty.
And so the old man planned a great party. As part of his preparations, he sent a letter to his two sons living in another country and said, "I want you and your families to attend my party, to celebrate with me. It will be a great honor to have my sons with me. Do not be concerned about the expense. Anything you spend in my honor, I'll give you back twenty times. If you spend a thousand dollars; I'll give you twenty thousand. If you spend twenty thousand; I'll give you four hundred thousand..."
The older son was a man of means. He heard the offer, and of course went out and bought the nicest carriage, the nicest clothes for his wife and children, because the more you spend the more you get back. He and his family entered the carriage, dressed in all their finery, and began the journey to the father's house.
On the way, he passes by his younger brother's home. Now his younger brother, was a poor fellow with no money at all. He could not even borrow, because no one would give him credit. He couldn't buy clothes for the party or even afford to travel there. Suddenly his wealthy brother appears at his door and says, "You're not coming?" And the poor brother answers, "I couldn't borrow the money to rent a carriage."
"No problem, gather your family and you'll travel in mine." So the poor brother and his family climb into the carriage and off they all go to the party. The older brother, his wife and children, in all their finery, and the younger son, his wife and children, in their worn and patched clothing.
After the grand party, the older brother approaches his father and says, "I spent close to 50,000 dollars preparing to come. According to your offer, I am entitled to one million dollars for my expenses." The father looks at him and said, "I'm not giving you a penny." "What do you mean?" asks his son. "You made a deal." "I said that anything you spend to honor me, I'll give you back twenty times. But you didn't spend any of that money for my honor, you did it for your own" "HUH?" "Was it an honor to me that your younger brother showed up in rags and his older brother didn't even help him out? If you cared about my honor you would have taken care of your brother and his family as well! Then you would have deserved twenty times your expenses."(Dubno Maggid)
Do you hear the Almighty!? The entire Jewish people are being led astray. It's a Chillul Hashem of historic proportions. How do we even raise our heads? There are approximately five million Jews in America, and the latest population study says, 25%--that's one million two hundred and fifty thousand of them-- are practicing a religion other than Judaism. Do you think they found these faiths more enlightening than our Torah? Or were they so ignorant of their own heritage that the non-Jews won them over without even a fight? We left our brothers to perish at our front door! What are we going to answer?
Those of us who are concerned with Hashem's honor and with listening to Him, take this seriously. Show Hashem you care about His honor; show Him you want to listen and have a portion of this greatest of Mitzvot. If you do, you will not only be benefiting your Jewish brothers and sisters; you will also be entitling yourself to the most rewarding reimbursement plan possible!!!!(The Eye of a Needle)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 211(VLivnai Iver Lo Titen Michshol)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Eliyahu Tzvi Ben Rachel to have clarity in his life! AMEN
"And thou shalt not put a stumbling block before the blind"(Vayikrah 19:14) Chazal have said that we have hereby been exhorted against a man's striking his eldest son, lest his doing so prove a stumbling block and a pitfall to his son, causing him to sin with his tongue and to insult his father.(Mesechet Moed Katan 17a) We have also been exhorted hereby against putting any stumbling block of transgression before a Jew, and also before a non-Jew, that one must not offer a goblet of wine to a Nazir, or flesh torn from a living animal to a "son of Noach" that one must not even hand him a forbidden thing which already belongs to him. Similarly, if a gentile approaches a Jew to buy from him frankincense or wax for the sacrificial purposes of Avodah Zara, he should not sell them to him. Neither should he sell a gentile the books of heretics, nor cause him to go astray in any of the things that the "sons of Noach" have been exhorted against.(Shaarei Teshuvah, Shaar Shelishee, 81)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 210(1,000 Angels In 5 Minutes)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Ephraim Chaim Avraham Ben Refael Yehuda HaLevi, to have Osher Shefa Bracha vHatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam Bekarov and amazing Shalom Bayit and Nachat from his beautiful daughter. AMEN
The Shemot Eliyahu cites the Yerushalami which states that every word of Torah learning is an independent and complete Mitzvat Aseh (fulfillment of a positive commandment) In the second chapter of Torat HaBayit, the Chafetz Chaim writes that upon watching as the second hand of his watch moved, he ascertained that it's possible to read 200 words of Torah during one minute. Thus in five minutes of Torah study one can fulfill 1,000 Mitzvot, and in so doing can create for himself 1,000 celestial angels of merit.
With this in mind, one should never say, "I only have five minutes. It's just not enough time to sit down and learn Torah." In the course of five minutes, one could fulfill the equivalent of the Mitzvah of Lulav and Etrog one thousand times! In fact, the Gaon M'Vilna, explains why, if one is busy learning and is interrupted by another Mitzvah that can be taken care of by others, one should not leave the Torah study. Rather, one should let another person to do the Mitzvah and continue learning. The Gemara says, " Gadol HaTalmud Shemivah Liday Ma'aseh--Great is learning for it brings a person to do Mitzvot correctly."(Baba Kamma 17a) One might wonder, "If the goal of Torah is to perform Mitzvot, shouldn't one jump at the opportunity to put one's theoretical knowledge into practice?!" The Gaon M'Vilna explained that since one fulfills a positive precept with each and every word of Torah learning, there is simply no Mitzvah that can match the Mitzvah mileage one receives when one studies Torah. This can be compared to a doctor reluctant to make housecalls because by the time he arrives at the patient's home, creates a sterile environment, examines the patient and returns to his office, he could have seen ten patients in his office.
It is only when no one else is available, that one is required to close the Gemara and perform another Mitzvah. About other Mitzvot we can say, "Osek B'Mitzvah Patur Min HaMitzvah--One who is engaged in a Mitzvah is exempt from other Mitzvot"(Succah 26a) This is not the case for Torah study. If a Mitzvah comes along which requires one's attention, and there is absolutely no one else available to substitute, one must cease one's study and attend to the Mitzvah at hand. Thus, if your wife needs help with the children, you must close your Gemara and put your learning into practice. If not, the Gemara sternly says, "HaOmer Ein Lo Ela Torah, Afilu Torah Ein Lo--Whoever only learns Torah, but has not absorbed its lessons, is not credited even with his Torah learning."(Yevamot 109b) Rather, such a person is considered by the Gemara as a, "Chamor Noseh Sefarim--A donkey merely carrying holy books!"(Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Avodat Elokim)
The Steipler Gaon emphasized the unparalleled rewards for Torah learning [published in the sefer Kraiyna D'Igrata, #17] He attested, that one hour of Torah learning is more precious to Hashem than one thousand fasts!(Passionate Judaism, R' Moshe Meir Weiss)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 209(Recognizing The Creator)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored in the zechut that Rachel Bat Sarah, Esther Miriam Bat Mazal, Perel Devora Bat Yochevet, Dinah Bat Sheina Beila and Leah Kafira Bat Sarah should be zoche to have clarity in their lives. They should also be zoche bekarov to find their zivugim and to build baatei shalomim and neemanim byisrael AMEN!
Remember how the Blesses Creator brought you from nothingness into existence, and remember the good that He has done for you from your birth until this very day, and how He has raised and uplifted you above all creatures. And He has done all this not out of any obligation to you, but gratis. In His great lovingkindness He has bequeathed all this to you, and because of this you must give thanks to the Living G-d, the sole Creator of All.(Sefer Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar HaZechirah, Zechirah Rishonah)
HaGaon HaRav Elya Lopian zecher tzaddik vkadosh lbracha tells a story of a young boy who was hunger stricken and throughout his illness he was losing his memory at first he couldn't recognize his friends then his brothers and eventually his own father! Rav Elya says that if you starve physically you will not recognize your physical father on this world and if you starve spiritually(not daven) you will not recognize your Father in Heaven!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 208(Intermarriage)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for anyone that needs anything for Shabat, including money, food, clean clothing, family and friends AMEN!
From the top of the rocks I see it, and from the hills I behold it; it is a people that dwells alone and is not reckoned among the nations.(Bamidbar 23:9)
Israel stems from the "rocks" -- the three Patriarchs -- and the "hills" -- the four Matriarchs. The number of the letters in Hebrew names of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov is thirteen, and the same is true for Sarah, Rivka, Rachel and Leah. Thirteen is the Gematriya of Echad "one" the unique feature of Israel. "Who is like Your people, Israel, a nation one on earthy!"(Shmuel II 7:23) -- they are one even though they are on earth. The nations of the world, however, are many.
Hashem commanded us not to intermarry with gentiles, for how can Neshamot that stem from the source of unity unite with Neshamot that stem from the source of plurality? To keep us far away from the merest possibility of violating this commandment, Chazal instituted more ordinances than they did to protect any other commandment. They forbade eating bread baked, food cooked, cheese made, or wine touched by a gentile.
Although there are esoteric reasons as well, the simple reason for all these Rabbinic ordinances is to prevent socializing that might lead to intermarriage. In this we we maintain our status as "a people that dwells alone and is not reckoned among the nations."(Ben Ish Hayyil, Shanah 2, Hakdamat Hukat, Chacham Yosef Hayim of Baghdad)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 207(5-Year-Old Tzaddik)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Aryeh Leib ben Chana and Mazal Bat Clara to have Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Ben B'Ruchniut Ben B'Gashmiut Bechinam Bekarov, and they should be zoche to see their children get married and have beautiful children of their own and build Baatei Shalomim, and Baatei Neemanim BYisrael AMEN!
This tale concerns not an Av Bet Din or a chief rabbi, not a sage or scholar, the hero of this story is a five year old boy.
Little Ben Zion was a punctual lad, and hardly ever came late to his class in Talmud Torah Bnei Zion. Once, though, he walked in more than half an hour late. When questioned by his startled Rabbi, he told the story. He'd been walking through the Shuk on his way to school when he noticed a donkey standing in a corner. Slung over the animal's back was a large container of milk that had somehow sprung a leak. Slowly but inexorably the milk was dripping out onto the ground. The milkman was nowhere to be seen, and by the time he would return he might have nothing left to sell!
Little Ben Zion thought quickly and came up with a novel solution. He pulled the cover off the container and held it on the ground under the drip. When the cover was full of milk, he carefully emptied the lid back into the container, and once again placed the cover on the ground to catch the rest. He did so for close to half an hour, until the milkman returned.
A pretty clever solution for a five year old to come up with? Indeed -- but not too surprising, not when that five year old boy was Ben-Zion Abba Shaul, who was later to become the famed genius and Rosh Yeshivah of Porat Yosef!(Stories of Spirit and Faith)
Something to think about:
Rashi Hakadosh elucidates Tehillim 37:3, "Trust in Hashem and do good" in this way: Don't say, "If I act with absolute honesty, never stealing, and [I diminish my income further by] giving Tzedaka to the needy, how will I support myself?" Rather, "do good" and you will live a long time. "You will be nurtured by your faith," nourished and supported as a reward for the faith you had in Hashem, by relying on Him and doing good.(Sefer MItzvot HaBitachon, Bitachon VHistadlut, R' Houminer)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 206(One Lira More One Lira Less)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for the Eichler family to be able to sell their house in America, and buy a home in Eretz Yisrael AMEN
As World War I raged, and with the threat of the draft hanging over his head, Chacham Ezra Attiah fled from Yerushalayim to Cairo. There the young scholar helped strengthen the community in Torah learning and Mitzvah observance.
Chacham Ezra was a member of a Yeshivah in Cairo that paid a small stipend to it's students. One of his fellow students had a very large family, and was living in dire poverty. Chacham Ezra turned to the director of the Kollel, asking that the man be given more money, since the stipend simply wasn't enough.
"If we give him more, others will also ask," the director explained. "It just can't be done." "In that case," Chacham Ezra answered, "take one Egyptian lira off my own stipend and give it to him."
The director knew full well that Chacham Ezra couldn't afford to lose such a sum; his own stipend was hardly enough to cover his own expenses. "Why are you offering to do this?" he asked. "I can't bear to see his poverty," he answered simply.
The director agreed to the offer, and instructed the secretary to increase the man's stipend by one lira, and to decrease Chacham Ezra's by the same amount.
When the stipends were distributed the man with the large family rejoiced in his envelope, which contained a full Egyptian lira more than before. Chacham Ezra's stipend was also changed. Instead of finding one lira less, Chacham Ezra, too, found one lira more!
Chacham Ezra hurried to the director to show him what happened. The man stared and laughed. "It appears that Hashem wants both you and your friend to have an increase in your stipend. So it shall be; this will be your stipend from now on. This is the hand of Heaven."
"Yes," said Chacham Ezra, "and it was promised to us clearly in the Gemara; "Whoever prays for his friend, and he needs the same thing, he will be answered first!"(Stories of Spirit and Faith, 102, Artscroll)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 205(Consequences of Mitzvot)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration should be a zechut for Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, it's Rabbis and students, to have Hatlzlacha both in Ruchniut and Gashmiut AMEN!
The majority of Mitzvot are advice from afar...to fix one's ideas and to straighten all actions.(Yad, Hilchot Temurah 4:13)
Put into ordinary terms, this means that the actual Mitzvah may be several stages away from its consequence. For example, forbidden fat is not actually poisonous, and so so a Jew who eats it will not suddenly be struck down with fatal symptoms. Instead, consuming the fat has some slight effect, which in turn affects something else, and so on, until the punishment mandated by the Torah manifests itself. All the Mitzvot work like this. Overall, the consequences of Mitzvah observance is to push our actions and general spiritual disposition toward the Torah ideal, and, conversely, the consequence of failure and sin is that we are pushed away from the ideal. One must believe that the consequence of a particular action described by the Torah will eventually manifest itself, whether for good or otherwise. But it is clear that no instant results should be expected.(Shem M'Shmuel, Parashat Bereshit, 5673)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 204(Israel The Child)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Chanina Ben Tradyon, and R' Meir Ben R' Issac Eisenstadt, Maharam Ash, their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
[Yaakov] said, "These are the children whom Hashem has graciously granted your servant."(Bereshit 33:5) This Pasuk can also be understood as follows: [Yaakov] said, "With the children, Hashem had granted your servant grace."
When the accusers demand that Israel be destroyed because of its sins, Hashem saves Israel with the argument that Israel is to be judged as a child, as it is written, "Israel is a youth, and I love him"(Hoshea 11:1) For just as a child does not understand the consequences of its actions, so Israel does not understand how much damage their sins cause on High. In this way, time is gained for Israel to do Teshuvah.
Thus Chazal have taught: "Hakadosh Baruch Hu does not smite Israel unless He first creates a remedy for them"(Mesechet Megillah 13b) Hashem prepares the remedy before the affliction. Prior to the letters of the word (Makah) "affliction" come the letters of (Yeled) "child" -- for therein lies the remedy.
Therefore, in the historic encounter between Yaakov and Esav, Yaakov informed him, "With the children, Hashem has granted your servant grace" -- Hashem granted me grace in that He will always consider my descendants as children and thereby save them from strict justice until they do Teshuvah.(Benayahu, Chacham Yosef Chayim of Baghdad)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 203(A nation like NO OTHER!!!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat the Tanna R' Yonatan Ben Uziel. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all single people to find their zivugim nechonim bekarov bechinam! AMEN!
Rabbi Israel Spira, Grand Rabbi of Bluzhov, tells the following personal story of an incident that occurred during the Holocaust, in the Janowska Camp: "One morning, as I was sawing wood for the Nazis Yimachshmamvezichram, the wind carried, in my direction, the piercing, tormented cries of children about to meet their Maker. Suddenly, I heard the voice of a woman, standing, pale as a sheet. "Have mercy upon me and give me a knife." I thought that she wanted to commit suicide. "Why are you in such a rush to get the Olam HaEmet, to the world of truth? We will get there soon enough."
A tall young German soldier appeared from nowhere. "Dog, what did you say to the woman?" "She asked for a knife. I told her that Jews are not allowed to take their own life." The German did not respond.
He turned to face the woman, demanding an explanation. She answered curtly, "I asked for a knife" Suddenly, her gaze froze as her eyes became fixed on the top pocket of the German's uniform. The shape of a knife was clearly visible. "Give me that pocket knife!" she ordered in a commanding voice. Taken by surprise, he handed over the knife.
She bent down and picked up a small bundle, that lay unnoticed in the snow. Amidst the rags on a snow-white pillow lay a newborn baby, asleep. With a steady hand, she opened the pocket knife and circumcised her son. She straightened her back, look up at the heavens, and said, "HASHEM of the Universe, You gave me a child. I am returning to You a JEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She then returned the bloody knife, handed over the baby and left.
This woman, probably, was not aware of all the complex issues and laws regarding the performance of a Brit; but she knew what it meant to be a Jew! Even in the hell of the Janowska Camp, she could not permit her son to die without a Brit, without the emblem of the Jew etched on his body!(Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha, R' Celnik, 3.3) I ask You MI K'AMCHA YISRAEL GOY ECHAD B'ARETZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 202(Commitment To Family and Friends)
Holy Jews:
If one who trusts in Hashem has a wife and relatives, friends and enemies, he should rely on Hashem to save him from [being overburdened by] them, and endeavor to meet his duties toward them, to fulfill their wishes, and to be wholehearted with them. He should avoid causing them any harm, and promote their interests. He should be their steadfast supporter in all their concerns, and advise them of what is advantageous to them in religious and secular matters.
[He should do all this] to serve Hashem, as it is written: "Love your neighbor as yourself"(Vayikra 19:18) "Do not hate your brother in your heart"(Vayikra 19:17) Not because he hopes to be repaid by them, not to make them indebted to him, not because he loves to be honored and praised by them, not to have authority over them, but to fulfill the commandment of the Borei Olam, and to keep His covenant and His ordinances in their regard.
For if his motive in fulfilling their wishes is one of those [ulterior motives] mentioned above, he will not obtain what he wants from them in this world, he will labor in vain, and will lose his reward in Olam Haba. If, however, he acts solely out of service to Hashem, Hashem will help them [the beneficiaries] to repay him in this world, will put his praises into their mouths, and will increase his stature in their eyes, and he will attain great reward in Olam Haba. As Hashem said to Shlomo HaMelech: "I give you also what you did not ask for -- both riches and honor."(Malachim I, 3:13)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 201(Arousing The Heart)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by the Rosenberg family. In the zechut of their helping spread Torah, they should be zoche to Osher Shefa Bracha Parnasa Tova Vhatzlacha Rabbah Ben B'Ruchniut Ben B'Gashmiut Bechinam Bekarov Amen!
She had everything for which to be thankful--good friends, wonderful parents, an interesting job, and excellent prospects for finding a zivug. When she opened her siddur each morning, she came to Hashem with a somewhat complacent heart. As time passed and no prospect of marriage seemed imminent, the young woman was beset by fears, "What if I never get married? What if I have to spend my life alone?" Now when she prayed, there was no trace of complacency. Her prayers rose up from deep within her and she reached out to Hashem with all her might. She needed to feel Hashem's closeness. In her troubles, she found the key to her solution.
According to HaGaon Rav Tzadok HaKohen, every problem is structured in such a way that Tefilla can overcome it. "Anything that Hashem desires to bring to the world or to an individual...can also have opposite effects, Chas VShalom...and when the person feels an appropriate fear and prays, the result is that good occurs."
Elaborating on this crucial point, HaRav Yeruchem Levovitz, Mashgiach of the Mirrer Yeshiva in Europe, says that it is our feelings of fear that cause us to pray, which in turn enable good to occur. Our usual way of thinking is that when trouble occurs, we must pray to Hashem, we would prefer, however, that the difficulty not arise in the first place.
Rav Yeruchem explains, that this prospective indicates a lack of understanding as to what is actually taking place. In reality, the purpose of the trouble or pain is to rouse us to pray and to pour out our hearts to Hashem, and for Him to then respond with the salvation. He conveyed this point with a Mashal: Before a tree can bear fruit, the ground must be plowed and the sapling planted. Similarly, the afflictions that we must endure in life represent the plowing and sowing that compel us to daven to Hashem so that we can then reap the fruit of His salvation.
