January 2014 - Daily Dose of Emuna

Don’t get excited…it’s just a show!

January 30, 2014

Shabbat

BS’D

Thanks to all who have contributed to this cause in the past. This goes 100% directly to the soon to be wedded couple. A special request came my way via close friends of ours in Monsey, NY. A 22-year-old boy, Yehuda from Yerushalayim, is getting married B’H on the 5^th of Adar A’. He is the oldest of 11 children, father is a Sofer Stam, family is extremely poor, and their home is maxed in mortgage funds. Please, if there is anything that anyone can contribute to assist this amazing talmid, it is desperately needed. Pass it on. You can contact his uncle in Monsey Yaron Yehuda at email: Yaron2802@gmail.com. Tizku’ l’mitzvot.

All week long our mind races endlessly – we are stuck in the world of commerce. The important questions in life like, ‘Why am I here in this world’ finds a difficult time gaining attention. Rav Avigdor Miller ztk’l teaches that on Shabbat we must abstain from the mundane habits that occupy us so we may pay attention to questions like these.

The goal of refraining from these habits is to prevent us from becoming slaves onto this world. The Chovot Halevavot teaches that we were given the gift of Shabbat so that our minds cease being enslaved to the ‘thinking’ of this world. Shabbat encourages us to shift our minds and relish in menucha (peacefulness). This mental and physical state of disconnecting from the world enables us to get to ‘know’ Hashem. In as much as we are able to ‘empty’ out our minds from thinking about this world and all that we didn’t complete and all that awaits us on motzei Shabbat, we will make room for the much needed state of menuchat hanefesh (peace of mind) to enter.

This world is imaginary. The only thing that is real is Hashem. The RamBam is Hilchot Yesodei Torah writes, ‘Hu Levado Emet (He is the only One who is true {reality})’, all of the rest is an illusion. Consequently, when we worry and grow anxious about anything in life, it is the yetzer hara placing shadows and phantoms for us to get ‘excited’ over.

We hustle and bustle running around, planning and fixing, confused over what will happen next; we get ‘excited’ over the well-planned show. The Gemara in Masechet Shabbat then teaches us a remarkable lesson, ‘When you make kiddush, you restore your eyesight.’ How? By saying the words, “…vayachulu HaShamayim v’ha’aretz v’kol Tzeva’am… (… and the Heavens and earth were completed, and all their hosts…)”.

You think you are in control; well that is if you worry. What are you getting ‘excited’ about? Kiddush realigns our thinking by reminding us that Hashem made everything from start to its completion and it is only Him who controls it all. How important it is for us to hear this reminder every erev Shabbat. B’H may we internalize its message so that it carries us throughout the week as well.

Emuna is the bridge

January 29, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

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BS’D

Emuna originates from the heavenly sphere where the upper lights and creative forces originate. Our soul stems from this lofty place and once experienced this immense G-dly light directly. The desire to connect back to this light is the soul’s only desire and mission; the purpose of her existence.

The neshama ‘remembers’ the delight she once experienced. It is deeply engraved in her. Unconsciously, we (our bodies) seek pleasure yet we do not understand that this sensation comes from the soul’s desire to bond with that place where all goodness derives from Hashem Yitborach.

Emuna is the bridge that connects the upper and lower worlds. To have emuna means to connect our worldly experiences and define their relevance according to Heavenly terms. Seeing worldly happenings through the eyes of the soul, through emuna eyes, creates an entirely new reality, a new pair of lenses.

Let’s look at the purity of a child – their simplicity and wholeheartedness. Adults feel as though they are speaking to a soul and not the body of a little person. They are real and not blocked by impurities – until they get older and the outer world has impacted their way of thinking. A child is simple and sincere. They know how to say “I don’t know” when they don’t. Children aren’t intimidated by society and the opinion of others. They are guided by their internal compass called the soul.

We should learn from the ways of children. Their sincerity and care when you talk to them, their ability to be in touch with their feelings and their innocent non-judgmental outlook can serve as emuna 101 classes for every one of us.

