Yearly Archives: 2014

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Genuine Teshuva

October 1, 2014
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Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated l’iluy nishmat Aharon ben Yitzchok z’l.  May his neshama bask in the Divine radiance amongst all of the tzaddikim who have departed from this world, Amen.

The process of teshuva (atonement) carves the path to return to ourselves. Change begins within; subsequently it permeates to those around us.  When one spoke of a wheel is upgraded, the entire wheel’s system spins with greater ease.

Change begins in our own mind.  It begins by asking the following: “Who am I and where am I heading?”  The word Shuva (return) is comprised from the letters shin, vav, beit and hay. When these letters are rearranged in different order it spells Busha (embarrassment).  Genuine teshuva requires a dose of embarrassment; otherwise it is not complete.  It is important to feel embarrassed over our thoughts, speech and actions since this further implants within the subconscious not to repeat them again.

Long impacting teshuva demands brutal honesty when answering the above mentioned questions.  We cannot lie to ourselves and blame others while praying for change.  We can always change ourselves.  In fact we are the only ones we are required to change.  If we truly desire to elevate our lives spiritually now is the time to yearn, seek and beg for it.

Pray with simple words and meaning; as long as it is sincere.  Ask for clarity of thought and Heavenly assistance to fulfill your Divine mission and shine with purity.  Beseech Hashem’s help to accept everything in life with a full heart, no complaints and Emuna shleimah. Hashem ‘Loves’ the tefillot of the ‘broken hearted’ who wish to cleave to Him.

Hashem’s Mikveh

September 30, 2014
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Today’s daily dose is dedicated l’iluy nishmat Chava bas Efraim Shabsai, a’h.  May her neshama be elevated by the learning of today amongst all of the tzaddikim who have departed from this world, Amen.

Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz shlit’a makes a beautiful point of the gift of Yom Kippur.  Rabbi Akiva ztk’l is known to say, “Ashreichem Yisroel, lifnei mi atem metaharin umi metaher es’chem, Avichem sheba’Shomayim” (Yoma 8:9).  Yom Kippur is a day where our sins against Hashem are forgiven.  Yet, without the Beit HaMikdash how are we ‘dipped’ into a Mikveh? Hashem Himself, so to speak, serves as the agent of purification. This teaches us a profound lesson as to the extent of how much Hashem loves His beloved children.

Unfortunately we do not have our Holy Beit HaMikdash standing in this world to help us atone for our transgressions and sacrifices cannot be brought to bring us closer to Hashem. Yom Kippur, however restores us just the same.

It is vital to mentally prepare ourselves for this powerful immersion. On Yom Kippur we are each dipped into Hashem’s ‘Personal Mikveh.’  The words of Rabbi Akiva stand today to console us.  No matter how deep we may have sunk, Hashem is here with us to see us through our darkness and enlighten our life’s path.

The Maharal ztk’l explains that the taharah (spiritual purity) that comes as a result of Yom Kippur is the natural effect of what follows when one cleaves to Hashem.  Anytime we completely attach ourselves to Hashem, it is impossible for a sin to remain attached to us since Hashem is the source of all taharah. When there are no barriers between us and Hashem – all transgressions naturally dissolve and are stripped away.

Another astounding insight for us to anticipate as we approach the last of the ten days of repentance! Yom Kippur and the enveloping kedusha it creates, and even as the day ends its effect is left with us. Thank you so much Hashem!

The Cry Within

September 29, 2014
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Today’s Daily Dose is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Reuven Pesach ben Henya. He is undergoing a medical procedure today. May Hashem send the doctor to be a good shaliach for his complete recovery, Amen.

The sounding of the shofar is the weeping of the soul that longs to attach itself back to its Holy origin. It is the cry of one whose separation is so agonizing it can no longer contain its piercing pain within.

Our destinies are being carved each moment of the coming days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Who will be at war, which will be for famine, who for life and who for death? We mourn our sins and the inability to live the life we should be living. We acknowledge that we have drifted from our life’s purpose and feel the loss in our current reality.

The embarrassment we face while we own up to our transgressions displays that we feel detached from the sin and know that it is not who we really are. We proclaim that we are holy and that we were taken ‘hostage’ by our yetzer hara and therefore did not live up to our spiritual obligations and standards. We wish to return; we completely and genuinely submit ourselves to doing Hashem’s will.

Only as a result of Hashem’s endless compassion and Rachamei Shamayim are we able to return. We are undeserving of such glorified treatment – we are in debt and have no leverage for making any special requests. Hashem in His infinite mercy grants us the opportunity to wipe our slates off and transcend our physical limitations in order to lessen the distance created by our transgressions.

The end result is affection, connection and closeness to our Divine source – a state of joy like no other.

Segulot for Yom Kippur

September 18, 2014
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Special Segulot for Yom Kippur,

as told by Rebbitzin Yamima Mizrachi:

 

  • Very important to ask for forgiveness and forgive everyone. You must say the words “I am sorry / סליחה” and it is very important to ask the person to say the words “מחול לך, מחול לך, מחול לך” “You are forgiven, You are forgiven, You are forgiven” 3 times. Otherwise it is not considered that you are forgiven.

 

  • It is of the utmost importance to forgive your children and to say the words “You are forgiven…. מחול לך …” 3 times. Hashem is ‘upset’ when parents are upset with their children and have not forgiven them.

 

  • Before lighting the candles for Yom Kippur donate 18 of something as a Kofer nefesh. This truly has the power to take care of any unforeseen illness, chas v’shalom.