Thus, misfortune must be recognized as a necessary component of Hashem's deliverance, to the point that perhaps it should be referred to as "a part of the salvation."
When the Chazon Ish, the leader of his Dor, was told of bad news or faced a troubling situation, he would often comment, "Nu, Hashem must be eager for us to daven!!!"
If we can see the troubles in our world and in our own lives in this light, the anxiety we endure will serve its purpose. Instead of draining us, it will energize and activate us, bringing us to call out to Hashem will all our might, which in turn will bring us the salvation for which we are so fervently longing.(Praying with Fire, Aseret Yimay Teshuva sample, Day 2, Rabbi Heshy Kleinman)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 200(Compliments)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Itamar Rosenbaum, Nadvorna Rebbe. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Many of us have someone--whether it's a favorite aunt or uncle or close friend--who we enjoy being with. Invariably it's partly because they always have nice things to say about us. It's such a pleasure to hear words of praise and be around someone who appreciates us. Wise marriage partners please their spouse with frequent words of praise and admiration.
Why is it that we tend to be so stingy with our compliments? It doesn't cost us anything to praise a well-cooked meal, a clean house, or a pretty spouse, so why are we so lethargic at giving this easy pleasure to our mate? Why do we criticize so much more naturally than we compliment?
I'd like to suggest the following psychological dynamic. When we are lacking something--the laundry isn't being taken care of, we aren't being given enough money, we feel neglected--then these problems prompt us and propel us to criticize and try to do something about the situation. If everything is functioning properly, then nothing urges us to make a comment. After all, when everything is the way it's supposed to be, nothing needs to be said!
Thus, we need to train ourselves to take note when things are operating smoothly. We need to notice whether things are going well because of our mate's prowess, skill, patience, tolerance, diligence, calmness, resourcefulness, etc, and find time to frequently praise these virtues with sincerity and thankfulness. A positive reaction rewards our spouse for their efforts, pleases them and also lets them know that you appreciate all their effort and hard work!
It is because spouses tend not to recognize and appreciate all the things their partners does for them every day that husbands and wives often are more eager to do things for others than their mates. While this seems unfair, it is often due to the fact that people crave appreciation and while they regularly can receive it from others, invariably they do not get it from their partners! Recognizing this fact of life will help us repair the situation and lavish our spouses with well-deserved recognition. Once we regularly communicate our appreciation we will quickly see that they are gladly willing to do for us above and beyond what they are willing to do for others!
It is a human failing that we take things for granted. One of the reasons we say a hundred Brachot every day is to force us to recognize all the many things that Hashem does for us. Similarly, it's easy to overlook a husband's hard work to meet the family budget or a wife's unending devotion to the children. So once we've committed to improving our marriage, a good first positive step is to train ourselves to regularly mention our spouse's accomplishments. This tiny step will make a home a much happier and more enjoyable place to be.
Don't forget, your mate doesn't have to do anything to deserve praise. You can sometimes compliment your partner for not getting angry or not rushing you or for not fretting at your tardiness. Noticing your spouse's tolerance or self-control and saying something nice will give your spouse an incentive to continue such behavior.(Passionate Judaism, Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 199(A Spark)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Shloime'le Shapiro. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a Zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN.
It is written, "Behold, Aaron's staff blossomed" (Numbers 17:23).
During the time of the tzaddik Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua of Apt (the author of Ohev Israel), a Jew who had converted to Christianity began to rise in social rank, and he eventually became a government minister. One year as Passover was approaching, the ministers gathered to discuss how Jews supposedly spilled Christian blood in order to make matzot. The minister said to them, "Although you all know how much I hate Jews, I can't support this injustice because I know that the entire story is nothing but a massive lie." His statement was accepted, and the ministers abandoned all plans for taking revenge on the Jewish community. Since this minister had been the instrument of a good deed, his heart was changed and he began to think about repentance. He went to see the tzaddik of Apt, but he drove him from his sight. Not giving up hope, the minister continued to bother him, until one day the tzaddik became extremely upset and said, "Just as this staff will never produce fruit, so too will your repentance never be accepted." Upon hearing this, the minister went and lay down by the entrance to the tzaddik's room, weeping and lamenting through the night. In the morning the tzaddik looked at his staff, and wonder of wonders a flower had blossomed on it! He immediately called for the minister, welcoming him with great warmth and agreeing to show him the paths of repentance, (Torat HaParasha) We can learn two very important lessons from this story. Firstly that all a person needs is a tiny little spark to ignite his Neshama to want to come back to Hashem. "Open for me a hole the size of a needle and I will open for you a hole that wagons can travel through."(Shaarei Teshuvah) Something as small as feeling bad about doing something wrong or doing a small good deed can be the little hole that we need. Secondly we learn that when a person is adamant about doing something to better his connection with Hashem, he can be zoche to miracles happening for him. Never think that you are too far away or that Hashem doesn't love you anymore. Show Hashem that you want to come back and He will help you.
Something to think about:
A man who puts obstacles in the path of the blind may someday find himself to be in the need of guidance; therefore why place stumbling blocks in the path of others?(Ibn Ezra)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 198(Tree of Life)
Holy Jews:
There is a general cure that is specific for the flaw of Lashon Hara and that is learning Torah, as Chazal teach in Gemara Arachin Daf 15b, "Rav Chamah the son of Rebbe Chaninah said: What cure is there for people who routinely speak Lashon Hara? [Answer] If he is a Torah Scholar then he should immerse himself in Torah," as Mishlei teaches (15:5) "the cure for the tongue is a tree of life" and "tree of life" is a symbolism for Torah, as Mishlei further teaches (3:18) " (Torah) it is a Tree of Life to those who hold onto it." And why did the Pasuk express it (Torah) as a "Tree of Life"? [Answer] Because Shlomo HaMelech teaches in Mishlei 18:2: "death and life reside in one's mouth." Thus whoever speaks Lashon Hara has earned for himself eternal death. Therefore, the Pasuk advises that whoever wants to cure his tongue (mouth/speech) should eat from the Tree of Life, which is Torah. One who eats from that Tree (learns Torah) will live forever.(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Shaar HaTorah, Perek Alef)
Did you know:
Obtaining interest on a loan does not only mean demanding additional revenue above the original borrowed sum. It may also mean demanding a favor from the borrower because of the loan he has been granted.(Ibn Ezra)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 197(Everything Comes From G-d)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Shmuel Houminer of Yerushalayim his Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
One should truly recognize that each man and each object is merely an instrument in the hands of Hashem Yitbarach. This the deeper meaning of the Pasuk in Tehillim 146:5, "Fortunate is the one whose help is the G-d of Yaakov." How truly content is the person who realizes that everything that comes his way comes only because his, "help is the G-d of Yaakov." Everything comes from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and everything that happens to man is orchestrated by Hashem. And if it won't be caused by one particular person or reason, it will be caused by some other person or reason.
"Yaakov vowed, saying, 'If Hashem will be with me and guard me on the way which I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothes to wear...'"(Bereshit 28:20) Yaakov was saying, "I always feel that Hakadosh Baruch Hu, watches over me, and provides me with bread to and clothes to wear."
"May I return in peace to my father's house"(Bereshit) Rashi comments "In peace -- without sin, not learning from the cunningness of Lavan, not being led astray by anybody or anything in this world.
"Then Hashem will be my G-d" (Ibid) Then it will be ingrained in my heart that Hashem is G-d, there is no other than Him, no external power other than His. Everything is full of His oneness.
Based on this, Yaakov immediately commented, "He does justice for the oppressed, He gives bread to the hungry"(Tehillim 146:7) Any assistance that comes to a person comes from Hashem, the One who can do everything. Understand this and recall it often.(Eved HaMelech, Reb Shmuel Houminer)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 196(Remembering Hashem's Lovingkindness)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Tzvi Hirsh Broide, Rosh Yeshivat Kelm and Reb Aharon of Karlin, the "Beit Aaron", 1872. Their Neshamot should an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!
One must remember the lovingkindness of Hashem in rescuing him from the world's calamities. He sees many men perishing under terrible affliction -- through hunger, thirst, poison, leprosy, by the sword, by water, and by fire -- and he knows within himself that he is deserving of all these afflictions because of his many transgressions whereby he violated Hashem's mandates. But in spite of his being absolutely wicked, Hakadosh Baruch Hu has shown mercy on him and rescued him from all these afflictions. And he should know how humble he should be before the Borei Olam and ask for pardon every day and on all occasions, and be heedful of His service and His praise, and implore Him to guard him against all of the afflictions that descend upon the world, as it is written (Shemot 15:26): "If you hear the voice of Hashem your G-d...all of the sicknesses which I brought upon Mitzrayim I will not bring upon you, for I am Hashem Who heals you." And (Devarim 7:15): "And Hashem will remove from you every sickness, and all the terrible afflictions of Mitzrayim which you knew, He will not bring upon you." And Chazal have said in Mesechet Brachot Daf 33a: "It is not the serpent, but the sin, that slays."(Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar HaZechirah, 18)
Something to think about:
The last letters of the words "Zavat Chalav UDevash" spells out the world Shabat!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 195(A Few Grains of Birdseed)
Holy Jews:
There once was a king who was sovereign over several hundred countries and ruled with great power and pageantry. His wealth was great enough to sustain all of his principalities with all of their leaders and officials in great splendor and honor. Later, in one of those cities, a very few men were found who, in their haughtiness, rebelled against the king. The king heard about it. While he was deliberating over how to punish these rebels, one morning he went for a stroll in his garden and heard a bird chirping melodiously. The bird was beautiful. The king immediately ordered that the bird be captured and taken to his chambers in order to listen to its pleasing voice and gaze at its beauty. And so it was. While the bird was being moved to the king's palace it began singing pleasingly and sweetly. One of the foolish servants said "Sweet, pleasing bird! How great is my desire to see you and listen to your pleasing voice. And how great is my sorrow when I think about much suffering you will endure in the future. Where will your food come from since the king is involved in quashing a rebellion?" One of the other servants of the king heard this and told the fool "you really are simple and a fool!!!! Our king is the absolute ruler over several hundred provinces. His wealth is beyond belief. Do you really think this bird, which pleases the king, will be lacking? Do you think the king will concern himself over a few grains of birdseed because in one of his provinces 2 or 3 men rebelled against him!?!?!?"(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Chelek Alef, Shaar HaTevunah Perek Yud) I need Parnasa, a Zivug, Shalom, etc, Hashem has world peace, and solar systems and wars to deal with he doesn't have time for me! Fool!!! Hashem is the Melech Malchai Hamelachim you think its hard for him to give you money or a zivug or shalom bayit!! But there is one catch "You MUST ask!!!!"
Something to think about:
One of the pious once said: I am amazed by one who, after giving to his fellow what the Creator has decreed shall belong to the latter, then reminds the latter of the great favor he has done for him and expects to be thanked for this. I am even more amazed by one who receives his livelihood from another person, who is bound to provide it to him, and yet the recipient humbles himself before the provider, compliments him, and praises him.(Sefer Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar HaBitachon, Perek Daled)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 194(Our Only Weapon)
Holy Jews:
Two kings were once at war with one another, and they agreed that four days hence they would meet in battle. When the day came, one king overcame the other and killed many soldiers. The following day they fought again, but this time his opponent won On the third day the first king triumphed once more.
That night the first king's advisors convened. "We must come up with a plan to assure our final victory," insisted one of the advisors. "What point is there in renewing the struggle if this time the other side may prevail as they did on the second day of battle?"
Then another of his advisors spoke up. "I have an idea," he announced. "Our opponents store their weapons outside of their camp under the watch of just a handful of soldiers. Let's ambush this post and seize all the contents." They all agreed that this was a good plan, and that very night the plan was put into action.
When the morning of the forth day came, the first king's trumpeters sounded the call to battle. Immediately the second king's men also ran to take their shields and swords, but they were nowhere to be found. They were left with no choice but to surrender and accept the yoke of their enemies.
So it is in our situation. We know that the Yetzer Hara is a man of war -- a veteran of many battles with Klal Yisrael. Sometimes it overcomes us, and sometime we overcome it.
But now the Yetzer Hara has reached the conclusion that the only way to defeat these Jews once and for all is to strip them of their defenses by depriving them of their primary weapon -- the Torah. This is Klal Yisrael's only effective ammunition against the Yetzer Hara. Chazal have told us in Hashem's name: "Barati Yetzer Hara Barati Torah Tavlin" "I created the Evil Inclination and I created the Torah as its antidote."(Mesechet Kedushin 30b) Without the Torah it is impossible to escape the temptations of the Yetzer Hara, as we have discussed many times at length.
Today it is obvious that this is its strategy. That is why it bombards us with so many pretexts for abandoning the study of the Holy Torah!(Shmirat HaLashon, Part III, Perek Chet)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 193(Beware Of The Tefilla Satan)
Holy Jews:
Because of our indifference to what an Avaira is, society today has broken with our holy traditions that the majority of Klal Yisrael have maintained until now. (Up until now) Even someone who could not merit learning Torah, still, the common man in society routinely immersed himself in holy Tefillot, meaning he was zealous to get up in the morning and go to Shul to with a Minyan and to listen to the reading of the Sefer Torah. Everything was done as the law proscribed. Some of these men would gather together after Tefilla and remained in Shul to learn Mishnayot. But because of our many sins, nowadays the Yetzer Hara has been greatly strengthened and apart from people increasingly neglecting their Torah learning, both adults and children(and we know how very precious are the words of children's Torah is to Hakadosh Baruch Hu) the Yetzer Hara is slowly increasing his influence over people and they are increasingly giving up their Mitzvah of Tefilla and Tefillin. The first seduction of the Yetzer Hara begins with -- How troublesome and inconvenient it is to travel to the Beit Midrash regularly to pray Mincha and Arvit there (as if to say Hashem will hear my Tefillot just as well from my home or office) and this man will only occasionally appear in Shul. As time goes on, praying individually will take on an aura of permissibility so that even when he has plenty of spare time at home, he still is too lazy to go to Shul and daven. In the same manner he will begin to neglect his Torah classing with his study groups. His Yetzer Hara seduces him further to stop davening Shacharit with a minyan. Perhaps he will occasionally go to Shul on Mondays and Thursdays to listen to the reading of the Torah. As more time goes by this too will appear to be permissible and eventually even the Torah readings on Mondays and Thursdays will be unimportant to him he will come to Shul only on Shabat. As yet more time goes by he will stop coming to Shul on Shabat but will make an appearance there only occasionally on Shabat Rosh Chodesh when there is a Hazan leading the Tefilla. In time, the Yetzer Hara becomes further strengthened and seduces him to follow the lifestyles of those evil people who give up their Mitzvah of wearing Tefillin, which is the crown on our heads and will only occasionally wear Tefillin. In summary, the Yetzer Hara has become strong to the point where the nobility and prestige of of the Jewish People has been taken away from us!(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Chelek Sheni, Zof Chatimat HaSefer, Perek Alef)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 192(Beautifying Our Thoughts)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rav Chaim Baruch Isser Ben Moshe A"H. His Neshama should have an aliyah and be a zechut for his family and all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
One must remember that Hakadosh Baruch Hu sees the thoughts of one's heart. Consider how one who goes to minister before the king adorns and beautifies himself, as it is written (Esther 4:2): "For one could not come to the king's gate in sackcloth." and as we see with Yosef HaTzaddik, Alav HaShalom (Bereshit 41:14): "And Pharaoh sent and called to Yosef and they hastened him out of the pit. And he shaved and changed his garments, and he came to Pharaoh." Now reflect that he who is in constant attendance upon the king does not clothe himself as one who is in his presence only at rare intervals. If so, we, who are constantly in the presence of the Melech Malchai HaMelachim (King of Kings), who sees our thoughts in private and in the open, and from whose omnipresence there is no escape -- how much more so must we constantly reflect upon His greatness and resolve in our hearts to do His will and to adorn ourselves with our thoughts before Him!(Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar HaZechirah,12)
Something to think about:
One should not think that his livelihood depends on a particular source and that, if that source were to fail, there would be no other way for him to earn a living. Rather, he should rely on Hashem for his sustenance and realize that to the Borei Olam all the means are equal -- He will support him by whatever means and at any time and from whatever elements He wishes, as Scripture says: "For nothing can prevent Hashem from saving, whether by many or by few."(Shmuel I, 14:6) "It is Hashem your G-d Who gives you the power to become prosperous" (Devarim 8:18) "Not by might and not by power, but by My spirit, said Hashem Tzevakot."(Zecharyah 4:6) (Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar HaBitachon, Zof Perek Gimmel)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 191(A Clear Mind)
Holy Jews:
In order to put oneself in the proper frame of mind to daven to Hashem, one needs to lower his eyes...because everything a person sees makes an impression, and that impression stays in his mind. So when one comes to daven to learn Hashem's Holy Torah, the mundane images that he saw will reappear in his mind, and his thought will be damaged and confused, and he will not be able to concentrate properly...Therefore, when he wants to daven, he should not look at anyone's face...Instead, he should sanctify himself and think that he has no relationship with anyone except the Creator of his Holy Neshama alone, and this will be a great aid to concentration.(Reishit Chachma, Rabeinu Eliyahu Bne Moshe di Vidas, Shaar Hakedusha, Perek Chet, as quoted in Pathway to Prayer, Sephardic version)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 190(Intentions and Deeds)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by Esther Miriam Bat Mazal and Rachel Bat Sarah. In honor of Daniel Ben Yael...May Hashem give him the Daat to continue inspiring all of us. May he be zoche to find his zivug emet bekarov and be blessed with parnasa tova!!!!!! And many revealed brachot!!! Amen Bechinam.
Since the Gemara states: "Hashem desires the convictions of the heart," and since Hashem knows the intentions of man, why must he actually perform deeds? This concept is true, however, only when the performance of a deed is made impossible by conditions beyond man's control (in which point Hashem considers his intentions) However, since man is free to satisfy his desires and to choose his endeavors, he is held accountable when he does not fulfill the tasks of which he is capable. It is his responsibility to turn his good intentions into good deeds. It is said, "You shall sound the trumpets and he remembered before Adon--y, your G-d"(Bamidbar 10:9) and also, "A remembrance of the Shofar's sound(Vayikrah 23:24) The Torah does not imply that Hashem needs to be reminded or awakened, but that man's performance of the Mitzvot must be perfect in order that he be worthy of reward. Similarly, Tefillot must be pronounced in a most perfect manner, and man's innermost feelings and emotions are not substitutes for the Tefillot themselves. Only when man's intentions and deeds are brought to a harmonious state of fulfillment, is he fit to receive his reward. This achievement is referred to in the Torah by the term "remembrance" Since it is impossible to be remembered by his intentions man causes himself to be remembered only when he turns his intentions into deeds.
When, however, his deeds lack good intentions or his good intentions lack good deeds, he has no hope of reward. The only exception is when circumstances beyond his control make it impossible for him to carry out his intentions. In such situations, it is of some benefit to verbally confess one's inability to perform the Mitzvah, as we do in our Tefillot [Musaf on Chagim] "Because of our Aveirot, we were exiled from the land...and we are unable to go up, to appear, and to bow before You; and to discharge our obligations in Your chosen house."(Sefer HaKuzari, Rabeinu Yehuda HaLevi)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 189(Ratzon!!!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Haim Sofer. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael! AMEN
The story is told of sever Chachamim who spent an evening in an inn. Later that night they got together, to learn. Hearing them, the innkeeper's daughter lit the lamp for them. Having done that, she did not leave (though it was in middle of the night) but stood on the side to be able to listen to the words of Torah.