Today’s daily dose is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Shepsel Chana bas Braindel who was recently diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. Please may Hashem shower her with a complete healing amongst all of those sick and suffering in Klal Yisrael b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

A new vision

January 28, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

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Living life mindfully (aware of what is happening around and within us) is certainly of important value to increasing our emuna. Yet, this is a stepping stone. The next level we strive to reach and which occurs quite naturally as a result of our new-founded expanded awareness, is that our minds become attuned to a new way of thinking that never was before. We begin seeing Hashem in places, people, objects and events – a new vision of life begins to emerge ‘seemingly’ out of nowhere. In spite of the fact that emotional work may require strength and effort, be assured that the outcome is irreplaceable; a polished point of view on life.

The goal in learning the significant value of living life ‘awake’ and in tune with the world within and without, is intended to transform our way of thinking on a deep, pure level. This delightful way of living brings with it a new experience when reciting the bracha, ‘Baruch Atah Hashem…” “Blessed are You Hashem”: we sense Hashem even more closely Whose honor fills the world

Yes, this sounds like an unattainable level, but with ratzon (will) and practice this ‘naturally’ occurs. Through the daily exercise of becoming cognizant of the messages in life, our physical eyes begin to see as our soul does. The soul indeed sees Hashem in everything but our bodies impede us from tapping into this lofty vision.

Being aware of Hashem’s presence in our lives exchanges our confused reality to a clearly painted truthful reality. How can it not when the soul is at the forefront?

Today’s Daily Dose of Emuna is dedicated to my dear friend Shoshana Shulamit bat Sara Liba. May HaKadosh Baruch Hu gift her with a complete healing amongst all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

Amazing Spiritual Uman Experience

January 27, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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If you ever wanted to go to Uman… now is the time!

Change of dates… same amazing experience:

May 22nd until May 27th

OR

June 12th – June 17th

Tentative Itinerary is as follows:

Women from the US would leave Wednesday evening and arrive in Uman Thursday afternoon. Women from Israel leave Thursday afternoon. From there we take a private coach bus to Uman, where we spend an amazing uplifting Shabbat interwoven with hafrashat challah, a trip to the spectacular Gan Sofia and healing workshops. We leave early Sunday morning and travel to the kever of Rebbe Nathan. We arrive in Mezibuch at the Holy Ba’al Shem Tov on Sunday evening and lodge there overnight. On Monday we make a stop at the original mikveh of the Ba’al Shem Tov and at a replica of his Beit Midrash. In the early evening we head to R’ Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev. We stay there overnight and head towards the airport in the wee-wee hours. Planes back to NY and Israel fly back mid morning on Tuesday.

Price includes airfare and all accommodations: airfare, food, lodging and bus transportation.

Approximate price for women leaving from Israel: ~~$1,150~~      $1,050
Approximate price for women leaving from USA: ~~$1,500~~        $1,350

Please let me know asap, space is limited and we would like to secure a final price. You can write me at oritriter@gmail.com with questions and to reserve a spot.

Looking forward to learning and teaching emuna with you all!

The hiding soul

January 27, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

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BS’D

Today’s Daily Dose of Emuna is sponsored and dedicated with such beauty by one of our readers to the refuah shleimah of all the sick in Klal Yisrael. May Hashem with His kind heart and His good will bless all of the women who are trying to get pregnant but having trouble merit having a healthy baby B’H this year! And may the women who are pregnant have an easy pregnancy and a healthy quick labor and be gifted with healthy righteous beautiful babies, Amen!

To sponsor and dedicate a Daily Dose of Emuna lesson for a minimum contribution of $18.00 (can be used as ma’aser money) please contact oritriter@gmail.com.

As we learned last week every emotion (even if born out of mundane occurrences) and every spout of inspiration contains within it a message from our soul. Whatever the cause may be that is upsetting and causing us frustration we must turn to Hashem since this is the way that He speaks to us, through our feelings. There is no one and no where else to turn but to ask Hashem for help. What kind of help? We ask for clarity of mind and understanding and for the ability to accept and internalize that everything is for the best.