One of the Chachamim began with an interpretation of the Pasuk "Ner Mitzvah VTorah Ohr": For every Mitzvah one does, a candle is set aside in the World to Come; and by virtue of learning Torah, these candles will be lit with the flame of Torah.
Turning around, he noticed the girl standing in the back. Where upon the Chacham added: And women have a candle set aside in Olam Haba each time they light the Shabat candles; and that they will be lit with the flame of their husband's Torah.
Upon hearing these words, the girl burst out in tears. By now, the innkeeper awoke. When his daughter told him the words of the Chacham, the innkeeper also began to cry. The Chachamim asked for an explanation, a reason for their lament. And the innkeeper told them how he always wanted that his son-in-law be a Talmid Chacham, a future Gadol B'Torah. His daughter, like her father, wanted nothing else but that her husband be devoted to learning Torah.
One day, the innkeeper noticed a young man on the roof of the Shul. At that moment, the congregation was about to recite the Kedusha. Desiring to participate, the young man did not hesitate, and jumped down from the roof, joining the congregation.
Seeing this, I (the innkeeper) lost no time, but upon completion of prayers, I proposed the young man for my daughter --- although I did not know him. However, it appears that I made a terrible mistake, for the young man seems to be illiterate. He can not even say the Birkat Hamazon.
By now, the Chatan joined the group. Responding to the words of his father-in-law, he explained: When I married into this family, I felt that I was too young to flaunt my learning; it would be too arrogant of me. I therefore pledged an oath of silence (in Torah) for two months which ends tonight. The Zohar continues that during that night, the flame of Torah shone brightly in that inn.
Why did the innkeeper, and his daughter, merit such a Chatan? Because they TRULY wanted one!
After the festivities at the wedding of the son of the great R' Akiva were over, the young couple retired to consummate the marriage. Then the Chatan left the room, telling his Kala that he is going to learn in the study.
Whereupon, she did not respond with, "Please close the door, on your way out" or "Please take off your shoes, be quiet when you get back" but got out of bed and put on a robe. She then went to the study, lit the lamp and held it, all night, by her husband's side -- to make it easier for him to learn!!!!!
A Kala only merits to get a Talmid Chacham for a Chatan, when that is what she sincerely wants as a husband -- a complete devotion to Torah. To this end, she is not only ready, but is anxious to be the ultimate Eishet Chayil -- not only permitting her husband to learn, but also taking an active role in providing an atmosphere in which learning of Torah can prosper and flourish; thus making it possible for her Chatan to reach his full potential. RATZON YIREIAV YAASEH!!!!!!(Ivdu Et Hashem B'Simcha, R' Yaakov Celnik)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 188(Brachot of Pleasure)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Menachem Manish Safrin, the Komarna Rebbe of Bnei Brak (1990) His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
A person's preparation for and anticipation of a pleasureful experience, joined with thoughts of how he would feel if it were denied him, double the satisfaction and enjoyment he feels when he finally experiences the pleasure. This is one of the advantages of reciting the blessings. When they are said with proper understanding and devotion, they cause a person to anticipate the coming enjoyments and to feel gratitude toward Hashem for granting him these pleasures. If one was prepared to give them up, his pleasure is all the greater, as for example when he recites the Bracha, "Who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion." When a person is ready for death, how great is his gratitude for life! He savors every moment of it as a priceless gift! If he analyzes himself at that moment, he realizes that Hakadosh Baruch Hu has dealt with him far more generously than he deserves.
A person should by nature be incapable of experiencing pleasure, since he is made of earth. Nevertheless, Hashem presented him with life and the pleasures of life. Taking this into consideration, he should realize how much he has benefited for Hashem's bounty and how grateful he should be to Him. With this in mind, it should be easier for him to bear sickness and even death when his time arrives. A person should therefore thank Hashem even when He takes these pleasures away from him, and say as did iyov, "Hashem has given, Hashem has taken away, blessed is the name of Hashem."(Iyov 1:21) In this manner, a person's entire life can be one fulfillment and enjoyment. If one is unable to pursue such a course, do not consider his pleasures human pleasures but animalistic ones, since he does not appreciate them any more than a drunkard does!(Sefer HaKuzari, Rabeinu Yehuda HaLevi)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 187(Benefit Of The Doubt)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiation is Liulay Nishmat Reb Zev Volf ben Reb Shmuel HaLevi of Zhitomir and R' Chaim Yaakov Safran of Komarna (1969) their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
A man who had a reputation for not paying back his loans came to Rav Haim Hizkiah Medini(The Sdei Hemed) asking for a considerable advance. The Hacham cordially received the man and opened his cash box to lend him the requested amount. Students of Rav Haim who were presented at the time, who knew the man's reputation, began whispering among themselves, hoping to stop the exchange and save their teacher from making a big mistake.
Rav Haim, however, continued the transaction, calmly handing the man the money and wishing him well. After the man left, the students sought an explanation. How could Rav Haim have given money to someone who was known not to pay back loans? The Hacham answered, "Do not judge your friend until you have stood in his place. Perhaps due to financial pressure he was never able to withstand the test. But now we will wish him success, and then he will certainly pay!" The students held their peace only because they did not wish to upset their beloved teacher. They found it hard to accept his gullibility and waited to see the results of his kindness. They were sure that the Hacham had seen the last of that money.
The following month, the man returned to repay part of the money. This first payment was followed by regular monthly payments, until the loan was fully repaid. Before long, the man gained a reputation as one of the most trusted businessmen in the town.(A Legacy of Leaders, Rav Haim Hizkiah Medini)
We can learn many great lessons from the great Sdei Hemed, firstly no matter how bad a person has been in the past, we must give him the benefit of the doubt. No matter how evil the person has been, it is never to late to do Teshuvah, and we must do our part and daven for this person. Tefilla has unimaginable power. We should all be zoche to help bring back all of Hashem's children. AMEN
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 186(A Door With No House!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yaakov Shimshon ben R' Yitzchok of Shpitovka (1801) R' Yosef Irgas (1730) Italian Kabbalist, author of Divrei Yosef and Shomer Emunim R' Yisrael Tzvi of Koson HY"D (1944) ben R' Yehosef , was killed, "Al Kiddush Hashem" in Aushwitz R' Ovadia ben Avrohom Bartenura, the Rav -one of the most used commentaries on Mishna. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
It is written in the Torah (Devarim 10:12): "And now O Israel, what does Hashem your G-d ask of your but to fear Hashem your G-d?" and (Devarim 10:20) ""Fear Hashem your G-d" and (Yeshayahu 33:6): "The fear of Hashem is his treasure" And Chazal have stated in Gemara Shabat "Hakadosh Baruch Hu has nothing in HIs world but fear of Heaven alone, as it is written in Iyov 28:28 'And He says to man: 'Hen, the fear of Heaven --- that is wisdom'" [fear is unique in the world -- Rashi]; hen implies one, for in Greek one is referred to as hen. And Rava said: "When a man is brought to judgment, he is asked: "Were you honest in your dealing, did you set aside times for Torah study, did you engage in procreation, did you aspire to the salvation, were you dialectical in wisdom, did you understand one thing from another?" And if he did, if the fear of Hashem is his treasure, he emerges meritorious in judgment, and if not, not. This is analogous to a man telling a messenger: 'Bring a kur of wheat up to my loft' When the latter has done so, he asks him: 'Did you mix it with a kav of chumton [preservative]? He answers no, whereupon the first asks: "It would have been better had you not brought it up in the first place.'" And Rabbah Bar Rav Huna said in Gemara Shabat Daf 31 a-b: "One who has Torah but not fear of Heaven is like a treasurer who has been given the inner keys, but not the outer ones. Through which door can he enter? Rabbi Yannai called out: "Woe to him who has no courtyard, but has made a gate to it!" Rabbi Yannai is asking of what use is a gate if one has no courtyard. The Torah is only a gate through which to enter into the fear of Heaven. And Rava said to the Chachamim (Yoma 72b Rashi): "I pray you do not inherit two Gehenoims" exerting yourself and laboring in Torah in this world, but not fulfilling its laws, in which case you will inherit Gehenoim upon dying, and, during your lives, not enjoying this world because of your preoccupation with learning, and losing Olam Haba, upon dying!!!(Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar Yirat Shamayim)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 185(Al Tistakel Bkan'kan Ela Bma Sheyeshbo!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat R' Yisroel Hager ben R' Boruch of Vizhnitz, the Ahavas Yisrael (1936) and R' Chaim Eliezer ben R' Tzvi Hirsch Shapiro of Munkatch (1937), Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!
The Minchat Elazar(R' Haim Elazar Spira) also known as the Munkatcher Rebbe, yearned to see Rav Shlomo Eliezer Alfandri(The Saba Kadisha) atleast once in his lifetime. His Chasidim often heard him say, "My heart yearns to see his shining face" He wrote to the Saba Kadisha and expressed his wish to come visit the Chacham. The day on which the Minchat Elazar received the Saba Kadisha's reply took on the spirit of Yom Tov. The Rebbe immediately began preparations to undertake the journey following Pesach 5690/1930. In his reply to the Saba Kadisha's invitation, the Minchat Elazar wrote, "And now, my eyes and Neshama are longing to see the holy countenance of our king; to kiss his pure hands in the city of Yerushalayim. When the Minchat Elazar arrived in Yerushalayim, he went to the Kotel and then went directly to visit the Saba Kadisha. When he saw Rav Shlomo's face, he emotionally recited the Bracha of Shecheyanu with Hashem's name. The next day Rav Shlomo's condition became critical. The Minchat Elazar came to the house and would not move from the bedside. Despite his extremely advanced age, the Saba Kadisha was completely lucid. He spoke with the Minchat Elazar, and they drank L'Chayim together. Rav Shlomo then recited the Bracha of Borei Nefashot, put his right hand on his beard and his holy Neshama departed from this world to the next. Immediately after the Yetziat HaNeshama, the Minchat Elazar threw himself on the ground and cried bitterly, a cry from the very depths of his Neshama. All those gathered could not hold themselves back and they too broke into bitter wailing. The Rebbe was so distraught that he almost fainted.(A Legacy of Leaders, Rav Shelomo Eliezer Alfrandri)
We can learn a great lesson from this amazing Chassidic master. He could have said I am Chassidc and I will limit myself to learning from Chassidic Rabbis. But the Minchat Elazar understood where you came from or what you looked like did not matter, do not judge a book by its cover, rather by what is inside. He saw a shining Neshama, and went out of his way to experience its radiance. Imagine if he would have said "Oh he is Sephardic, that's not for me" he would have lost an experience we can only dream of to be in the presence of such a great holy Chacham. We should all be zoche to not judge people by where they come or what they look like, and in this zechut we will be zoche to enjoy the radiance of Mashiach no matter what he looks like! AMEN
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 184(The Greatest Crown)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat the Jews who were Massacred in Worms, 1096. Their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Klal Yisrael was crowned with three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of Kehunah(priesthood), and the crown of Malchut(kingdom). The crown of Kehunah was merited by Aharon, as it is written (Bamidbar 25:13): "And it will be to him and to his children after him the covenant of an everlasting priesthood." The crown of Malchut was merited by David HaMelech, as it is written (Tehillim 89:37) "His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as a sun before me." The crown of Torah has been set down and stands in readiness for all Israel, as it is written (Devarim 33:4): "Moshe commanded the Torah to us, it is an inheritance for the congregation of Yaakov" All who want may come and take it. Lest you say that the other crowns are greater than Torah, as it is written (Mishlei 8:15-16) "Through me [Torah] kings will reign and princes will legislate justice; through me nobles will rule." This teaches us that the crown of Torah is greater than those of Kehunah and Malchut (Mesechet Yoma 72b, Kohelet Rabbah 7:2) And Chazal have said (Horayot 13a) "A Mamzer who is a scholar takes precedence to a Kohen Gadol who is an ignoramus, as it is written (Mishlei 3:15): "It [Torah] is more precious than pearls [peninim] -- more precious than the Kohen Gadol who enters into Holy of Holies!!!"(Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar HaTorah)
Something to think about:
"And Hashem said to Shmuel HaNavi, 'Look not upon his appearance, or the height of his stature, for I have rejected him, for it is not as man sees, (what is visible) to the eyes, while Hakadosh Baruchu sees into the heart.'"(Shmuel I, 16:7)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 183(Pure Thoughts In Tefilla)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Shmuel Hanavi (930-878 BCE) and the Premishlaner Rebbe their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
One should think; How can I act toward my Creator in a way that would be improper for me to act toward any of His creations when I need one of them or when they need me? If I would go to someone to ask to borrow something, and he would realize that while I was speaking to him my heart was turned toward something else, he would despise and loathe me, and certainly would refrain from giving me the object. All the more so if he knew that I was busy thinking about something he not only dislikes, but that angers him against me; then his hatred for me would be even greater and his refusal even more fitting...And how can I not be too embarrassed to act with my Creator in a way that I wouldn't want even a lowly creature like myself to act with me?!?!?(Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Yichud Hamaaseh, Perek Hey, as quoted in Pathways to Prayer, Sephardic Version, Feldheim)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 182(The Death Of A Tzaddik)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yitzchak of Kurweil, Sefer Mitzvot Katan (SeMaK), 1280 and Chana(Shmuel HaNavi's mother) their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
"The king said to his servants, "You well know that a prince, a great man has fallen today in Israel."(Shmuel II, 3:38)
David HaMelech was lamenting Avner, a famous member of Klal Yisrael. It seems unnecessary to say that he had fallen "in Israel" But David was making a different point: The loss of Avner was in Israel like the loss of a limb is in a body.
The eulogy for a departed Tzaddik wards off punishment from Israel. The reason is that all the people of Israel are like one body. "Israel is a scattered sheep"(Yirmiyah 50:17), not "a scattered flock." Just a sheep that is stricken in one of its limbs feels pain throughout its entire body, so it is with Klal Yisrael.(Vayikrah Rabbah 4:6) When there is love and brotherhood among the people of Israel, the merit of the departed Tzaddik plus their sorrow at his passing protects them, for the sheep has been stricken in one of its limbs. But if there is dissension and hatred among them, this no longer applies.(Darchei HaYam, Maharimat)
Among the nations, there is no such thing as one individual atoning for all, for they are all separate individuals. Thus it is written, "He will judge among the nations [plural], it is filled with dead bodies."(Tehillim 110:6) But for Israel, "He crushes the head over a wide land."(ibid) -- even if He crushes one Tzaddik, his merit will protect "a wide land"-- all of Israel.(Kol Yaakov)
Returning to our sheep: the Halacha is that a person must return a lost article that he finds -- unless he is a distinguished person and it is beneath his dignity to deal with the lost article. For instance, a distinguished person who finds a lost animal is not required to deal with it in order to return it. But if he hit the animal with a stick, he is required to do so.(Mesechet Baba Metzia Daf 30a)
Klal Yisrael in Galut among the nations is like a lost sheep. Hashem has, as it were, the law of a distinguished person who is not required to return the animal; He is not required to return Klal Yisrael to the right path. However, if Klal Yisrael are so strongly united that they are like one, the death of a Tzaddik is reckoned as individual suffering to each of them. Hashem then has the law of a distinguished person who found a lost animal and hit it with a stick. He is required to return the sheep.(Neveh Tzaddikim, 2:1, Chacham Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 181(What You Give Is What You Get)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yerachmiel Yehuda Meir, the Amshenover Rebbe, his Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!!!
"Return O' Israel, to Hashem your G-d, for you have stumbled in your iniquity. Take with your words and return to Hashem."(Hoshea 14:2-3)
One should always be careful to speak good of the Jewish people. Even if there is what to criticize, he should not voice his criticism, but use his cleverness to seek out the good and speak only that.
Hashem runs the world on a Mida Keneged Mida basis; as man treats his fellow, so Shamayim treats him. If a person speaks against others, in Shamayim accusers will speak against him. And the opposite is true as well. As a pious man told his disciples, "Just as you gave me the benefit of the doubt, so will Shamayim give you the benefit of the doubt."(Mesechet Shabbat Daf 127b)
To the Navi's call, "Return, O' Israel, to Hashem you G-d, for you have stumbled in your aveirot," the people might say: How can we return? Our aveirot have created accusers on High who will prevent our Teshuvah from being accepted. To this the Navi replies: Find merit in Israel and speak of it. "Take with you words" spoken in favor of Bnei Yisrael, and then you will be able to "return to Hashem" For the defending Malachim you have created with these words of good will outweigh the accusers created by your aveirot.(Ben Ish Hayyil 3, Teshuvah 3, Chacham Yosef Hayyim of Baghdad)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 180(Good Morning!!!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Yaakov Loeberbaum of Lisa, author of Chavat Daat and Nesivot Hamishpat 1832, his Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
"Awaken in the morning and formally invite Hashem's Presence in your home. Where there is peace, the Shechinah dwells. Tell yourself that today you won't raise your voice, criticize your children publicly, or speak gossip. Today your will be patient, and Hashem will be with you."(Rebbetzin Esther Greenberg)
The first hours of the day are crucial. If a person manages to sanctify the beginning, the entire day will become holy. How should one start his day? Pray sincerely. Chazal warn that Tefilla needs strengthening, because the Yetzer Hara labors to trap a person a plunder the morning's affirmative resolve.
In his sefer Ya'arot Devash, HaGaon Rav Yonatan Eibeshitz testifies: "On the day when I davened very well in the morning, the entire day's learning and teaching went well." One must be strong and rise to daven in the morning with enthusiasm. Put in every effort to make the beginning of the day especially good and especially Kadosh. May Hashem help us honer His Name.(Lev Eliyahu, Parashat Bereshit)
When a person accepts upon himself the service of Hashem in the morning, this resolution will cause all his actions of the day to be aligned with the true good.(Sfat Emet, Parashat Bechukotai)
Each morning should herald a new beginning. View each day as a page in your autobiography, and start a fresh page each morning with the assurance that the unfolding day will bring great things. Anticipation of pleasure can only increase you joy.
HaGaon Rav Simcha Zissel of Kelm would wake up his young children in the morning by gently telling them, "Children here you are sleeping when you have a kingdom to rule!!!"(Meorot Ha'Gedolim)(Simcha Perek Chaf Daled, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 179(Spread The Joy!!!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Benyamin Mendelson, rov of Kommemiyut 1979 His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael.
Greet your fellow Jew warmly, advises the Mishnah in Mesechet Brachot Daf (9:5) which cites Boaz's greeting to the reapers, "May Hashem be with you," and their response, "May Hashem bless you." The use of Hashem's name in greeting was initiated by Chazal and approved in the Heavenly court.(Mesechet Makkot Daf 23)
We are advised to be the first to greet others (Pirkei Avot 4:15) "Seek out peace and pursue it" refers to being the first to greet another (Mesechet Brachot Daf Vav) The Sefer Chareidim declared that it is a rabbinical obligation to do so. There are several times when it is permissible to stop during Tefilla to greet or to acknowledge a greeting.(Shulchan Aruch 66:1) Because greeting your fellow spreads joy, it is forbidden during a day of mourning.(Taanit 12) No one every managed to greet the Great Rebbe Yochanan Ben Zakai first.(Mesechet Brachot Daf 17)
We all try to put on a happy face when we're attending a happy occasion. But what about when we are at home, with our family? Or when we trudge into the office on Monday morning?
Smiling binds people together. You have an obligation to make others happy, and certainly not to make them feel sad. The Gaon from Vilna writes in his famous epistle to his wife prior to leaving to Eretz Yisrael, "A woman should gladden her friends with cheerful words, for this a great Mitzvah for all."(This refers to female friends only. To discourage intimacy between men and women, it is forbidden for a man to send blessings of greeting to a woman or a woman to send blessing of greeting to a man.(Mesechet Keddushin Daf 70)
Rav Reuven Milzki visited many great people in his youth. One day he knocked on Rav Leib Chassid's door. He could hear someone calling out while running, "Yes, yes, one moment, please" The door was thrown open. "Shalom Aleichem! How are you feeling? Would like you a warm drink? With his arm on Rav Miltzki's shoulder, Rav Leib joyously escorted the visitor into the room. "I am so glad you came. Our home is enriched by your presence," he declared. This continued for several minutes. Only when he was settled did Rav Leib turn to Rav Reuven and ask him, "What is you name? Where do you come from?"(Kol Chotzev, 224)(Simcha Perek 46, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 178(Nullifying Anger)
Holy Jews:
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Tzvi Ben Chaya to find his zivug bekarov bechinam. They should both be zoche to build a bayit shalom and neeman byisrael and have beautiful zara chaya vkayama who will grow up to be talmidai chachamim and baatei and have amazing parnasa to support his family! AMEN
When a person persists in sinning, Hakadosh Baruch Hu does not retain His wrath. And even when He does retain it, it is not forever. Rather, He nullifies His anger even if a person does not do Teshuvah, as we find in the days of Yaravam Ben Yoash, when Hakadosh Baruch Hu, restored the borders of the land of Israel.(Malachim Bet, 14:26) they were worshippers of idols, but He had mercy on them, though they did not do Teshuvah. If so, why did He have Rachamim on them? Because of this attribute of not retaining His wrath forever. On the contrary, He deliberately alleviates His wrath. Even though the sin still exists, He does not punish [immediately]; rather, He waits hopefully and has mercy on the sinners on the possibility that they will do Teshuvah. This is the intention of the Pasuk "Lo Lanezach Yariv Vlo Leolam Yitor" "Not forever will He battle, nor will He bear a grudge for eternity."(Tehillim 103:9) Rather, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, conducts Himself with both tenderness and harshness, all for the benefit of Bnei Yisrael.
This is a fitting attribute with which a person should conduct himself towards his fellows. Even if one is permitted to reprimand his friend or his children severely, and they would accept the rebuke, this is no reason to intensify his reprimand and persist in his anger, though he was angered. Instead, he should nullify his anger and not retain his wrath eternally, even if this is such a wrath that is permissible for man. This idea is comparable to Chazal's explanation of the Pasuk "When you see the donkey of someone you hate lying under its burden.(Shemot 23:5) What is the cause of the hatred? He saw him transgress a sin, and being a lone witness, he cannot testify against him in court. Thus, he hates him because of that sin. Even so, the Torah demands, "You shall help along with him," meaning abandon that anger which is in your heart. And on the contrary, it is a Mitzvah to befriend him with love, for perhaps with this method you will succeed in causing him to do Teshuvah. This is exactly Hashem's attribute of -"Lo Hechzeek Laad Apo"(Sefer Tomer Devorah, Perek Alef, Tomer Publications)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 177(Mi El Kamocha?)
Holy Jews:
"Mi El Kamocha(Who is G-d like you?)" teaches us that Hakadosh Baruch Hu, is a forbearing King Who tolerates insult in a manner beyond [human] comprehension. Without doubt , nothing is hidden from His providence. In addition, there is not a moment that man is not nourished and sustained by [virtue of] the Divine power bestowed upon him. Thus being, no man ever sinned against Hashem without Hashem Himself bestowing his existence and the ability to move his limbs, at that very moment. Yet, even though a person uses this very power to transgress. He does not withhold it from him at all. Rather, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, tolerates the insult [and continues] to bestow on him the power to move his limbs. [Even] at the very moment that a person uses this power for transgression, sin, and infuriating deeds, Hakadosh Baruch Hu [continues to] tolerate him. One cannot say Chas VShalom, that He cannot withhold this benevolence, for it is within His power to shrivel up a person's arms and legs instantly, just as He did with Yaravam (see Malachim Alef, 13:4) Yet, even though it is within His power to withdraw the power He bestowed, and He could maintain, "Since you sin against Me, sin with that which belongs to you, not with that belongs to Me." He does not, for this reasoning withhold His goodness from man; rather, He tolerates the "insult" and [continues to] bestow power and benefits man with His benevolence. Behold, this is [a degree of] insult and tolerance [of it] that is immeasurable. For this reason, the ministering angels refer to Hakadosh Baruch Hu as the "Forbearing King"(Pirkei Heichalot Perek Chaf Daled) This the meaning of saying "Who is G-d like you?" You are Hashem Who possesses kindness, Who is benevolent. A G-d Who possesses the power to take revenge and claim what is rightfully Yours, and yet, You are tolerant and forbearing until man does Teshuva.
Thus, this attribute of being tolerant, is one that man should emulate. Even when he is insulted to such a degree [mentioned above] he should still not withdraw his benevolence from the recipient.(Sefer Tomer Devorah, Gaon Harav Moshe Cordevero, Perek Alef, Tomer Publications)
The Gaon M'Vilna comments in Aleem LeTerufah quoting the Midrash, that for every single moment a person closes his mouth (and does not respond to a provocation or confrontation) that person will merit the Ohr Haganuz. This reward is so far above comprehension that not even the heavenly angels can fathom it or grasp its value.(Gaon M'Vilna as quoted in Sefer Shmirat Halashon Shaar HaZechira, Perek Yud Alef)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 176(Listening to Lashon Hara)
Holy Jews:
My dear companion, lest the Yetzer Hara seduces you to say, "But my friend the one who listens to me and to all my stories, he doesn't think any of this is harmful. And the proof is that not only doesn't he dislike me but in fact to the contrary, he is delighted by what I tell him."
I will give you an example of what this is analogous to: To a thief who disguises himself and assumes the appearance of one of society's most respectful people. This "respected person" then meets up with a distinguished "visitor" and pretends to be an old acquaintance who is happy to see him once again. He seduces this "guest" to accompany him to a banquet hall to eat and drink lavishly and tells him he will pay the entire cost of the banquet. When they reach the banquet hall, he tells the guest, "I am so happy to have met you once again after so many years have passed by and I have never been so happy as I am today, He then tells the owner of the banquet hall to bring the finest foods found in banquet halls and promises to pay for it all." Shortly afterwards they finish the meal the "thief" quietly sneaks away from the banquet hall leaving the "guest" all alone. The owner of the banquet hall confronts the "guest" and says to him--Since you ate my food it is not my concern who was eating with you or who convinced you to do all this (and he demands payment entirely from the guest) As long as the "thief" was with the guest, the guest felt no anger towards the thief. On the contrary he was very happy. But now that the guest must pay for it all, he is extremely angry and hates the "thief" because of what he did.
So too my brother, in this situation of one who listens to Lashon Hara and accepts it as truth. In this lifetime, the person who listens to and accepts Lashon Hara is unaware of and does not even sense the destruction that you are causing to his own Neshama! In fact, the opposite is what he senses. The listener enjoys the speaker and all that he is saying. All of this seemingly is going well as long as the store is open and the shopkeeper is giving out merchandise and not asking for payment. But what will happen when this person goes to Olam Haba and appears before the court that asks him: What did you speak? The books of this person will be opened and in them will be written everything he heard and accepted as truth and everything he subsequently spoke as a result of your evil companionship. He will now have to give an accounting and face the consequences of his evil actions and he will be punished for those actions. And all the more so if you caused him to be recorded as being part of a group of evil people Chas VShalom!
This is illustrated in Pirkei D'Rebbe Eliezer as follows (in the will of Rebbe Eliezer The Great that was left to his son Hurkanos) "My son, do not remain in the company of people who are critical and degrade others because when their critical words (of Lashon Hara) ascend to the heavens, they will be written down in books. Whoever is found to associate with them will also be included in the group of evil people. How much anger and bitterness will this person feel because he is now listed as being part of a group of evil people!!!"(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Shaar HaZechirah, Perek Yud Gimmel, HaGaah, HaRav Yisrael Meir HaKohen)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 175(Donors to Tzedaka)
Holy Jews:
"There are four types of donors to Tzedaka: !) One who wishes to give himself but wants others not to give, he begrudges others; 2) that others should give but he should not give, he begrudges himself; 3) that he should give and that others should give is pious; 4) that he should not give and that others should not give is wicked."(Pirkei Avot, 5:13)
Behold, the expression Ayin Raah [lit. "an evil eye"] represents the trait of begrudging -- i.e. one who finds it difficult to accept another's good fortune. Now, this is not because he hates him, but because he desires to humble him so that he should be subservient to him.
This explains why the Pasuk in Devarim (15:9) "The seventh year approaches...and your eye be evil {i.e. look malevolently) is written in the Parasha [section] of Tzedaka [charity], rather than in the Parasha of remission of loans. For the Pasuk's meaning is thus: One may think that since the seventh year is rapidly approaching, when all grain and fruits will become owner less, and all loans will be canceled, and the poor man will not have to repay his debt, therefore the giving of Tzedaka, in the donor's eyes, is viewed as a superfluous supplement.
Therefore, the wise teacher [the Tanna of our Mishnah] states that one who is willing to give Tzedaka to a poor person, but is bothered by the fact that after the poor man received his gift, he will also receive gifts from others -- that person has an "evil eye" Do not, however, condemn this giver and consider him to be a cruel person. Rather, he suffers from an "evil eye" -- he begrudges the poor man receiving additional Tzedaka from others!
Similarly, when others give and he does not, it is also due to his evil eye, for he resents the poor man receiving an additional gift from him, after having already received from others. However, when he wants others to give, in addition to his own giving, he should be judged meritoriously, for his desire is not only that the poor man benefit, but also that others merit [the Mitzvah of Tzedaka] Hence, he is correctly called a Chassid [pious man] and not a Tzaddik [righteous man]
However, if one does not give or can he abide that others give, he should not be judged as being motivated by his concern for them and the conservation of their money. Rather, in this case he should be judged as a wicked person [Rasha] who is cruel to the poor and despises and rejects the Mitzvah of Tzedaka.(Rabeinu Ovadia Sforno Al Pirke Avot, 5:13, Artscroll)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 174(SSSHHH)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabeinu Shimon Bar Yochai and Rabeinu Moshe Isserles(the Rama) their Neshamot should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!!!
"Shimon his son says...I have found nothing better for oneself than silence; not study, but practice is the main thing; and one who talks excessively brings on sin."(Pirkei Avot 1:17)
Many are of the opinion that man's power of speech is his greatest attribute, to the point that some say that it is the gift of speech that makes him superior to all other living creatures. Therefore, the individual who speaks most eloquently is considered superior to his fellow man.
However, Shimon tells us that in spite of the importance of speech, it is of absolutely no benefit to the body. For we see that other living creatures live long and obtain a livelihood painlessly even though they completely lack the power of speech.
Rather, the true benefits of speech are in the arena of practical intellectual applications such as social administration, and in areas of analytical thought such as teaching others.
Nonetheless, in spite of the importance [of the gift of speech] it is not the expression and exposition of [man's thoughts] that is of paramount importance and [man's] ultimate goal and purpose, but the deeds which result from is as they affect society and the intellectual pursuit of knowledge. And even in these [noble endeavors] it is best to use words sparingly and be concise in one's studies for "one who talks excessively brings on sin" For [excessive words] promote uncertainties and errors of forgetfulness.
From all this we see that speech (Dibur) is not at all inherently perfect (Shalem) Rather, it is merely an instrument for achieving a specific objective in social administration and intellectual pursuits -- namely, to convey the thoughts of one man to another. And this is best accomplished through the greatest possible brevity. This is contrary to the nature of something that is inherently perfect, about which the general rule is "the more, the better"(Rabeinu Ovadia Sforno Al Pirkei Avot, 1:7,Artscroll)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 173(The Passing Down of Torah)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabbi Yechezkel Landau, author of both the Node Beyehuda and the Dagel Marvava, his Neshama should have an aliyah and be zechut for all of klal yisrael AMEN!
"Moshe received the Torah from Sinai and transmitted it to Yehoshua; Yehoshua to the Zekeinim; the Zekeinim to the Nivim; and the Nivim transmitted it to the Anshei Keneset HaGedolah. The Anshei Keneset HaGedolah said three things: Be deliberate in judgment; develop many disciples; and make a protective hedge around the Torah."(Pirkei Avot 1:1)
Moshe received the Torah from Sinai. Hakadosh Baruch Hu explained that [the Torah] can be divided into two categories: the philosophical and the practical. As the Pasuk says, Hashem said to Moshe, "Ascend to Me to the mountain and remain there, and I shall give you the stone Tablets, and the Torah and the commandment that I have written, to teach them"(Shemot 24:12)
The philosophical aspect of Torah consists of knowing Hakadosh Baruch Hu, its ultimate purpose being to revere and love Him. Indeed, [this category] is referred to as "the Torah" [by the above verse] Hence, when Torah scholars ceased to contemplate the philosophical aspect of the Torah, Hashem grew angry, as the Pasuk says, "And they that grasp the law did not know Me"(Yirmiyah 2:8) As for the practical aspect of Torah, it is undoubtedly [what the above Pasuk] refers to as "the commandment"
Now, Chazal have stated, "It is prohibited to expound upon the story of Creation with [only] two [disciples] or upon the Divine Chariot with [only] one, unless he is wise and capable of attaining understanding on his own"(Mesechet Chagiga 11b) Chazal added "[However,] a general outline of these topics may be transmitted to the head of the court, as well as to other such serious-minded individuals"(Mesechet Chagiga 13a)
The Author of Pirkei Avot teaches that Moshe's ability to "attain understanding on his own" was so great that he received the philosophical aspect called "the Torah" [directly] from Har Sinai. In other words, Moshe received and understood the entire philosophical aspect of Torah solely on the basis of the things he was told at Sinai, without Hashem having to transmit to him "a general outline of these topics"
Moshe then transmitted this knowledge to Yehoshua, for he [subsequently] became the leader of his generation, and probably served as the head of the religious court in the days of Moshe. The [transmission] continued from generation to generation until the period of Anshei Keneset HaGedolah.
The Anshei Keneset HaGedolah said three things. The Anshei Keneset HaGedolah, in turn, observed the deterioration of their generation: The majority of [the people] had forgotten the "Torah and the commandment" during Galut Bavel. Hence, they warned [the people] to correct "three things" In order to rectify their shortcomings. They advised the wise men of the generation to: Be deliberate in judgment, unlike gentile judges, who dispense justice arrogantly and [enforce it] with physical force. They urged the Jewish judges to carefully deliberate each case, even if a similar case had previously come before them and a verdict had been reached. For [each case is different]: The witnesses vary, as do the litigants and their claims. Develop many disciples, so that some will excel and attain the level of "one who is wise and capable of attaining understanding on his own," or at least, become sufficiently worthy to be taught "a general outline of these topics." Make a protective hedge around the Torah. They urged the court to take punitive measures against transgressors as dictated by the needs of the time. As Chazal said "Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov said: 'I heard that the court may administer lashings and punishments without any legal basis -- not in defiance of the Torah, but rather to make a protective hedge around the Torah.(Mesechet Yevamot 90b)(Rabeinu Ovadia Sforno Al Pirkei Avot, Artscroll)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 172(Bitachon in Hashem's Goodness)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabbi Meir of Lublin(Maharam on Shas) his Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!
There are people who actively deny themselves happiness. Those who believe that they are not worthy of happiness may subconsciously sabotage their efforts to achieve joy. A person who fears loss may protect himself by ensuring that he has nothing to lose. Those who fear the worst might subconsciously choose to do without.
According to the Arizal Hakadosh, "it is in the nature of One Who is benevolent to act benevolently." This means that we should always expect happiness, for Hashem only does good. Tell yourself each day that Hashem wants you to be happy, and review the steps you will take to achieve the happiness you desire. Since the Borei Olam is all good, everything in the world that happens is an expression of Hashem's goodness. Recognize that Hashem has arranged this occurrence or situation specifically for you, because He loves you. Even a loss or theft is only for our benefit. If we no longer have something, or never had it in the first place, that is a clear indication that we don't need it and are better off without it. Try to internalize the concept.
When a believing person -- one who knows that everything originates from Hashem -- finds himself in a dire situation, he is utterly at ease in the certainty that no human being can cause him harm. When a person truly recognizes that everything that happens is a personal gift from Hashem for his own good, his anxiety will disappear. He repeats to himself, "The Borei Olam runs the world. He loves me and only wants my good," and lets his anxiety float away. This attitude helps a person approach his tasks with joy, trusting that Hashem will show compassion and rescue him from distress. He knows that Hashem watches over us and protect us, both materially and spiritually.
Even if a person was originally destined to suffer in this world, the decree only remains as long as he perceives himself to be under the control of physical forces. One who trusts in Hashem, however, sees that the forces of nature are lifeless tools in the hands of a Creator Who controls everything. If he does not deserve that evil befall him, then Hashem will surely rescue him from it.
This Bitachon literally lifts the man of faith "out of this world." He enters an entirely new sphere of existence, not unlike the World to Come. While the person with trust in Hashem appears to be no different than the masses of humanity, in reality he is entirely separated from them. He is surrounded by an otherworldly glow that shields him from the vicissitudes of mundane life.(Chazon Ish)
The Rebbe Reb Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch once cited a tradition that he had heard from his father, the Rebbe Rashab, that "the Baal Shem Tov implanted faith in trust." Reb Yosef Yitzchak explained that this means that a Jew is certain that what he believes will actually materialize. One of the listeners asked, "Does this resemble hope?" The Rebbe replied, "Trust---Bitachon--is more than hope. A person who has trust believes that what he hopes will come to be. In fact, it is already present; the obstacle exists only in the person himself." The Rebbe Reb Shmuel of Lubavitch, the Maharash, explained this concept in practical terms: "People are not lacking a livelihood. Rather, they are lacking trust. Every individual is provided with a livelihood. But sometimes, by lacking trust, a person turns off the tap himself..."(Ha'Sichot 1942, p91)(Simcha, Perek Zayin, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 171(Ohev Shalom VRodef Shalom)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Reb Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira of Mogelnitz (1849). The grandson of the Koshnitzer Maggid. His Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN.