One of the most difficult tasks in this world is to live life mindfully; to be aware of what is happening inside and outside of ourselves. Acknowledging and accepting our feelings while letting go of those that harm us carves the path for healthier relationships with ourselves, those around us and of course Hashem. If we are boggled down with emotional turmoil and dismiss our feelings, we miss out on the prime opportunity to understand our soul’s needs and complete her rectification.

Our soul is hiding under layers of ‘covers’ and is a spring that waits to burst forth. However we must dig and search for cracks in our soul and always strive to expose her light. With each time that we tend to our various emotions, we expose our soul more and more thus making it easier for her to wake up with passion and inspiration more easily. We can sensitize our mind to the point where we will see Hashem in everything…. just listen to your heart!

Afraid of the Truth?

January 27, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

Afraid of the Truth?

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Original article published on Breslev.co.il

Getting to know your higher self, your soul, is of great value to human life. Material significance is prized when we pair it with our spiritual objectives. We each hold a prized possession; it is our birthright to get to know that God and us are one. Belief in God also applies to the belief in ourselves, that we hold within us a spark of Godliness – a particle of our Creator.

The great journey of fulfilling a life of self-actualization and searching to better understand our reason for living is a captivating passage. Seeking God in the world at large and personally in our lives though does incur hindrances along the way.

Let us explore three major impediments that we may confront along the way to self-awareness and improvement:

1. A closer look at life may reveal that we subconsciously refuse to know:

Many of us simply do not wish to acknowledge that we hold within us a Divine spark. In fact when we hear of a person who decides to change their lifestyle after becoming aware of the knowledge that they hold a part of Infinite nature, we are outright surprised.

A person does not have to believe that they carry within them an eternal spark of Godliness, however entertaining the possibility and going through the process of discerning the truth is the only way to consider whether this option exists. Why live a life of maybe when we can search for our true self and live life the way we were meant to?

There is a clash that goes on in every mind; a battle to establish harmony of thought. A flow of wavering beliefs flood our mind and cause a storm of confusion. That which we believe in will come out through our actions. The book of Proverbs (23:7a) writes, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he”. As we chose to explore further into our true purpose of living we conquer and control our thoughts thus dismissing rising doubts. In due course as our mind apprehends the truth our actions will follow.

It is advisable not to compromise on this step and not to settle on perchance as life and society tends to slowly wear us down. It chips away at our heart and soul and causes us to lose interest in pursuing our spiritual goals. We get so caught up in tangible reality and get swallowed up by the rat race of life. Nonetheless, we should hold on to our inspiration and pressing desire to get to the bottom of why we are alive.

The first step towards acquiring spiritual knowledge is to choose your teachers wisely so that they may guide you in your path of study. It is valuable to surround yourself by people, reading material and possibly attend classes that will remove the overcast of confusion and bring you to fully attain the truth behind your purpose in life.

2. How can I live in both the spiritual and material worlds at the same time? What will happen after I find out?

There is a common misconception that if we assume a spiritual lifestyle we will not be able to enjoy the material world as well. This is incorrect. As we discover our spiritual purpose we attach ourselves to an entirely new system of values and priorities. Consequently our course of thinking and action shifts to better suit this renewed outlook.

This adjustment to our life’s path is not viewed as compromise rather a restored life filled with renewed significance. Yet we can still enjoy the best of both worlds with this newly found awareness.

Living life with your Divine essence in the forefront links all moments to a higher purpose. The commitment to develop spiritual goals directs our thoughts and actions and enriches our life here on earth. It means living a life with awareness of every word, thought and deed that builds spiritual integrity and clarity of mind.

Once again this doesn’t mean that we must renounce this world, but if we choose a spiritual path our mind will most likely be attuned to a different track of thinking and living. It is so easy to live life solely by its surface appearance but our spiritual awareness will allow us to perceive more deeply into the essence of everything. Coming into contact with the core of people and events is an elevating experience. We can live and enjoy this world while readjusting our consciousness.