The Gemara in Brachot Daf 17a teaches about the character of Rebbe Yochanan ben Zakkai that no one ever approached him first with greetings of Shalom; he always greeted everyone else first, even a Nochri in the Shuk(a non-Jew in the street). Chazal teach in Mishnayot Avot (4:15) that you are obligated to extend greetings of Shalom to everyone. How far does this rule reach, that even if you know his feelings are against you, you must first greet him with an expression of Shalom, because by doing so, you will cause this person to eventually love you. Moreover, even if he refuses to return a greeting of peace to you, Hakadosh Baruch Hu will arrange reality to make this person subordinate himself to you, as the Pasuk teaches (Devarim 20:12-13) "and if they do not respond and extend peace back to you, then Hashem will place them in you hands." We have seen this illustrated in an incident involving David HaMelech A"H, that he was running after peace with Shaul HaMelech, as he said in Tehillim(120:7) "I am peace, but when I speak, they are for war." As for Shaul HaMelech, it was not enough that he did not reconcile with David, but he ran after David to do him harm(to kill him) and Hakadosh Baruch Hu twice put Shaul in the hands of David, once in the cave and once in the encampment, yet David still would not do any harm to Shaul. David would do no harm to Shaul because man is obligated to strive for peace and to create opportunities to make peace, as the Pasuk teaches (Tehillim 34:15) "Seek peace! Run after it!" Seek peace among your friends and run after your enemies to make peace. Seek peace in your environment, run after peace in environments that are not part of your routine society. Seek peace with your physical efforts, run after peace with your financial resources (overlook incidents that cause you not to make money in order to reinforce society with peace.) Seek peace for yourself, run after peace for the sake of others. Seek peace today (and if you do not achieve it) run after it (again) tomorrow. Do not despair and say I cannot create peace, instead run after peace until you catch it. What is meant by "running after peace"? Chazal teach that the definition of running after peace is one who offers gestures of peace in the midst of confrontation and controversy and overlooks slights to his personal esteem for the sake of society. This is exemplified by Moshe Rabeinu A"H as illustrated in the Pasuk (Bamidbar 16:25) "Moshe got up and went to Datan and Aviram" Continuing the definition of "pursuing peace" peace is defined by one who puts aside his everyday business and works to make peace between husband and wife, between two people, between Rebbe and his talmidim, even to the point of making a banquet for these two for the purpose of promoting peace between them.(Sefer Shmirat HaLashon, Shaar HaZechira Perek Yud Alef)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 170(Hashem Do As You See Fit)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, his Neshama should have an aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN
To temper our requests for wide spectrums of Brachot, we should add a Tefilla that Hashem confer only good upon us.(Chatam Sofer, part III, pg 19, Tur 2) Our perception is limited -- only Hashem knows what is truly good for us. The Jew who is ready to receive everything that Hashem sends his way, with good grace, will merit perceiving the destruction of evil and the splendor of true good.(Michtav M'Eliyahu Part II)
The Gemara gives an example of this type of Tefilla. "Master of the Universe, do Your will in the Heaven above, delight those that fear you below, and do what is good in Your eyes."(Mesechet Brachot 29)
"Rabbi Yehoshua said, 'Listen to the outcry (Shavat) of Your people Israel, and quickly respond to their request.' Rabbi Elazar son of Rabbi Tzadok said, 'Listen to the shout (Tzaakat) of Your people Israel, and quickly respond to their request.'"(Mesechet Brachot 29) What is the significance of the small change from outcry to shout? The Ktav VeHaKabbalah explains the distinction: Outcry (Shavah) refers to a specific petition for the resolution of a specific problem, whereas shout (Tzeakah) is a scream, an expression of pain and an appeal for help -- and kind of help. Rabbi Elazar's wording recommends that a person should simply call out to Hashem, without suggesting how his dilemma should be resolved.(HaKetav VeHaKabbalah, Devarim 26:4)
This is the meaning of David HaMelech's words, "To Hashem the salvation."(Tehillim 3:9) It is inappropriate to advise Hashem how to extricate us from our dilemma. We should simply throw ourselves on His mercy, and let Him decide how to save us from our pressing problems.(Sefer Halkarim, Essay Daled, Perek Chaf Daled)
In case we make inappropriate requests, we ask Hashem to listen only to the pain of our outcry, and not to the contents.(Birchat Aharon, Perek Daled Al Brachot, letter 249) Chazal teach us that we should utter a Bracha following unpleasant events just as we do after positive events.(Mesechet Brachot 9:1) Only Hashem can truly define good; man does not have the ability to differentiate lasting good from evil. He must bless Hashem constantly, for whatever comes his way.
Rabbi Eliezer Papo would recommend that after making requests of Hashem, we conclude with the following Tefilla: "Do for us what is good in Your eyes for Your service, which will find favor before the heavenly throne. Rectify out spirit and Neshama and gladden the heart of Your servant, for we look to You our Hashem and trust only in You."(Beit Tefilla)(Towards Meaningful Prayer, 215-217, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 169(Hashem's Parting Gift)
Holy Jews:
While Tefilla has the ability to lift us from the trouble and darkness of this world, Tefilla is not just something to do when we are in trouble! Tefilla fleshes out our identity and infuses our lives with meaning. Nothing in this world measures up to the incomparable sweetness of Tefilla. It enables us to dedicate ourselves to Hashem; to direct our minds and hearts to His service. Tefilla can become a staff of strength for each of us.(Igrot Chazon Ish)
Frequent contact with Hashem is of such critical importance that it is Hashem's parting gift to the Neshama before its descent into this world.
A mighty king had an only child he wished to groom as his successor. He called his son and told him that in order to teach him the ropes, he was giving him a position which would enable him to master all aspects of governing his father's far-flung empire. The prince was honored at being given the opportunity to show his mettle. Yet he was distressed that his responsibilities would make it impossible for him to spend time in his father's company as he had in the past. He would miss their frequent, intimate conversations, which had always meant so much to him. When his father saw his son's distress, he expanded the prince's responsibilities to include three personal reports to him daily. This would enable father and son to spend quality time together, helping retain their bond of intimacy. The prince was now delighted with his new assignment. The daily contact with his father would enable the prince to keep the king up-to-date on everything that was happening in his life. When the challenges of his task became overwhelming, he could unburden himself to his father, whom he knew would immediately intercede on his behalf. His father was also available to celebrate the joy of accomplishment together with his son. Their daily encounters became the emotional highlight of the prince's day.
The king is Hashem and the prince is the Neshama. Originally, the Neshama savored its closeness to Hashem in the world of Neshamot. Ultimately, it was selected for a special mission to this world--to prepare for the eternal bliss in the world to come. Only after accumulating a certain amount of merit can a Neshama enjoy the endless reward, which awaits it.
The Neshama relishes the opportunity to serve Hashem and become a part of the holy nation of Klal Yisrael. Yet it is distressed at being separated from its Father in heaven, in Whose presence it has basked until now. Leaving that intimacy behind is very painful. While the ability to rectify numerous worlds, in accordance with Hashem's desire, is a great comfort, the thought of separating from Hashem's presence for many years is daunting.
When Hashem sees the Neshama's anquish, He gives it the Mitzvah of Tefilla to alleviate its sorrow. Three times during the course of the day the Neshama can speak to its Creator. The Neshama can articulate all that lies in its heart. It is also an opportune time to make any request and unburden itself. This interaction suffuses the Neshama's everyday existence with joy.
The knowledge that the Neshama's connection with Hashem will be maintained and enhanced; that Hashem is always available to provide a listening ear, to aid and comfort the Neshama, to revel in its joys and to mourn its grief--this is the basis of Tefilla.(Sichot Be'Avodat Hashem)(Towards Meaningful Prayer II, 2-5, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 168(Winning The War)
Holy Jews:
Excerpts from a letter that Rav Hutner wrote to one of his students:
When an ambitious young man of spirit and enthusiasm meets obstacles and falls, he imagines himself as unworthy of being "planted in the house of Hashem." He supposes that flourishing in the house of Hashem means to repose with calm spirit on "lush meadows" beside "tranquil waters"(Tehillim 23) He assumes that he should be able to delight in the Yetzer Tov, in the manner of the righteous delighting in the reflection of the Shechinah in Gan Eden; and, at the same time, he should be untroubled by the agitation of the Yetzer Hara, along the lines of the Pasuk, "Free among the dead"(Tehillim 88:6)
Know, however, my dear friend, that your Neshama is rooted not in the tranquility of the Yetzer Tov, but rather in the battle with the Yetzer Hara. And your precious, warm-hearted letter "testifies as one hundred witnesses" that you are a worthy warrior in the battalion of the Yetzer Tov. The English expression to "lose a battle and win a war" applies. Certainly, you have stumbled, and will stumble again (a self-fulfilling prophecy is not intended), and in many battles you will fall lame. I promise you, though, that after those losing campaigns, you will emerge from the war with laurels of victory upon your head and with fresh prey quivering between your teeth. Lose battles but win wars.
The wisest of all men has said, "A just man falls seven times and rises again"(Mishlei 24:16) Fools believe the intent of this Pasuk is to teach us something remarkable--the just man has fallen seven times and yet he rises. But the knowledgeable are aware that the essence of the Tzaddik's rising again is by way of his seven falls." 'And He saw all that He had made and behold, it was very good.' The 'good' is the Yetzer Tov; the 'very good' is the Yetzer Hara."(Bereshit Rabbah 91)
My cherished one, I clasp you to my heart, and whisper in your ear that had your letter reported on your Mitzvot and good deeds, I would have said that I had received a good letter from you. As things stand, with your letter telling of slumps and falls and obstacles, I say that I have received a very good letter from you. Your spirit is storming as it aspires to greatness. I beg of you, do not portray for yourself great men as being as one with their Yetzer Tov. Picture, rather, their greatness in terms of an awesome war with every base and low inclination.
When you feel the turmoil of the Yetzer Hara within yourself, know that with that feeling, you resemble great men far more than with the feeling of deep peace which you desire. In those very areas where you feel yourself falling most frequently--particularly in those areas--you have the greatest potential for serving as an instrument of distinction for the honor of Hashem.(Letters of Pachad Yitzchak 128)(Simcha, 64-65, Israel Bookshop)
Did you know:
That drinking the rain that falls on Eiyar is a segula for Refua. Eiyar stands for Ani Hashem Rofecha.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 167(Act Like A Child)
Holy Jews:
When we are happy, Hashem is happy.(Peleh Yoetz, Kina) Making others happy is the basis for many of the Mitzvot in the Torah(Ingeret Ha'Gra) It is therefore a given that, despite life's pain, happiness is never beyond our reach.
Who doesn't want happiness? The pursuit of happiness is a billion dollar industry and a major preoccupation of today's modern world. Yet there is sadness everywhere we go. All you need to do is look around you at the people walking by--it is difficult to find even one happy-looking individual. Tragically, despite the blessings that proliferate in our generation, most people are still unhappy.
Despite this, unhappiness is not our natural state. After all, none of us were born that way. Joy is the normal human condition. Just look at a young child. Children don't need a reason to be happy; they need a reason to be sad. If a child cries, we ask, "What's wrong?" If a child laughs and plays and dances around the room, we don't ask "Why are you happy?" Children are happy by default. If they aren't happy, there must be a reason. Perhaps they need to be changed, or they are hungry or thirsty or tired, or simply in need of attention. But as long as nothing is wrong, a child's natural state is happiness.
Children behave with a total absence of artifice and pretense. There is nothing to hinder them from enjoying life and being happy. Somewhere along the line, however, things change. We adults acquire a destructive way of seeing the world around us, which results in making us miserable. As we grow older, we become more demanding and harder to please, until we lose all the remnants of our childish contentment. We feel that we need a reason to be happy. If we see an adult walking around with a big smile, we often automatically assume that the person must be mentally deficient. But the reasons for joy didn't disappear as we matured. It's just that we've acquired distorted perspectives that make us miserable.
Much of our time and energy is spent agonizing about what's wrong, both with ourselves and with others. We tend to focus on our unfulfilled desires and unrealized dreams. But a child isn't frustrated by unfulfilled drives and ambitions. The child does not feel the lack of anything--by definition, he then has it all. If we set aside our doubts, self-pity, and habitual negativity, then the joyful tendencies that lie dormant within us will naturally rise to the surface.
Happiness is a skill that can be learned. While it is true that some people may have more "natural" joy, happiness is an acquired trait, not a reflection of circumstances. If Simcha were an emotion that we could not control, the Torah would not command us to serve Hashem with joy. We are all capable of learning joyful techniques, which can be mastered like any other tool. By following our Chazal's counsel, it is possible to find happiness in ordinary, day-to-day experiences. As with any other worthy endeavor, this goal requires an investment of thought and substantial effort.(Simcha, Perek Alef, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 166(Satisfaction)
Holy Jews:
When we understand the fleeting nature of this world, our needs and worries fall into proper perspective. The Torah attitude to wealth does not focus on the size of our assets but on our satisfaction with what we possess. True joy is the release from the rate race, abandoning the futile chase for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Rav Yochanan once met a small boy on his way home from Yeshiva, "What did you learn today?" he asked the child. The boy replied, "Today, we studied the words of Devarim 14:22: 'Aser Te'aser [you shall surely tithe your produce].'" Rabbi Yochanan declared, "Read it not as Aser Te'aser, but as Aser Bishvil Tis'asher [by tithing, you will surely become wealthy]."(Taanit 9a)
How could Rabbi Yochanan interpret the commandment in the Torah as such a bold promise--that one who gives tithes will become rich? Aren't there many people who diligently separate their tithes, yet are not wealthy?
According to the Meor Einayim, Rabbi Yochanan is referring to the great wealth of satisfaction with what one has. It is not a guarantee of a large bank account, but an assurance of the blessing of, "Eizehu Ashir? Ha'sameiach Bechelko (who is wealthy? One who rejoices with his portion)." Giving maaser imbues a person with positive feelings for what he has and the ability to be content with his current status--a truly great Bracha that guarantee happiness.
A visitor once asked the Chafetz Chayim why he had such dilapidated furniture. "And where is your furniture?" the Chafetz Chayim asked in return. "Mine?" The visitor was surprised. "Why, I'm only visiting here!" "I, too, am only visiting," the Chafetz Chayim explained.
Rabbi Noach Wienberg had a student named Daniel, who had only one leg--yet was always joyous. Once Rabbi Weinberg approached Daniel and asked that he share the secret of his happiness.
Daniel told the following story: "When I was nine years old, I was run over by a truck while I was riding my bicycle. I was taken straight to the operating room, where the doctors tried to reattach my leg, but they were unsuccessful. I remember awakening in the children's ward of the hospital, surrounded by other children who had also suffered severe injuries. I was there for weeks as I slowly recovered. My bed was near the door, and one day I overheard two doctors discussing the children in the room. That boy in the corner lost both legs in a traffic accident. What happened to that teenaged girl who was blinded? She's in surgery right now, but apparently it's hopeless. They discussed one serious case after another. Finally, they started talking about my own case. It took me a moment to realize they were discussing me, but once I recognized the details of my own accident, I called out, "I've only lost one leg, but other than that I'm fine!" The moment I blurted out those words, I felt as if a light had been opened in a very dark room. Yes, I had suffered the loss of a leg, but the rest of me was fine. I had my arms. I could see. I had everything, in fact, except one leg. I realized that I should be grateful and happy, not bitter and upset. That was when I learned the secret of happiness."(A Midrash and a Maaseh, Parashat Ki Tavo)(Simcha, Perek 38, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 165(Heavenly Assistance)
Holy Jews:
Fortunately, we are not alone in this great battle. Hashem helps those who demonstrate that they are making an effort to achieve Kavanah.
In Tehillim (10:17) the Pasuk states, "Prepare their heart." The Bach points out that these words imply that successful concentration is not in the hands of man. We must seek to create an environment conducive to devotion. Hashem does the rest. As is clearly stated. "Whoever comes to purify himself is assisted from Hashem.(Gemara Yoma, Daf 38)
We preface the Amidah with the entreaty that our Master open our lips and help our mouths tell (yagid) His true praise. The Reishit Chachma explains that the choice of the word "yagid" instead of "yomar" (say) of "yedaber" (speak), suggests that we are begging Hashem to help us pray with concentration.(Reishit Chachma, Letter 178)
Chazal added these words to the Amidah prayer, because spirituality had declined and people were finding it difficult to sustain purity of intention in prayer.(Kedushat Levi, Parashat Ve'etchanan) They also felt that we needed Hashem's help to formulate our words because our awe might make us speechless.
Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian recounts the story of a laborer who used to lay roads in the capital. The king was so pleased with his work that he chose to honor him by inviting him to the palace for an audience. When the man arrived he was so overwhelmed with fright that his vocal cords froze and he remained mute for the rest of his life. This reflects the way we should react when standing before Hashem. We therefore ask for help right before we start this important prayer.(Lev Eliyahu, Part III)
It is clear, that without Hashem's help, Kavanah would be impossible.(Bach, Orach Chayim 98) Knowing this, the righteous implore Hashem to listen to their Tefillot.(Midrash Tehillim, 108:1) We have already noted that the ancient pious ones would delay their prayers for at least an hour in order to direct their hearts to Hashem. The Kotzker Rebbe explains that during that hour, they were praying that they succeed in directing their hearts to their father in Heaven.(HaSaraf MiKotzk; Beit Tefilla in the name of Rabbi Ephraim Zalmen Margalios)
The Sanzer Rav explains the words, "And I pleaded to Hashem at that time saying," (Devarim 3:23) We should plead with Hashem "at that time" -- when we are about to pray -- to help us succeed in our "saying": please enable us to say the words of prayer with enthusiasm and devotion.
A chassid asked Rabbi Chayim of Sanz, "Rebbe, what do you do before the prayers?" Rabbi Chayim answered, "Before the prayers I pray for inspiration."
Rabbi Shmuel Aharon Yudelevitz composed a special prayer which he said prior to his prayers, begging Hashem to ensure that his praying not be disturbed.(Meilo shel Shmuel)
There are times when we find it difficult to concentrate on our davening. We should not become discouraged. The Baal Shem Tov recommends that at times like these we should stop and daven to Hashem to help us daven.(Last Will and Testament of the Baal Shem Tov)
What happens to a prayer that is said with the proper intent? Angels raise this prayer to Heaven and hand it over to the angel Sandalphon, who transfers it to the Heavenly throne, 1,800 angels stand ready to receive our Tefillot.(Tur) Michael is in charge of Shacharit, Gavriel is in charge of Mincha and Oriel is responsible for the Arvit prayer.
A prayer without the proper intent has a very different fate. These prayers do not ascend on High; they wander aimlessly through the world. Imagine the chagrin of the person who presents himself before Hashem after a lifetime on this earth, only to find that he has only a paltry two or three Tefillot credited to his account -- out of thousands and thousands of recited Tefillot.(Yaarot Devash)
Once when Reb Natan was in Uman, he saw a certain Reb Moshe praying very fervently. Some time afterwards Reb Natan returned to Uman and saw that Reb Moshe was no longer praying with the same intensity and effort. Reb Natan said to him, "Reb Moshe, you've weakened. You're not praying the way you used to. Take my advice and start again. Look at me. My beard is already white, yet I still have intentions of becoming a good Jew.(Avenecha Barzel page 63)
Yet there is still hope for those incomplete prayers. If a person strains every nerve to maintain his devotion, he can actually elevate the many prayers that he had said without proper intent.(Yaarot Devash, Derush 4)
How does this work? On Rosh HaShana, Sandalphon collects these prayers for further re-evaluation on Yom Kippur.(Zohar, Parashat Bereishit) At that point, Hashem seeks out a heartfelt Magen Avraham, a good Machaye Meitim, a sincere Kel Kadosh. These sincere prayers are then used to elevate the unsatisfactory blessing which had been uttered without concentration.
But we must take the first step! The Tefillot that have not been elevated by our remorse are relegated to nothingness.(Zohar, Mikdash Melech on Zohar, Part II 245:2)
While recovering for a heart attack, R' Zev Dov Chechik returned to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor examined him thoroughly and then stressed the crucial importance of strictly following all his instructions. These included taking various medicines at different times of the day, a radical change of diet, a program of exercise and other precautions. R' Zev listened attentively. On his way out of the hospital, he was overheard saying to himself. "I could have avoided all this if only I had davened better on Rosh HaShana."(The Meforshim Siddur)(Towards Meaningful Prayer, 152-155, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 164(Happiness: An Acquired Trait)
Holy Jews;
Happiness is not caused by events, but by your state of mind. Ninety percent of your attitude towards life is due to how you view it, not what actually happens. You can have everything in the world and still be miserable. Conversely, you can have relatively little and feel unbounded joy. The quality of your life is determined by the attitude you choose. Essentially, you create the world you live in.
We all know people who are perpetually negative. Such people usually claim, "I'm only being realistic!" But reality happens to everyone. How we interpret the events that occur is up to us. Yes, there is pain in life-but suffering is optional.
Every complaint, every bitter sigh, is a failure of perception, and is more grievous than any failure of action. If we don't perceive how much Hashem loves us and how much He is giving us as an expression of that love, then we are relinquishing our relationship with Him--and voiding the purpose for which He created the world.
The ability to enjoy life is in your head. External factors such as wealth, success, and fame will have a much smaller impact on your happiness than your own attitude towards life, people, situations, and events. Even if your past attitudes have been less than positive, you have the ability to change and become a master of happiness.
Unrealistic expectations are at the root of much unhappiness. We must challenge unrealistic expectations, for we have no guarantee that things will turn out the way we expect--Hashem has no obligations to us.
It is best to follow the advice of the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch: "Think positive and it will be positive." By envisioning good in our minds, we create positive spiritual influences. By thinking grateful and happy thoughts, we ensure that Hashem will send us more opportunities for happiness. We should make a conscious effort to focus on good moments pleasurable experiences.
Assume responsibility for making yourself happy. As individuals, we have unique requirements for attaining happiness; what makes one person happy might not do the same for another. Revel in your individuality, and don't worry about whether your desires are comparable to those of your peers.
In the Yeshiva of Novardok, students used to engage in deliberately odd behavior--asking for nails in the bakery, for example, or wearing a tie made of hay--to gain emotional freedom from the need for public approval. These students discovered that the fear of embarrassment was much greater than the reality. This strengthened their confidence to do the right thing, oblivious to what other might think.
When Reb Yaakov Aryeh of Radzmin served as rabbi of Tichvil, he was so poor that he could not even afford a Kippa. Instead, he covered his head with a cabbage leaf. He would walk around town with that cabbage leaf on his head, his posture erect and unashamed as he radiated joy. One of the townspeople asked him, "Rabbi, aren't you ashamed of your poverty?" "Why should I be ashamed of it?" he replied calmly. "Did I steal it from anyone?"(Mi'Gedolai Ha'Chassidut, vol 23)(Simcha, Perek 41, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 163(Think Positive)
Holy Jews:
People tend to believe that depression and unhappiness are too difficult to fight. But it has been proven time and again that we are capable of controlling our thoughts.
A man walks through his front door in a furious mood, ready to explode because of a terrible day at work -- the unexpected and honored guest waiting in the living room makes all his anger fade away. A mother is in the middle of an angry scolding. The phone rings, and a good friend is on the line -- her mood abruptly changes for the better.
What if a person is in the middle of a shouting match, and the knock on the door is an important business acquaintance? Would he continue to yell and scream, or would he force himself to calm down and greet his guest in a composed fashion? A person can pick and choose his emotions-it's a matter of willpower and determination.
Think happy thoughts. Don't be distracted from thinking positively. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, tell yourself calmly to stop. Don't toy with depressing ideas; welcome only those thoughts that are positive. If thinking about the past makes you feel unhappy, you have an obligation to keep those thoughts out of your mind.
Keep a repertoire of positive thoughts that can be played back when necessary. Such encouraging mental tapes are personal messages: inspiring, empowering, optimistic. Whether it''s a single word, a phrase, or a concept, these positive thoughts can be reviewed anywhere and anytime. Use them in moments of crisis, to provide support, or simply as loyal companions to help you get through the struggles of everyday life.
Take advantage of mentally free moments: time spent waiting for the bus or the elevator, sitting on the train, standing in line at the bank, walking down the street, watching the children in the park. All are ideal for playing back these positive tapes. The inspiration can replace anxiety, anger, and other negative thoughts, calming and strengthening you.
The conscious mind can only focus on one thought at a time. Replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. When we focus on our trust and confidence in Hashem, fearful, worrisome thoughts will disappear, leaving a blissful feeling to permeate our consciousness.
"If a horse turns off its path and begins to go on another, the rider can seize the reins and redirect it onto the proper path. It is exactly the same with thoughts. As soon as a person sees his thoughts deviating from the proper path, he must seize them and redirect them to the proper way."(Rebbe Nachman, Likutei Etzot)(Simcha, Perek 49, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
Most people's minds are like garbage pails, where all manner of thoughts are dumped. We need to develop an orderly mind, controlling what we permit to enter.(Reb Simcha Zissel of Kelm)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 162(The Wealthy Father)
Holy Jews:
There is a difference between concern and worry. Concern may be defined as identifying problems and looking for solutions without being crippled by the situation. Worry, on the other hand, allows problems to consume a person, even when he can't do anything to solve them.
The chronic worrier will cite any number of proofs to demonstrate that a threatened misfortune will soon be upon him. When a tragedy is averted, this person does not allow the happy turn of events to influence his future reactions. Instead, he will say, "Well, this time it worked out all right. But the next problem? For that I really need to worry!" He continues to carry a large load of useless worries which interfere with his enjoyment of life. Recognize the senseless futility of worry, and commit yourself to breaking the worrying habit.
When you find yourself worrying about something, turn to Hashem and daven for assistance. The belief that Hashem is intrinsically involved in this world is the foundation for developing courage and optimism. Once you have asked Hashem for help, there is no need to worry any longer. Just as Hashem assisted you in the past, from the early days of your childhood until this moment, He will also help you now. A person who trusts in Hashem is spared paralyzing anxiety.
When Rav Yitzchak Zev Adler boarded a ship to Eretz Yisrael with a young family, the other passengers stared at him in disbelief. "We are all old men who long to kiss the holy earth of Eretz Yisrael before we die," said one man. "We have nothing to lose. But you are a young man with a family. How will you support them in a land where there is so much poverty? "I'm not worried," replied Rav Yadler. "I have a wealthy father in Eretz Yisrael." The passengers nodded in understanding. Some of them even asked Rav Yitzchak Zev to speak to his father on their behalf, asking if he could help them as well when they arrived in Eretz Yisrael. Rav Yitzchak Zev smilingly assured them that his father was wonderfully kind, and would certainly be pleased to help them out. When the boat finally arrived at the port, the passengers were surprised that no one was there to greet Rav Yitzchak Zev. "Where is your father?" they asked in concern. "He is right here beside me," he answered simply. "My father is the Father of all of us all, and He is fabulously wealthy. He has already welcomed us with open arms and He is the One to Whom we all turn for assistance."(U'reeh Be'Tuv Yerushalayim)(Simcha, Perek Chaf Tet, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 161(Gratitude)
Holy Jews:
To help instill an appreciation for what we have, the morning prayers begin with a series of Brachot which thank Hashem for the simple and obvious joys of life. Before uttering a Bracha, we should allow joyous gratitude to suffuse us.(Beit Tefilla Perek Vav)
Chazal obligated us to say one hundred Brachot daily. The righteous always look for more reasons to praise Hashem, and happiness is noticing the good that constantly comes our way. Essentially, we are told to take a happiness break one hundred times a day!
When a person awakens in the morning, places his feet on the ground, and sees the sky stretched above him, he should feel that Hashem has, at that very moment, seperated the water from the earth, created the sky over his head, and laid the dry land under his feet. With every step he takes, Hashem has just then prepared that place for him to walk upon.(Alter of Slobodka)
The trick is to get into the habit of active observance. Once you master the art of noticing, appreciating, and consciously enjoying what you already have, you will always be happy.
Reb Hershele Spinka advised a working man that he should consciously note the restoration of his energy while he eats his evening meal. When he recites the words of Birchat Hamazon, he should joyfully thank Hashem for providing him with his daily requirements.(Menuchat Ha'Nefesh p 5)
Become conscious of the beauty of every moment. Focus on your underlying natural state of joy, even amid the mundane issues of daily life. If you master the art of noticing, appreciating, and consciously enjoying what you already have, then you really have everything, you will always be happy.
Acknowledgement of Hashem means abandoning the illusion that you alone are responsible for your achievements. In reality, it's all a gift from Hashem. When you recognize that everything you have is a gift, that leads to understanding that there is One who gives and is the source of all that is good: Hashem.
With gratitude, you can experience the goodness of Hashem in a powerfully personal way. The words "thank you" are simple, yet they are the most powerful prayer of all. If you can say "thank you" you can connect with Hashem and begin to develop a personal relationship with Him.
When Moshiach comes, all sacrifices will be discontinued, except for the Korban Todah, the sacrifice of thanksgiving. All other Korbanot will be unnecessary, because we will no longer have the Yetzer Hara. The need to express our indebtedness to Hashem, however, will never cease. We cannot rely on yesterday's praise to fulfill today's obligation, for Hashem is constantly providing for us.
The Chazon Ish often related that each morning without fail, the Chafetz Chayim would say to his wife, "Didn't the Borei Olam give us wonderful children? Didn't He help me write my sefarim? We must remember to thank Him every single minute for all these favors!"(The Chazon Ish Hagaddah)(Simcha, Perek 39, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think of:
One of the greatest segulot for Parnasa is to be B'Simcha. You want millions, SMILE!!!!
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 160(Family and Friends)
Holy Jews:
Surround yourself with happy, supportive people who possess positive outlooks and spiritual goals--their positive energy will rub off on you. When you share your anxieties with these friends, they will give you support, a fresh perspective, and positive suggestions.
Sharing your life with a good friend intensifies meaningful experiences, consoles you in your pain, and deepens your sense of delight in the world. Good friends make life worth living. Friendship doubles joy and cuts grief in half.
Acquiring a friend can help you break through the chains that bind you and reach out to others. Sharing your accomplishments with your friends leads you to further success in life. In fact, this is why a man without a wife finds happiness more difficult to attain.(Gemara Yevamot 62b)
People who have supportive friends live longer, for their friends serve as a source of strength. It has been proven that women with cancer who participate in support groups live longer.
Seventy-five percent of Americans listed family as the number one key to happiness, in a recent AP poll. Having a secure, caring family unit is the prime factor in enabling people to live joyful lives. Family and good friends are a constant presence and anchor in a person's life, providing security, identity, self-worth, and happiness. Many of contemporary society's ills can be traced to the breakdown of the family structure in modern times. It is worth every effort to create a happy environment in our homes. Each mother functions as the commander in chief of her home.
Someone once asked Rabbi Avigdor Miller how one could possibly emulate Hashem's attribute of being a general at war. Rabbi Miller replied, "Every parent who raises a family is raising a group of soldiers for Hashem. Those mothers who have fourteen children are raising a platoon of servants for Hashem."
The only way to truly celebrate is with family and friends. "He should gather the members of his household and his friends to rejoice properly together"(Mishnah Berura 795:2)
Happiness in the family derives from mutual respect and appreciation between parents and children. Neither permissive nor authoritarian methods will guarantee happiness in the home. A balanced approach padded with love will give children the security they need so they can grow into happy adults. Parents and family share their worries, giving them the confidence and ability to withstand the difficulties of adulthood.
Consult your memory to see which childhood events stand out most clearly. Do you remember your favorite toys and games, or the times spent together with family? Focusing on the meaningful, pleasurable experiences of family time will fortify your connection with your nearest and dearest and improve your relationships.
Many are inspired to return to Judaism after paying a visit to a Jewish home where they imbibe the spirituality of family members united in the service of Hashem.(Simcha, Perek 43, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 159(A Vessel For Bracha)
Holy Jews:
And now, Yisrael, what does Hashem ask of you but to fear Hashem your G-d and walk in His ways and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and your Neshama.(Devarim 10:12)
Looking carefully at the wording of the text, we can ask: What's missing here? The Pasuk lists several methods of serving Hashem: fear, love, going in His way. What else is there that the Torah sees fit to say, "What does Hashem ask of you but" This wording implies that besides fear and love and walking on the right path, there is something that has been left out."
It seems that the explanation is this: Hakadosh Baruch Hu created this world for only one purpose -- to do acts of good and kindness for His creations. However in order to receive this good, one needs the proper vessel with which to hold the goodness.
We will illustrate this idea with an analogy: You wish to send someone a gift of honey and wine, but you lack an attractive vessel to hold it. So you borrow a silver flask from the person whom you wish to give the gift. You fill it with the wine and honey and then give it back to the person who lent it to you.
Similarly, man is a vessel read to receive the goodness of Hashem. In order for a man --the vessel -- to prepare himself to receive the divine influx of goodness and blessing, he must fear Hashem, love Him and serve Him by fulfilling and obeying His commandments. Then he becomes a proper vessel, beautifully decorated, to hold the goodness and blessings. Hashem then "borrows" the vessel and fills it with goodness.
This then is how we read the Pasuk: "What does Hashem, you G-d, borrow {literally ask] from you?" {The word for "ask" Shoel, also means borrow] When does Hashem borrow from you your vessel in order to fill it with goodness and blessing? But {or only} to fear..." -- this can only happen if you serve Him with all the means outlined in the Pasuk. Then you will be a proper, attractive vessel ready to accept and hold the blessings. Only then does Hashem "borrow" the vessel from you. In other words, He "borrows" you -- in order to benefit you. Thus, through your own hand, through your own actions, goodness and blessing will come upon all of Klal Yisrael.(Peninei Noam Elimelech, Parashat Ekev)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 158(The Power of The Mikveh)
Holy Jews:
In the days of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech and his brother the Rebbe Reb Zisha, a grandchild of the Gaon Rav Simcha HaKohen Rappaport, the Av Beit Din of Lublin, became deathly ill. The doctors had given up all hope that the Rav would ever recover. The patient's mother begged her husband to allow her to travel to Lizhensk to ask Rebbe Elimelech for a Bracha. Though he himself was a Mitnaged, an opponent of Chassidus, under the circumstances he allowed her to go.
When she arrived, she gave the Rebbe a Kvittel (A note customarily given to the Rebbe with the name of the petitioner and his or her family so that the Rebbe should mention their name when praying on their behalf.) The Kvittel contained the sick man's name and the name of his mother. Rebbe Elimelech told her that if she wished her son to recover, she must promise that once he regained his strength he would come to be the Rebbe's guest for Shabat. If she would promise this, he would guarantee the Rav's recovery. She promised, and the Rebbe told her to go home and rest assured that the Rav would indeed recover his health.
The Rebbe gave her a sign that this would come true. When she returned home she would find three expert physicians meeting there. They would all say that there was no hope left, and they would go home. But then they would come back and write her a prescription for medicine from which the Rav would indeed recover. However, the doctor who would sign the prescription would die suddenly.
The events transpired exactly as Rebbe Elimelech had predicted. When he had fully recovered, the Rav traveled with his mother to Lizhensk to fulfill her promise, and they spent Shabat with Rebbe Elimelech.
During that Shabat, the Rebbe told his guest that he knew that in his youth the Rav had studied philosophical works dealing with heretical questions against belief in Hashem. This had brought him to lose faith in Hashem and His Holy Torah. This is what had caused his illness, and though he was now well, the root of his sickness had not been purged. The Rebbe told him he must travel to Hanipoli to Rebbe Elimelech's brother Rebbe Zisha, where he would have a full recovery.
After Shabat, the Rav did as Rebbe Elimelech advised and traveled to Hanipoli. He arrived on Friday before daybreak and went to find lodgings at an inn. There he met an older man who welcomed him and call him by name. The Rav was surprised to hear a stranger call him by name and he asked who the older man was. The man introduced himself; he was Reb Zisha, the brother of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk.
"Come now, come with me to the Mikveh," Reb Zisha urged the Rav. Awed by the Rebbe's amazing intuition, the Rav went with him. After they had immersed in the purifying waters, the Rav could feel that all the questions, doubts, and lack in his faith that he had been harboring in his heart had dissipated. "Now," said Reb Zisha, "you are completely cured." And so he was. (Menorat Zahav p2, Ohel Elimelech 41)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 157(Entitlement)
Holy Jews:
We have a sense of entitlement for certain aspects of life, such as fair treatment, sensitivity, and respect from others. This may be the ultimate ideal, but it does not reflect reality. Any kindness we receive from others is always a gift.
Eliminating entitlement from your life and embracing gratitude in its stead is spiritually and psychologically liberating. Gratitude is the honest recognition that life owes you nothing, and all the good you have is a gift. The senses of sight, hearing, smell, and taste; your clothing, your employment, your home; your spouse and your children; and every breath you take--all are gifts. This recognition is a fundamental truth of reality.
The persistent complaint of entitlement-"I deserve better!"-does not occur to righteous individuals. Every kindness done to Esav made him more arrogant, but every kindness that Yaakov Avinu experienced made him feel more indebted and undeserving. He saw himself as too small for all the good that Hashem did for him, with the recognition that it was all a gift from Shamayim. Such an understanding is a major shift from the more typical entitlement mode. It is key to true happiness.
Imagine being served a six-course meal at a friend's house. When it is time for dessert, your host abruptly informs you that the meal is over. Can you imagine becoming morally indignant, pounding on the table and demanding dessert? Of course not! After all, you are only a guest in someone else's home, and you have already received so much!
In the same vein, our reaction to difficult events should be tempered with our appreciation for what we have already been given. It is Hashem's world, and if He gives us six courses but no dessert, we should not be indignant and complain.(Rabbi Manis Friedman)
Marriage is an area of life that is full of expectations. There is the automatic assumption that your spouse will provide you with financial and emotional support, and assure your happiness for the rest of your life. But in reality, your spouse owes you nothing! As Rav Dessler said, "When demands begin, love departs."(Michtav M'Eliyahu I)
Focusing on what you feel is lacking will make a marriage painful. If instead each person in a marriage would focus on their responsibilities to their spouse, and what they can do to make the other happy, the marriage will be much more fulfilling.(Simcha, Perek 37, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 156(Dance!!!)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by Eliyahu Tzvi Ben Rachel, in the zechut of his helping spread Torah Hashem should bless him and his entire family with Osher Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha, both in Ruchniut and in Gashmiut AMEN! Bechinam!
Is it possible to explain the following fact using logic or analysis? Take a person whose spirit is diffuse; his thoughts are scattered and have no general theme connecting them to a single great purpose. Imagine that this person wishes to unite his thoughts, directing them towards one central point. He will certainly find such a task very difficult indeed! Yet suppose he arrives at a Simchat Torah celebration and begins to dance with all his might. Suddenly he is transformed, healed... During the course of the dancing, he feels himself cleansed of all profane worries and concerns. They fall away from him like sand and dust from a coat that has been shaken in the wind. His Neshama is refined and elevated, his inner thoughts and feelings become purified, bright, and clear as the sky. The fact that a physical activity -- dancing -- has such a profound effect on his Neshama and mind cannot be explained logically. Yet dancing does stimulate the Neshama, strengthens it--and to an extent, reveals it.(Chovot Ha'Talmidim, Essay 2)
Through dancing and motion, joy is aroused.(Sefer Ha'Middot, Simcha) When a person is depressed or sick, his legs feel heavy. Man's right and left legs correspond to the Sephirot of Netzach and Hod. If a person is sick or depressed, Rebbe Nachman recommends that he dance. In this way, he will elevate these Divine judgments back to their source, Binah, which corresponds to the heart.
One Simchat Torah, the Baal Shem Tov told his disciples that after Hakafot and the festivities of the previous evening, the Malachim found Heaven littered with strange objects: torn slippers, broken heals. The Malachim are accustomed to finding Tzizit, Tefillin, and similar items, but they had never come across the likes of these. They decided to ask the Malach Michael, the supernal advocate of the Jewish people, if he knew what this was all about. "Yes" Michael said, "this is my merchandise. These are the remains of last night's Hakafot, at which Jews danced with the Torah. 'The Archangel Metat' Michael added, referring to the most prestigious Malach in the Heavenly court, "ties crowns for Hashem out of Klal Yisrael's Tefillot. Today, I shall fashion an even more glorious crown for Hakadosh Baruchu out of these torn shoes!"(Simcha, Perek 48, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 155(The Joy of Wisdom)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat Yehoshua Ben Nun, his Neshama should have an Aliyah and should be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael AMEN!
Spiritual acquisitions are not like material possessions. What belongs to others does not have to be beyond your reach. For example, knowledge of Torah is a spiritual possession; but when two people share this knowledge with one another, it does not in any way diminish the knowledge of either one. In fact, they may both increase their knowledge by sharing and discussing it.