3. Are there any spiritual shortcuts?

It is highly unlikely that any spiritual accomplishments will be born overnight. In this world of instant gratification we wish to attain a spiritual high in a spur-of-the-moment. Nevertheless we cannot jump the gun. Just as there is no quick fix to muscle building, weight loss or forming a meaningful relationship, when it comes to something so significant the work is commensurate to the reward.

We must stay on the path for as long as it takes to reach that place where we wish to be. Comprehensive knowledge and spiritual understanding is a process of awakening. Each stage on the trail is likened to going from living on automatic pilot to living with a keen awareness of life. The journey is bejeweled with illuminating work and filled with enthusiasm.

Pursuing one’s own legend does not end in reaching the final goal; the search for the treasure is exciting in and of itself. The transformation cannot occur without the trip and the treasure may be waiting for you under the same tree you have been passing all of your life and never noticed was there.

We owe it to ourselves to know who we are, why we are here and what we came here to do. The search begins with a zealous will to free ourselves of suspicion of what might be true. This can only come about through studying those texts which come into question. Living a life of deep perception and connecting to a higher reality that unites everything is worth traveling the road.

Three Ways to Attain Serenity

January 26, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

Three Ways to Attain Serenity

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Despite life’s stormy waters, inner calm is within your reach.

Original article published on Aish.com

We all experience problems and losses at different times in our lives – some great and some small. Many of our dreams and plans will inevitably shatter, despite the effort invested. Yet peace of mind is not defined as living a life devoid of challenges; it’s the ability to cope with setbacks with the right attitude.

Many of us are perplexed at the various possible roads through life, fearful of the dizzying possibilities and numerous uncertainties. We may dwell on worst case scenarios or feel stuck in the ‘what if’s’. We might invest a vast amount of energy analyzing and battling against our life’s direction. Yet, most of us realize we cannot change every situation or circumstance in order to maintain a life devoid of pain and challenges.

There is a way to experience day-to-day happenings with greater inner calm. Not by changing our reality, but by changing our perspective on that reality. Following this three-step process will help us achieve tranquility.

1. Internalizing the knowledge and faith that God knows best

By internalizing the belief that God loves us unconditionally and is taking care of us in the most precious way, we can actively contribute to our inner calm.

When confronting a crisis, we should strive to remember that God is looking out for our ultimate best. He is always there to protect and preserve His nation.

Just as parents look out for their children’s interests, so too does our Creator. Yet just as young children may feel perplexed and occasionally fail to understand their parents’ ways, we often do not understand why God directs our life in a certain way or see what He has planned for us next. Nonetheless, we must constantly remind ourselves there is a master plan from Above, and all that happens is in our best interests.

2. Accepting what we cannot understand or change

A key point in reaching this place of serenity lies in our ability to accept what is and what has been. External triggers are outside of our control. This world is blemished by imperfections, negative energy and craziness. We cannot control what goes on around us; only what is happening within ourselves.

For instance, I may find myself staring at a frozen computer screen, frustrated at the computer or at myself for forgetting to save my work. I cannot change those circumstances. However, I can change the way I think and therefore feel.

Though difficult, changing our thoughts are within the realm of our control. Externally nothing changes, nevertheless reclaiming our thoughts and re-routing them to the healthier place of acceptance and peace will eventually change our perspective. In turn, this may dramatically affect the way we feel and respond to situations. Emotions generally ride with our thoughts yet with determination and practice they can be channeled.

What today will be like is up to us. We get to choose what kind of day we will have through self-talk and shifting thoughts. Hardships such as losing a job or not closing a business deal are challenges that are outside of ourselves; they have nothing to do with us personally.

As a practical example when you feel overwhelmed in your responsibilities as a spouse or parent – trick yourself. Say out loud, “I can do this” or “There is no reason to be frazzled, I can handle this!” Verbalizing these words not only confirms the statement in our minds but builds our confidence, leading us in a positive direction.

3. Attempting to change what we can change about ourselves or the circumstances

Believing everything God orchestrates is for the best, and fostering an attitude of acceptance leads to a healthier mental outlook on life. Having worked on these, we can now approach the third step from a position of strength. That is, attempting to change ourselves and/or our circumstances without experiencing despair in the event of failure.