Hashem's commandments are straight; they bring joy to the heart"(Tehillim 19:9) Torah study and observance offer a person new insights and understanding, which enhances the simcha in his life. The more wisdom he gains, the happier he will be.
The essence of all joy is Torah, because Torah teaches us the meaning of life. It shows us how to connect with Hashem and live according to His will. Learning the best way to do something is always a source of happiness, and Torah study teaches us how we can best fulfill our responsibilities in serving Hashem. Because Torah study infuses the learner with such joy, we are not allowed to learn on Tisha B'Av, a day of mourning--except according to one opinion, if the person is studying an unfamiliar topic, because such learning is associated with anguish.(Mesechet Taanit, Daf 30a, Rashi)
There is an innate joy in acquiring wisdom even if you do not apply it, for you have broadened your existence with something meaningful. But the truly wise person will take the next step beyond this natural happiness. Whenever you gain a new insight or understanding, figure out how it can enhance your life in a practical way and apply it immediately.
Embracing newfound wisdom can be difficult. A wise man once said, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened." If you pick up a diamond and recognize its worth, you will carefully guard it. But if you pick up the same stone and start playing marbles with it, its value remains unappreciated, and it will surely get lost.
Chazal taught that forgetting one's Torah learning is as tragic as burying one's child, for the person loses his connection to eternity. Wisdom must be cherished; learn it, review it, memorize it. Use that wisdom to achieve your loftiest goals, and when needed, use it as a focus and strength in the face of adversity.(Simcha, Perek Lamed Gimmel, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
Hashem will continuously do miracles for those who consistently express their gratitude to Him.(Peleh Yoetz)(ibid 39)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 154(The Joy of Being The Am Segula)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration is Liulay Nishmat the Great Sanzer Rav, Zecher Tzaddik Vkadosh LBracha, his Neshama should have an Aliyah and be a zechut for all of Klal Yisrael Amen!
Knowing that we are Hashem's beloved children should infuse us with a great deal of happiness. The joy a person feels when he recites a blessing, "Who has not created me a Gentile" should sustain him all day. Focus on our unique roles and intrinsic greatness as the children of Hashem.
The Slonimer Rebbe Ztl teaches that the source of happiness is the joy a Jew feels in the way Hashem relates to him. Hashem is our loving, devoted Father, constantly looking for opportunities to bestow good upon us. Jewish happiness carries a spiritual dimension. This form of joy is so lofty that when we happily accept the way Hashem relates to us, Hashem will, Mida Keneged Mida(measure for measure) happily accept the way we relates to Him.(Nesivot Shalom I, p 286)
The Kedushat Levi, Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev would always recite the morning Brachot aloud for the congregation. One morning he skipped the Bracha Shelo Asani Goy. He later explained that on the way to shul, he had been suddenly overcome with intense joy at having been born a Jew. "I began to dance," he said, "for I had inherited a marvelous treasure. I could not contain myself and I pronounced the Bracha right then and there. That is why I couldn't say it in shul-- I had already recited it!"
When Rav Nachum Rogozovsky was still unmarried, he once visited the Chazon Ish with a sad expression on his face. "Nachum: the Chazon Ish chided gently, "Hashem has chosen us from all other nations. How is it possible to be sad?"
Every Jew should feel great joy that he was sent to this world with a holy Jewish Neshama. Our Neshama endows us with the ability to become a holy nation, greatly beloved by Hashem. "If people knew of Hashem's great love for each Jew, they would roar like a lion as they leaped to His service."(Zohar Hakadosh)
One Motzei Shabat, Rav Shlomo Halberstam, the Bobover Rebbe, announced that he had received a wonderful gift. During World War Two, the Rebbe had posed as a gentile. Dressed in a Nazi uniform, he was able to save many lives. One of his rescue endeavors involved a Hungarian coal truck driver, who would deliver escaping Jews, hidden in the false bottom of his truck, to the Hungarian Border. The Rebbe later recalled, "There was about a foot of space, and we slipped those Jews inside like one would slip Matzot into an oven. They had to lie motionless as the truck traveled to the border." Once the Rebbe was sitting in a restaurant waiting for a Polish peasant who would escort the escaping Jews over the border into Hungary. He noticed a young peasant boy sitting in the back. The boy looked up, and their eyes met. The Rebbe knew the boy well--he had once attended the Rebbe's Yeshiva. He was also pretending to be a gentile. The boy came over to the Rebbe, and the Rebbe took his hand. "Mayer" the Rebbe said, "because of the war we are struggling to survive. I look like a Nazi soldier and you look like a peasant farm boy. I am sure that the war will end soon. Promise me that you will always remember that you are a Jew. Your father and mother were upright Jews. As soon as you are able, remember that you are a Jew." Years later on this Motzei Shabat, the Rebbe announced, "Tonight a mature man with a long, grey beard visited me. I looked at him and he looked at me, and then he said "Rebbe, I remembered!" "Mayer!" I called out happily. "'Rebbe I remembered,' Mayer said again, 'I have several children and two dozen grandchildren, and they are all upright Jews'"(What Can Relieve Stress, Roiza Weinreich)(Simcha, Perek 51, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 153(Don't Worry!)
Holy Jews:
Imagine meeting someone who looks very unhappy. When you ask, he tells you that everything is fine in his life right now, but that he is worrying about something that might happen in another ten years. Wouldn't you question his sanity? Surely, everyone would agree that it is ridiculous to worry about something so far in the future! But we do not seem to realize that worrying about next week is precisely the same thing.
The worrier, the over-planner, the fearful -- they all spend more time worrying about future possibilities than focusing on what they have now. They rationalize their worry as being "practical" or "planning for the future" No one opposes practicality or planning, of course, but living or dwelling in the future is neurotic. They phobic individuals become so steeped in the habit of worrying that they can never enjoy the serenity of the moment.
Worry is contagious. It has a detrimental effect on everyone in your environment. Consider what your negativity is doing to you and those around you. A person's will is broken by worrying and sadness, his spirit is eroded by the vicious cycle of negativity and depression.
A chassid once appealed to the Hornstipler Rebbe for assistance. His daughter, he complained, refused to proceed with an excellent Shidduch. The Rebbe asked that the girl be brought to him. He gently asked her, "My daughter, why doesn't the young man find favor in your eyes?" "There is a strong aura of sadness about him," she explained. "It worries me." The Rebbe summoned her father and told him, "All Jewish girls should be happy. If he makes her feel melancholy, then the Shidduch must be broken."(M'Gedolei HaTorah B'Chassidut, Admorei Beit Tzanz, p 120)(Simcha, Perek Lamed Alef, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
The Hebrew word for worry--Daagah--is made up of the first five letters of the Alef Bet, excluding the letter Bet. Bet stands for Bitachon(Trust) A person with Daagah is lacking Bitachon in Hashem.(Ibid)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 152(Smile Its Contagious)
Holy Jews:
The simple effort of putting a smile on our face can make a tremendous difference in the world around us. Happiness is contagious. Often by flashing a smile at others, they will aim one back at you, and that will generate a positive change in your internal state. So act happy, walk buoyantly, and smile a lot! A smile is a universal expression of happiness and is recognized as such by all cultures. It has been said that there is only one thing in life that is multiplied by division. Divide and share your happiness and you will increase it.
Yaakov Avinu blessed his son Yehuda with the words: "His eyes are red like wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk."(Bereshit 49:12) Rav Avraham Pam quotes the Gemara that comments on these words: "When a person displays the whites of his teeth {smiles warmly} to his friend, it is more beneficial than giving him a cup of milk to drink." Rav Pam adds that Avot D'Rebbe Natan tells us, "Even if a person is unable to give his friend anything, but he greets him pleasantly, it is as if he has given him all the gifts in the world." Rav Pam notes that this simple concept is often overlooked. A smile benefits both the recipients of its warmth and the one bestowing it. When you smile at others, you allow them into your world; you become at ease, connected with those around you. Smiles make walls of isolation crumble and bridges the gap between you and another.(A Rabbi's Journal, p 64-65)(Simcha, Perek 45, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
The world mirrors back to us what we show it: "As water reflects one's face, so too the human heart reflects the heart of another."(Mishlei 27:19)(ibid)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 151(Remember Your Triumphs)
Holy Jews:
A person should focus on the rewards of accomplishment, using his imagination to good purpose. He looks towards the brighter future he hopes to achieve. The triumphant images he creates provide encouragement and boost him to success.
Review everything that went right during the course of the day. Focus your attention on pleasant events and savor the success of what you have accomplished. Your learning went well, your children were on time for the school bus, the line at the bank moved smoothly and quickly, there was a convenient parking space at work, the boss was in a good mood, supper was ready on time, everyone is in good spirits -- make a list of all the things that happened. Refer to that list when you need encouragement. It will offer you strength.
Write another list of your talents and good qualities. Give yourself credit for what you've accomplished and achieved. Positive actions result in approval, which inspires further action in a positive cycle of growth. Focus on your past successes even as you picture yourself improving in the future.
Create an environment geared to success by steering away from thoughts of failure. Self-pity is your worst enemy, making you forget what you have achieved. True, nothing is perfect, but that fact should help you regard your past accomplishments in a realistic, positive. HaGaon Rav Elya Lopian says "Make sure to remember your triumphs, for they will help you serve Hashem."(Simcha, Perek 50, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
David HaMelech writes, "I considered my ways and I turned my feet to Your testimonies"(Tehillim 119:59) The Kotzker Rebbe suggests that the Pasuk is encouraging us to believe in our worth in Hashem's eyes. Rather than translate "Chashavti" as "consider" the Kotzker Rebbe relates it to the word "Chashuv" (valuable) "My ways are valuable, and I turn my feet to Your testimonies" Recognizing our importance as Hashem's children inspires us to do Mitzvot and bring us closer to Him. Viewing our deeds as insignificant, however, seperates us from Hashem.(Emet V'Emunah p 85, ibid)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 150(Relying on Hashem)
Holy Jews:
One of the conditions ordained by the Highest Wisdom was that in order for a person to receive sustenance(Shefa) from Hashem, he must first motivate himself in Hashem's direction and turn to Hashem to request his needs. The amount of sustenance depends upon the degree to which he does so. If a person is not awakened in this direction, then no Divine sustenance will reach him at all. This is the significance of prayer. Hakadosh Baruchu desires and wills to constantly benefit mankind. He therefore arranged that prayer be a daily obligation. Through it, man receives sustenance, success and blessing according to his needs, as dictated by his state of being in this world.(Derech Hashem, Rav Moshe Chayim Lazzatto, Chelek Revii, Perek Hey)
When Rav Haim Palagi(Habif) was the Hacham of Izmir, he took care of the needs of his townspeople in all areas, both Ruchniut and Gashmiut. At one point, there was no denying the extreme need for a Jewish hospital. However, building a hospital would take a great deal of money, which they did not have. Rav Haim accepted the responsibility to raise the needed funds. He wrote a letter to a wealthy man who did business with the famous Baron Rothschild, asking him to go to the Baron and request a generous donation. The wealthy man answered that he was afraid that Baron Rothschild would get upset at him if he asked for money. He was worried that asking the Baron would cause him damage in his business dealings with him. Rav Haim responded in a letter that said the following, "I am shocked that you did not notice in my first letter that I wrote on the top of the page, "with Hashem's help (bet samach daled)' Therefore you can see that I am relying on Hashem's help." The man accepted the job and went to Baron Rothschild for a donation. He was not disappointed; Baruch Hashem, the Baron gave a large donation for the new hospital.(A Legacy of Leaders)
Whatever it is we need whether huge or tiny, we must rely on Hashem, and remember to ask Him.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 149(Renewed Affection)
Holy Jews:
Each and every day, Jews recite the Shema affirming their belief in the oneness of Hashem. The first paragraph of Shema continues with: "You shall love Hashem, your G-d, with all your heart, with you soul, and with all your might. And these matters that I command you this shall be upon your heart." (Devarim 6:5-6) The connection between these two Pesukim can be understood with help of the following story:
A certain aristocrat married off his daughter to the scion of one the noble houses. After a while the groom and his new father-in-law had a falling out, the consequences of which was that the groom returned to live in his father's house. One day two men chanced to meet at an inn and an argument ensued as to who was to blame for their original disagreement. The son-in-law began, "I want you to know that I still love you faithfully, I just have a minor disagreement with my wife."
After a long discussion of their differences they came to a compromise and shook hands to indicate their restored affection. Then the father-in-law spoke up and said, "My son, even though we have made peace between us, I will not be convinced that your love for me is truly what it was formerly until you return to live with my daughter under my roof once more."
Now let us apply this thought in understanding the juxtaposition of the Pesukim cited above. In the first Pasuk we are told that we must love Hashem with a whole heart. Immediately afterwards, the second Pasuk gives a tool for measuring the degree to which we have achieved this goal -- that is, by examining how precious the words of His Torah are to us, for as we know, "the Torah and Hakadosh Baruchu, are one."
Every word of Torah emanated from Hashem's mouth, and with the twenty-two letters of the Alef-Bet He created the heavens and the earth. That is why the commandment to love our Creator is immediately followed by the commandment to place the words of His Torah upon our hearts.
Over seven hundred times a year we make the declaration: "And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your hearts." This thought should penetrate to the very depths of our Neshamot -- that Hashem wants the words of His Torah to be indelibly engraved on the tablets of our hearts. Instead, to our great shame, our attitude towards them in one of callous disregard.
Chazal tell us that the Pasuk "For he has reviled the word of Hashem"(Bamidbar 15:31) refers to one who has the time to study Torah but neglects to do so.(Chomat HaDa'at Perek 15, R' Yisrael Meir HaCohen)
Something to think about:
Sadness locks the gates of Heaven. Prayer opens all locked gates. Joy shatters all barriers.(Ba'al Shem Tov)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 148(Impossible Demands)
Holy Jews:
Our foremost responsibility is to determine our purpose and goals, and then discover how to achieve them. Many people are depressed because they make impossible demands on themselves, leading to frustration and misery. They failure to reach unrealistic goals causes melancholy. To avoid such an eventuality, we must realistically assess our capabilities and ambitions. Some people are overly self-critical because they have not learned to accept their very human shortcomings.
Recognize that you are in precisely the right place, with precisely the right tools, to live a happy, vibrant life. Many of the goals to which people aspire are not actually in their best interest. Happiness requires harmony between mind and heart, and periodic assessment is well worth the effort. If our ambitions are sapping our strength and depressing us, than we may have erred in our choice of goals. Perhaps our tools are being used in the wrong way, or for the wrong purpose. Explore other routes which do not deplete your resources.
When you worry about being accepted by others, you are judging yourself by the opinions of individuals whose moods, attitudes, and values are constantly changing. Consider that you are placing your happiness in the hands of people who are themselves worried about how others will relate to them. You are constantly investing great amounts of energy into pleasing first one person, then another. You are trying to be one person in the morning, another during the day, and yet another at night. Sometimes you do things that are opposed to your true inner will because you are under pressure from others. This will only leaving empty and degraded.
We must develop confidence in ourselves so the disapproval of others is nothing more than a minor irritant. The opinions of others should not be what makes us happy, nor should their actions matter. It is what we ourselves do--both for others and for ourselves--that can truly affect our self-esteem and happiness.(Simcha, Perek Yud Daled, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
Remember that no one can make you feel bad unless you let them.
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 147(Pleasure)
Holy Jews:
A person who wishes to check the negativity in this world must remain in good spirits continuously. When one is happy, it is impossible to be sad; for when one emotion wanes, the other waxes in intensity. Although it would be proper for a person, especially a righteous one, to maintain a continuous state of total attachment to the spiritual, Hashem sometimes gives man a specific desire for certain things. He then allows these desires to be fulfilled so the person rejoices. This joy, in turn subdues the negative forces that diminish spirituality in this world. Even a person who is not on such a high level can contribute to the eradication of destructive elements, by blessing Hashem for the physical pleasures he enjoys.(Noam Elimelech)
Reb Baruch of Mezibuzh was reciting the Pasuk, "I thank You for all the kindnesses You have done for me and for all the kindnesses You will do for me." He stopped and considered, then wondered out loud, "Why do I have to thank Hashem now for future kindnesses? After all, I can thank Him when they occur!" "Perhaps it is because I may not recognize His kindnesses. Maybe I will think of them as troubles or tragedies." He began to weep. "How terrible! Hashem will be doing kindness with me, and I will not be able to recognize it!" (Simcha, Perek 42, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
Rabbi Elya Lopian once said to Rabbi Moshe Schwab, "How fortunate you are to have experienced the fear of death." Even a brush with death can be viewed in a positive light, for it can help a person focus on the more meaningful aspects of life. Life is as beautiful as you perceive it.(ibid)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 146(True Simcha)
Holy Jews:
Those looking for happiness would find it easier if they actually knew what they were seeking. A better understanding of the nature of happiness can help most people become happier. The dictionary defines happiness as "a state of well-being and contentment" but what does that actually mean? The best sources of joy are the profound, lasting ones referred to by Chazal as Simcha. Superficial, temporary varieties of joy are called by other names: Sasson by the Maharal, Gil by the Malbim. Many people confuse momentary pleasure with lasting happiness. Since joy is the key to unlocking spirituality and Divine blessing, however, it must be something much more profound than the superficial, fleeting moments that most people consider to be happiness.
"Because Simcha is the key to all the gates of Kedusha, it is obviously more than its simple definition. Many assume that Simcha is dependent on one's mood, so that a person is happy when he has something to be happy about. Rather, Simcha is a unique attitude: a path and principle of life that results from a profound understanding. It can be applied in all situations and circumstances, regardless of whether one has something to be happy about or not, or whether he has a befitting mood."(Nesivot Shalom VI, p 266)
True happiness is an enriching experience that does not dissipate. It is actually as permanent as the individual himself. It cannot be dependent on one's mood or on other people's input. It must be built on constant, internal sources; counting on sporadic, external sources of Simcha can lead to sharp ups and downs, which are very demoralizing.
The Jewish definition of real happiness, according to the Maharal, is "Shleimut" It is the rejoicing of your Neshama, when you are doing what you should be doing and behaving the way you should be behaving. When a person feels good about himself and what he possesses spiritually and materially, he has reached this objective. The Kotzker Rebbe describes the feeling as holiness flooding the consciousness. This special state of mind will permeate a person's thoughts, speech, and actions, and can be felt in all situations and under all circumstances.(Simcha, Perek Bet, Israel Bookshop)
Something to think about:
"The expectation of the righteous is joy"(Mishlei 10:28) Rabbeinu Yona explains that the righteous are joyous because they do not rely on human beings to fulfill their expectations -- only on Hashem.(ibid)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!.
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 145(Cheer Up!!!)
Holy Jews:
Hashem does not want us to go through life with sadness. The Torah says that Hashem's anger is aroused when the Jewish people fail to serve Him with happiness. All the curses enumerated in Ki Tavo will come upon one who does not serve Hashem with joy.(Devarim 24:47) Sadness leads to laziness and procrastination. Joy gives us increased energy and enthusiasm. When you are happy, you can rise above all personal limitations and weakness. You can achieve goals that otherwise may seem too difficult to attempt. With joy, you're not afraid to start that new venture. You've got ambition, buoyancy -- you're alive! So whether you're studying, working, or relaxing, the first step is happiness. It will give you a big boost of power and confidence. The true key of reaching your potential is to act with joy.