Now we can act on our values. Nothing matches willpower. It is testimony to the true strength of the body and soul. Our will is like a muscle; it needs to be exercised in order to strengthen its power.

Changing one’s ingrained character traits is a great challenge. For many of us, it takes far more control to not react than to overreact and losing control is thus a sign of weakness. No matter what trait we are working on, we need to motivate ourselves and be gentle with ourselves in order to keep on track.

Inner composure is ours for the taking. While struggles and setbacks may temporarily throw us off course, being aware that they are part of the plan God has set for us minimizes the anguish we feel inside and enables us to achieve inner equilibrium.

For the times when I feel off-balance I humor myself with a saying I made up: God has a plan, I just don’t know what it is yet! Emotional and spiritual development occurs in stages. Practicing these steps will enable us to more easily weather the storms and sail more smoothly through life’s choppier waters.

For original article click here

It is good to say thank you

January 23, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

gratitude

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BS’D

Today, 22^nd of Shvat, is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, Poland (1787-1859), the great chassidic leader known as the Kotzker Rebbe, ztk’l. He was said to be completely uncompromising in the quest for faith, honesty and truth. He abhorred rote piety, and taught his followers that they must renew their quest for self-knowledge and truth on a daily basis. He is known for his sharp wit and catchy phrases, for example: “Where is God? Wherever you let Him in”. May he serve as an advocate for Klal Yisrael up on high, Amen!

Perek Tzadek-Bet of tehillim is commonly recited on Shabbat. Thanking Hashem is good for us; emotionally as well as spiritually. Uttering words of thanks to Hashem is but a small return for the great compassion that He showers upon us daily. Saying ‘thank you’ is always ‘fashionable’ and ‘in style’; it never ceases being ‘in’.

The birds sing songs of tehillim to Borei Olam – nature teaches us that mankind must practice the same. Silent gratitude is wonderful… however vocally expressing words of thanks is sweeter! When we deprive our tongue of speaking words of appreciation we practice something unnatural. Our tongues crave to sing inspiring words of praise to Hashem – we act foolishly if we ‘stop’ them from doing so. Shabbat particularly lends itself to singing words of praise for all the good that goes noticed and unnoticed in our lives.

All days should begin with words of gratitude; no hour is too early. The mornings begin with the giving of the daily manna to Klal Yisrael; how appropriate it is to sing to HaKadosh Baruch Hu then. In the evening our minds settle with an accounting of the day, a review of Hashems personal intervention in all of our dealings. It is also certainly an ideal time to feel His presence, declare our emuna (faithfulness) and pour out words of appreciation.

Our lives are full of hardships and challenges that defy logic on how they could possibly serve any good for us. Yet, Hashem choose Ahm Yisrael and proclaimed, ‘You are above nature’. Thus, we have the ability individually and collectively to see and think above our natural ‘intellectual, rationale’ minds and believe in the holy truthful words of the Torah, even if they ‘logically’ and ‘emotionally’ don’t feel good.

Hashem loves us. Every day, in particular on Shabbat, let us show how much we love Him too.

Today’s Dose of Emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of two beautiful children who are in critical condition still as a result of extermination poisoning that occurred in their home in Yerushalayim yesterday. Their two sisters have r”l passed away from it. Their names are Raphael Yitzchok Isaac ben Michal and Shlomo ben Michal. May HaKadosh Baruch Hu shower the Gross family with koach and emuna to see them through this extreme time of difficulty and may the two boys merit an immediate complete healing b’riut hanefesh v’b’riut haguf amongst all those in Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen!

The soul speaks…

January 22, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

neshama, soul

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BS’D

Maintaining a joyful outlook on life is hinged on two important factors: expanding our consciousness (in other words, going through life mindful as discussed in yesterday’s emuna email lesson) and paying close attention to our feelings by softening our hearts, which we will talk about today.