Reb Zushe once glanced out of the window of his home and saw a wedding procession going past. He ran out into the street to dance before the bride and groom with great joy. When he returned to the house, his family suggested that it was unseemly and undignified for him to dance outside in the street, even if it was for a wedding. "I will tell you why I disagree," Reb Zushe said. "I was once privileged to see a vision of Reb Yitzchak of Drohovitch. His face radiated with such a bright light that I could barely look at him. I asked him why he merited this light. "He told me that all his life, he had carefully followed the path of the Talmudic sage, Rabbi Nechunya Ben Ha'Kanah, who attributed his longevity to three things: "I never gained honor at the expense of the depredation of my fellow Jew, I never went to sleep without forgiving everyone for the day's vexations, and I have always been generous with my money." "As I absorbed Reb Yitzchak's words, he added one thing more: that whatever he had attained through these three things could also be achieved through joy! "And that, " Reb Zushe concluded, "is why I rushed outside when I saw the wedding procession, I wanted to participate in the joy of a Mitzvah."(Sipurai Chassdim, Parashat Shemini)(Simcha, Perek 61, Israel Bookshop)
Did you know:
"Ve'hayita Ach Sameach" (and you will surely be happy) The last letters of this Pasuk spell out the name of the angel of sustenance. Without happiness, the angel of sustenance is powerless. Sadness blocks man's ability to earn a living.(Geza Kodesh p 41)(ibid)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 144(The Stonecutter)
Holy Jews:
Intellectually, it is easy to acknowledge the axiom that a person who is content with his lot is rich. In reality, however, many silently add their own postscript: "Sure, I'm happy with what I have, but I'd be even happier if I owned the same stock portfolio that he has!" Or perhaps, "Happy, yes, but being happy isn't going to pay my bills."
It is worthwhile to pay careful attention to the wording that Chazal use: "Who is rich? He who rejoices in his portion."(Pirke Avot 4:1) The phrasing is not that he is also rich, or that he is very rich. Chazal are giving us the literal definition of wealth. If a person is dissatisfied with his portion in life -- whatever it might be -- he is not only unhappy, but he is also not rich. In material terms, he may be a millionaire, but he is poor, not wealthy. Poor is defined as not having what you need. If a person craves something that he does not have, then is poor, no matter how much he may have in the bank. In fact, the so-called rich person suffers more than the poor one, for his ambitions and needs are so much greater. The rich person's desires and prestige-seeking are never gratified. They never can be, because satisfying one need only leads to the next, and then the next. It is impossible to be happy with a state of mind that is always chasing after the next momentary satisfaction.
Both the poor and the wealthy may live miserable, frustrating lives. Only one who has conquered his lusts, who does not need anything that he doesn't actually possess, is truly a rich person. Because he does not need, he has everything.
A person should learn to focus on what he actually requires, not what others might possess. Craving the possessions and abilities of others only leads to unhappiness. Those who spend their time looking at their neighbors and associates to see what they have will always feel that they are missing something.
A famous Mashal relates the story of a poor stone cutter, who spent his days in grueling, backbreaking work. Once, as he laboriously hewed the stones from the mountain, he heard a great tumult. The king and his entourage were passing by. The stone cutter stopped his work to gaze wistfully at the king, who sat comfortably in his resplendent carriage together with his royal entourage. He said to himself, "How hard I work! If only I could be king, I would be the happiest person in the world." His thoughts made an impression in Shamayim, and he instantly became king! For a time, the king was delighted with his new status. But one day, as he rode in his grand carriage, the blazing heat of the sun beat down on him mercilessly. He longed to remove his heavy robes, but he knew that his royal status would not permit it. "it is not so wonderful to be a king, after all," he grumbled. "Now if I were the sun, I would be the happiest being in the universe!" Sure enough, he was instantly transformed into the sun. Contented, he busied with radiating light and warmth to the world below. All was well until a heavy bank of clouds drifted across the sky, blocking the sun's light. Frustrated, the sun exclaimed, "This cloud is interfering with my plans! The sun is not quite as powerful as I thought. If I were a cloud, no one would be able to interfere with me, and I would be truly happy!" He changed into a cloud. It happily flitted around the world, letting the rain fall where it was needed most. Then it encountered a giant mountain, unmoved by the winds and the rains. "How strong the mountain is! the cloud mused. "If only I could be a mountain, I would be completely content." The cloud immediately transformed into a mountain, standing strong and tall above everything on earth. The mountain was delighted with its status and might. There was nothing that could threaten him or hinder him. He reigned supreme! Then came the day that a simple stone cutter approached the mountain. Panicked, the mountain could do nothing but watch as the stone cutter carefully prepared to hew stones from its side. The lowly stone cutter was ever more powerful than he! If only...!(Sichot Kodesh Spinka)(Simcha, Perek Lamed Hey, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you! .
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 143(Pesach)
Holy Jews:
It was on Pesach that we emerged from the fiery furnace of the Galut Mitzrayim, where the Neshamot of the Jewish people were cleansed of the impurities which clung to them, and became a nation. People who had been separate individuals, from our saintly forefathers through the twelve tribes and their descendants, were united and bonded into a single nation, chosen by Hashem to receive the Torah and Mitzvot.
The light of Geula revealed at the time of the Exodus has continued to illuminate and influence the Neshama of the Jewish nation on Pesach every year since. For this reason, we were commanded to eliminate Chametz from our homes; since Chametz is an illusion to the Yetzer Hara(Evil inclination) and the forces of bondage, the act of removing all Chametz is in the nature of "distance yourself from evil" On the other hand, we were commanded to eat Matza, which the Zohar calls "bread of healing" and "bread of faith"
In the same vein, the commandment to drink four cups of wine and the Seder corresponds to the four expressions of redemption mentioned in the Torah. We eat Matza and drink the four cups while reclining like free men, to highlight the concept of freedom.
The Navi Michah (Perek 7 Pasuk 35) promised us, "I will show you wonders as in the days of your exodus from Mizrayim" This is why we must remember all the miracles performed for the Jewish people at the time of the first redemption [from galut Mitzrayim] which are a portent of the final Geula yet to come. For this reason the commandment "you shall tell your son on this day [Pesach]"(Parashat Bo, 13:8) is a positive commandment ordained by the Torah, which we are obligated to fulfill on the holy night of the Seder.(B'Kol Yom Avarechecha, R' Yaacob Kassin)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!.
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 142(Burial Tax)
Holy Jews:
An impoverished seamstress passed away, and her relatives did not have the necessary funds to pay the exorbitant burial taxes. In desperation, they tried to sneak her body onto Har Hezetim without anyone noticing. As the tiny procession drew near to the famous bet olam, her relatives began to hope against hope that their scheme had succeeded. However, one of the local sheikhs, napping on his second floor balcony, heard their hushed footsteps rustling past and jumped up to ensure that no one was trying to cheat him out of his dishonorable revenues. Sure enough, he spotted the Jews trying to smuggle a dead body onto the mountain. "Get back!" he yelled. "No money no funeral!" The mourners ran back to Yerushalayim, burst into the Bet El Yeshiva and tearfully told Rav Shalom Sharabi what had happened.
"Let us go to fulfill the Mtizvah of Levayat HaMet," Rav Shalom ordered his talmidim. The funeral set off once more, this time with a far larger accompaniment than before. At its head strode Rav Shalom and his talmidim, followed by the family and friends of the unfortunate, deceased woman, plus a straggling attendance of curious people. They wondered how Rav Shalom would avoid the greedy sheikh. As the procession neared his home, the sheikh could not believe his eyes. Were these the people who he had just turned away? He thrust his head between the railings on his balcony to get a better look -- and immediately discovered that he was stuck. His head was trapped between two iron bars, and pull and struggle as he would, he could not get it free.
In the meantime, the little procession of Jews, who knew nothing of the sheikh's conundrum, continued their trek to Har Hazetim and fulfilled the Mitzvah of burying the poor seamstress. On the way back, everyone was surprised when, instead of sneaking past the sheikh's house, Rav Shalom strode up to the front door and began knocking boldly and loudly. To their surprise, the people who opened the door greeted Rav Shalom politely and led him upstairs, to where the sheikh was still trapped between the bars.
"Please free me!" the sheikh begged him. "First free the Jews from your unfair burial tax," Rav Shalom demanded. "All right," the sheikh mumbled unhappily. No sooner had he agreed to Rav Shalom's demands then his head slipped loose. From then on, the Jews of Yerushalayim did not have to pay the burial tax and their heavy tax burden was somewhat alleviated.(A Legacy of Leaders, Rav Shalom Sharabi, Israel Bookshop)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 141(The Teller Does Not Own The Bank)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by Eliyahu Tzvi Ben Rachel, in the zechut of his help spreading Torah, he should be zoche to be showered by Hashem with Osher Shefa Bracha vHatzlacha both in Ruchniut and Gashmiut AMEN
Sometimes in addition to the neglect of Torah study the evil inclination goads a man into the further transgression of pride. He begins to think that his keen intellect makes him a man of distinction because he is able to criticize another's Torah novellae, determining whether there is any truth to his thesis.
In fact, the person is making a fundamental error. I will explain with the following analogy: A certain bank teller has become, through experience, an expert in spotting counterfeit money. Would he be justified, however, in fancying himself a wealthy man simply because he is able to distinguish genuine bills from false ones? Obviously, none of the cash that passes through his hands belongs to him. He is merely able to determine the validity of other people's money.
Similarly, if a man has no Torah knowledge of his own, even if he is very quick to grasp the insights of others, how can he boast of a wealth of Torah? There is a strategy one can use to overcome this inclination. One should stand before a bookshelf containing a full set of the Talmud and contemplate the fact that not even one volume of all those on the shelf before him is clearly engraved in his mind. This makes him a true pauper. As Chazal say: "If this is lacking, what has he acquired?" If he will do this, his heart will surely be humbled. Then he will repent and be healed.(Shem Olam, Perek Vav, R' Yisrael Meir HaCohen)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!.
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 140(Judging Favorably)
Holy Jews:
What if my positive assessment is wrong? What if I gave someone the benefit of the doubt, but actually he is a troublemaker? The Halacha forbids one to accept or believe Lashon Hara about other religious Jews; however, one is still required to protect himself.(Gemara Niddah Daf 61a) The Tosefot HaRash (Gemara Niddah) explains: "If the listener may come to harm, or others may suffer if he ignores the information, he is required to be suspicious in order to react to protect the innocent. But when it will not affect anyone, he may not believe the information at all." The Chafetz Chayim(6:10) explains: He may not believe the information, even as a possibility, because the suspected person has a Chezkat Kashrut (an assumption of integrity) His concern must be only for the exclusive purpose of protecting himself and others.
With this principle, we can reconcile an apparent contradiction between Mishnayot 1:6 and 1:8 in Pirke Avot. Mishnah 1:6 teaches: "Judge every person favorably" However, Mishnah 1:8 teaches: "When two litigants come before you, consider them both wicked until they accept the judgment, at which time you should revert to consider them both righteous."
At the start, it is essential to consider both litigants wrong in order to avoid being swayed by their reputations from judging the case truthfully. After the case is over, although it has been established that one person had been lying, one should assume that he will do Teshuva and behave righteously.(Rabeinu Yona)
What if a wealthy person, who owes me a large amount of money, claims that he has none now, although it seems he is capable of paying me? What if my boss were to tell me on pay day that my check will be late? The Gemara in Shabat Daf 127b illustrates that we should consider even farfetched possibilities in order to interpret a person's behavior in a positive way. "I have no cash" perhaps he has just invested all his available money in a sudden opportunity. "I have no animals" maybe they were leased out. "I have no land" maybe it was leased out to sharecroppers. "I have no produce" maybe the tithes were not yet separated. "I have no possessions" maybe he donated them all to Hekdesh.
The Chafetz Chayim (Chafetz Chayim, Kelal 3:7: Be'er Mayim Chayim 10) explains that we learn from this Gemara that although the Halacha does not require us to judge others favorably to this extent, it is, nevertheless, a recommended quality that will bring great blessings upon those who do so.
Who is honorable? He who honors others.(Pirke Avot 4:1) "A successful person was asked to describe the source of his unique leadership ability, which enabled him to become the leader of his generation: "I consider everyone greater than myself for the following reasons: Those who are less intelligent are less blameworthy due to their lack of intelligence. Those younger than myself have fewer sins. Those with the same intelligence and who are the same age have less transgressions. Those who are wealthier have given more charity and, therefore, have more merits. Thus he honored and treated everyone with deference."(Orchot Tzaddikim, Shaar Anava)(How to judge people, Perek Gimmel, R' Goldberger)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 139(Fences)
Holy Jews:
Even if a person has been careless regarding his speech for some time, he should still endeavor to make his remaining days free of sin. This can be understood with the following Mashal: A man hired a watchman to look after his vineyard throughout the summer season. For several months the watchman neglected his assignment and the vineyard suffered great damage as a result. One night, thieves broke through the fence and stole a large portion of the produce. However, do you think that the owner just threw up his hands and abandoned the remainder of the harvest to whatever predators were lurking around? Certainly not! He immediately patched the fence and doubled his guard. He was determined not to lose even one more grape.
We must behave the same way. Shlomo HaMelech relates: "I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a man lacking [an understanding] heart. Behold it was overgrown with thorns; nettles covered its surface; and its stone fence was in ruins."(Mishlei 24:31) His advice to the man, by implication, is that he should repair the fence, uproot the thorns and nettles, and see to it that they do not grow back.
The same idea applies to someone who finds it difficult to refrain from Lashon Hara. In order to remedy his problem, he should erect "fences" for himself. For example, he should shun social gatherings and avoid ever speaking about others. If he has cursed or insulted his fellow, he should placate him and ask for his forgiveness. Then let him resolve to guard his speech for the rest of his life, and to speak only of sacred matters and words of Torah, or that which is absolutely necessary to earn his living.
If he will follow this advice, it may truly be said of him (Mesechet Sukkah Daf 53a): "Happy is our old age, which has atoned for our youth."(Sefer Shemirat HaLashon, Part III, R' Yisrael Meir HaCohen)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 138(The Damaged Gemara)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored for the Refua Shelaima of Alta Breindel Bat Chaya Leah, in the zechut of the Torah learned from today's Daily Inspiration Hashem should bless her with a quick and painless Refua Shelaima AMEN!
The Mishnah in Pirke Avot (3:21) teaches: "If there is no fear there is no wisdom" If a person has no fear of Hashem his commitment to fulfilling the commandments is weak. Furthermore, there is nothing to restrain his tongue and ears from speaking and hearing whatever he wishes, whether it be slander, abuse or mockery. Chazal have warned us that on the Judgment Day we will be shown all our actions and we will have to account for our every word. Nothing will be forgotten.
The Zohar Hakadosh explains that when a person speaks defiled words such as slander or vulgarity and then utters words or sanctity, the forces of impurity take hold of the defiled words and with them they defile the holy words as well, so that the person receives no credit for those holy words. This is in keeping with the dictum appearing in Mesechet Yoma Daf 39a where the Chazal cite the Pasuk "Do not defile yourselves with all these things and become defiled by them." (Vayikra 11:43) Chazal comment there: "If a man defiles himself a little bit [the impure forces] will defile him greatly."
If a man studies Torah, Mishnah or Gemara every day, and he knows that everything he studies will be waiting for him on the Day of Judgment, he will be filled with anticipation. Every moment he will be looking forward to the day when his Torah acquisitions will come forward to intercede on his behalf. Imagine how he will feel on that long-awaited day if all his books are brought forth and he learns that on every single page there are blemishes caused by the forbidden words that he spoke while studying it -- and that the whole lot are worth nothing. He will bear the burden of knowing that he destroyed his accomplishments with his own hands.
Let me illustrate this with a mashal: A man once purchased a set of Gemarot from a traveling bookseller. The exterior was exquisitely bound in genuine leather, and he assumed that the interior was of similar quality. Without bothering to glance inside he paid for them in full. The seller moved on, and the happy customer took his new acquisition home. Imagine his aggravation when he opened the cover and discovered that someone had spilled oil on the pages and that all the letters were blurred. After checking the entire set he found that not a single volume was free of blemish. How he chided himself for being taken in by the peddler's sales pitch and for not inspecting the contents personally!
Similarly, even if a person masters all six orders of the Mishnah as well as the entire Talmud, if he fails to exercise control over his tongue, when he comes to the other world he will discover that he does not have even one text to defend him. All of them will have been defiled and all will be disgusting to behold.
Therefore, when a person begins to study he must have the forethought to fulfill both of the following Pesukim: "The beginning of wisdom is acquire wisdom"(Mishlei 4:7) and "The beginning of wisdom is fear of Hashem"(Tehillim 111:10) Then he will prosper in this world and the next. His Torah will be precious to Hashem for it will contain no flaw. Such a person has every reason to study with diligence to increase his knowledge, for every moment that he wastes is a tremendous loss.(Sefer Shemirat HaLashon, Conclusion, R' Yisrael Meir HaCohen)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!.
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
Daily Inspiration Number 137(The Arsonists Who Called for Help)
Holy Jews:
Today's Daily Inspiration has been sponsored by Eliyahu Tzvi Ben Rachel in the zechut of his helping spread Torah he should be zoche to find his Zivug and they should both be zoche to build a bayit shalom and neeman byisrael and have beautiful zara chaya vkayama who will grow up to be Talmidai Chachamim and Baatei Torah AMEN!
A person who creates strife among his fellow-men transgresses a very grave sin. The punishment for this iniquity will be meted out to each individual offender, as well as to the world as a whole. A person will suffer for it both in this world and in the World to Come, and, as a result, he will come to be known as an "abomination" to Hashem.
Scripture tells us: Hashem hates these six, but the seventh is the abomination of His soul: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands spilling innocent blood, a heart plotting iniquitous thoughts, feet hastening to run to evil, a false witness sprouting lies; and one who stirs up strife among brothers.(Mishlei 6:16-19)
Chazal say that this seventh item is the worst of them all. It is this one that is responsible for delaying the coming of Mashiach! Every Jew declares regularly in his Tefillot: "Give to Hashem honor and might!"(Tehillim 96:7) We even address the nations of the world with our urgings: "Give to Hashem, O families of nations...!" (Tehillim 96:7) But in the end, we ourselves detract from His honor. Hashem warned us about this matter again and again in His Torah, yet we pay no attention. Where then is the honor we are intended to confer upon Him?
Every person should make an accounting of just how many times he transgresses these laws every week. Sometimes he is guilty of slander, sometimes of tale bearing, sometimes of humiliating others in public, sometimes of oppressive speech, sometimes of deceit, sometimes of falsehood and sometimes of sowing discord. Sometimes he transgresses a number of these prohibitions on a single day! In short, a good number of Spiritual prohibitions have come to be treated as if they were abandoned property!
Chazal quote Hashem as admonishing us: "The commandments are My emissaries, and, as such, they represent Me. If you honor them, it is as if you are honoring Me. But if you disregard them, it is as if you are denigrating Me!"
This can be understood with the help of the following Mashal: It once happened that a large fire broke out in a certain town. Each person cried out to his fellow to bring water to help extinguish the blaze. The shouting went on and on, but the flames were not abating. On the contrary, the conflagration continued to spread. Finally, the people figured out why they were not able to bring the inferno under control. It turns out that those who were doing the shouting were themselves secretly adding fuel to the fire!
In the same way, we cry out, "Give to Hashem honor and might! Give to Hashem the honor due His name!" Yet we are the ones treating His sacred words as if they were abandoned property. Chas VShalom!!! So where is the honor that we are supposed to show Him???(Igrot U'Ma'amarim, Letter 59, R' Yisrael Meir HaCohen)
The Torah in this email should be a zechut for Aaron Simcha ben Elchanan HaCohen's Neshama to have an Aliyah and be a zechut to all of Klal Yisrael. AMEN
Shefa Bracha Vhatzlacha Rabbah Bechinam
Have a great day! Smile! Hashem loves you!
(To sponsor a Daily Inspiration, contact Daniel Hadar at Yeshbachur@gmail.com )
Daniel Hadar