We all have concerns on one level or another. Delving into those issues with vivid imagery causes our hearts to swell with emotions. Worrying and becoming anxious over them melts our hearts. This is a prime opportunity to direct our feelings towards Hashem in passionate tefillah when our hearts are filled with emotions and our spirit is awakened.

All feelings originate from the soul, even those that are ‘dressed’ in worldly matters. They communicate the soul’s needs. Tehillim teaches, ‘Lift your eyes to the mountains’. The soul says – Remember you have no one to rely on but Hashem.

Our feelings in life serve one purpose; to connect us to our soul, thus to Hashem. For example, when we feel confused and unsettled, we should pour out our hearts and have faith in Hashem’s strength to get us through. By contrast, when we are joyful and our soul is jubilant, we should express tremendous gratitude for Hashem’s endless kindness.

Our emotions are powerful and ‘loud’ in order to wake us up. Hearing the voice of our soul, our feelings, causes us to live life mindfully. If we feed it physical pleasures we are not sustaining it with the correct ‘food’. We must take notice of what is happening within and without as this is how Hashem ‘talks’ to us.

Today’s Dose of Emuna is sponsored and dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Miriam Bracha bat Sarah who is 21 years old. She came down with pneumonia and the Asian flu and is currently unresponsive and on a respirator. May she merit a complete healing, b’riut hanefesh v’b’riut haguf amongst all those in Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen!

If you wish to sponsor and dedicate a Daily Dose of Emuna lesson for someone please contact oritriter@gmail.com. Suggested minimum contribution is only $18.00 and is 100% ma’aser money going towards Torah and emuna learning.

A happy person

January 21, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

happiness

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BS’D

A special request came my way via close friends of ours in Monsey, NY. A 22-year-old boy, Yehuda from Yerushalayim, is getting married B’H on the 5^th of Adar A’. He is the oldest of 11 children, father is a Sofer Stam, family is extremely poor, and their home is maxed in mortgage funds. Please, if there is anything that anyone can contribute to assist this amazing talmid, it is desperately needed. Pass it on. You can contact his uncle in Monsey Yaron Yehuda at email: Yaron2802@gmail.com. Tizku’ l’mitzvot.

Filling our lives with mindfulness that Hashem is with us, intimately involved in every thought, deed and word, embraces us with complete joy. There is nothing as sweet and pleasant as meriting a warm hug by Hashem after we experience His personal involvement in our lives.

One of the main emotional states that stop us from sensing this closeness is sadness. When our hearts are twisted and embittered, even in the very hour that Hashem is helping us, we will not be able to feel His nearness. Our minds become constricted and hearts turn dull, deadening all emotions.

Depression numbs the heart and mind causing it to become disoriented through life’s travels. A downtrodden mindset cannot relate or internalize goodness of any sort. A practical solution to combat this state is to strengthen our mindfulness and awareness of life’s gifts at those intervals when we are inspired and on a spiritual high. This timeframe leaves in its tracks a state of expanded consciousness which stays aflame even after the moment passes. It injects us with lasting joy and strengthens our mind to actively fight sadness whenever it arises.

Once we accustom ourselves to being joyful, people will be drawn to us like magnets. Being that almost everyone is packed with sorrow and confusion, when they spot a person with a delightful glow, they yearn to ‘rub elbows’ and learn from their ways. This is proof of how much the world covets the image of a happy person and wishes to live so.

Today’s Daily Dose of Emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Hadas Shimrit bat Chaya, a young woman who is suffering from a fatal brain tumor. May she merit a complete healing, b’riut hanefesh v’b’riut haguf, amongst all those in Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen!

If you wish to sponsor and dedicate a daily emuna lesson please contact oritriter@gmail.com. Suggested minimum donation is $18.00 and is considered 100% ma’aser money going towards Torah and emuna learning.

Monthly Archives: January 2014

Don’t get excited…it’s just a show!

Emuna is the bridge

A new vision

Amazing Spiritual Uman Experience

The hiding soul

Afraid of the Truth?

Three Ways to Attain Serenity

Despite life’s stormy waters, inner calm is within your reach.

It is good to say thank you

The soul speaks…

A happy person

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This month’s daily doses