 

  • As is the custom on Yom Kippur to light yahrzeit candles for the deceased, a’h. On a separate table, light a candle for each member of your immediate family. It is called a “health” candle dedicated to the health of each one of your family members. Please make sure to light these candles away from the yahrzeit candles. If any of the candles blow out any time before the end of their wicks, then relight it at the end of the fast until it is completely finished down to the end of the wick/wax.

 

  • Very important to bless your children the special bracha written in the Yom Kippur siddurs before going to shul on Erev Yom Kippur. This is a moment of unbelievable power to truly bless them for everything: shidduchim, health, happiness, nachas, wisdom. It erases any curses that may have been said to the children, c’v. Can be done by Aba or Ima.

 

  • During the prayers in shul when the chazzan says: ויעבר…., v’Ya’avor… This is a time of unbelievable Rachamei Shamayim. Use it to ask for forgiveness from Hashem. It is as if there is a lawyer fighting your case in shul at that moment.

 


 

  • Neilah נעילה is a time when Hashem gives us the opportunity to request anything that just seems to be locked in place and just doesn’t seem to be getting answered. 20 minutes before sunset on Yom Kippur Hashem opens up the door that is closed all year long. This is a time of unbelievable sha’at ratzon, עת רצון.

 

  • When the congregants say שמע ישראל, Shema Yisrael, yell it out with them, this is a time of great unity in Klal Yisrael. All the Jews everywhere are in shul at the same time reciting Shema at the same time … Chazal teach that we should say this Shema as if c’v it were the last time, just before a person passes away. Ask Hashem to open the doors to your wishes.

 

  • As we say “ה’ הוא האלוקים” envision that we are ‘escorting’ Hashem back to Shamayim. He has been with us since the beginning of Elul and is now ‘going back’ so to speak to Shamayim. We say ה’ הוא האלוקים 7 times, envision that each time we say this we are ‘elevating’ Hashem to the next level in Shamayim until the 7th and uppermost level: Hashems home.

 

Each time we say ה’ הוא האלוקים we should ask for another wish. It is a time when the yetzer hara makes us confused because it is filled with kedusha and a very auspicious time, עת רצון גדול. Therefore, write your wishes down and keep it in your siddur and each time we say Hashem Hu HaElokim ask for one thing. Don’t waste these precious moments when you are standing in front of the Holy Throne. Don’t leave Hashem for a moment stay with Him. And just as the Kohen HaGadol would go into the holy of holies once a year for 30 seconds to ask Hashem on behalf of the nation, you are given this same chance. Escort Hashem home. Whoever is zoche to escort Hashem back to Shamayim during the reciting of these words, will feel his presence all year long, Amen!

 

  • At the end the Chazzan blows the last and long shofar sound and that is it -Hashem is now home and we are waving goodbye to Him. But it is at this time we should look towards the entranceway of the shul and envision Mashiach coming through the doorway. Envision all of the sick people being healthy, all of our loved ones and righteous tzadikim coming back to be with us…. This is a time for great hope…

 

May we all have a meaningful fast, one that truly cleanses us to better serve the Almighty with great passion all year long. And may we all be sealed into a wonderful year and finally see the end to all suffering with the coming of the Mashiach, AMEN‼

Rosh Hashanah Segulot

September 18, 2014
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Listen to the latest lecture

Can’t Live Without You, Hashem

 

Special segulos for Rosh Hashanah, as told by

Rebbitzin Yamima Mizrachi:

  • It’s vital everyday not to get angry, but in particular on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, this is the day the Jewish people are judged, the gentiles are judged on the second day. On this day there is strict judgment in Shamayim and it is a must not to get angry at all, not even to think in an angry way. Don’t invite guests that you know will ‘push your buttons’ that you will not be able to control, wait to host on the second day. Don’t get stuck in worry, anger and definitely not in sadness. The way the year begins, is the way it will flow the coming year. Don’t allow yourself to speak badly.

 

  • Before sitting down at the Seder look at everyone’s eyes and bless them each individually, feel forgiveness for everyone around you. Allow love and peace to enter your heart. Everyone should say a ‘L’Chaim’ out loud and bless each other with complete simcha.

 

  • The Rosh Hashanah table should be filled with abundance of colors, different types of foods.

 

  • Apples and honey: use red apples, it is a segula for a zivug, to find one’s soul mate/shalom bayit and for getting pregnant. It is an eis ratzon, special holy time, before eating the apple, smell the apple and ask for whatever you want. It was at this time that Ya’akov received the blessing from his father Yitzchak. When he smelled Ya’akov he smelled the fragrance of Gan Eden, of the apple, and even though he was undeserving of the bracha, due to the fact that it was supposed to go to Esav, he still received it. Ask for anything you wish.

 

  • Pomegranate and rubia: ask Hashem to bring out your potential. We all have never ending potential, do we use it all? Ask Hashem for help.. just like it’s hard to take apart the seeds, please Hashem help us realize our potential and be who we are meant to be.

 

  • Leeks, beets, dates: ask Hashem to take away any feelings of resentment, anger, bitterness towards anyone. Ask Hashem to help us throw these feelings away from ourselves and remove them from our heart. Ask Hashem to enable you to be able to rebuild your feelings and relationship with these people.

 

  • Fish head: ask Hashem that you should lead your household and not anyone else (like our children who tend to control us…) when looking at the fish, ask Hashem to protect you from the evil eye.

 

  • All throughout the seder, ask Hashem to make your home a palace: you the queen and your husband the king, your children the prince/princesses. Ask Hashem to make you all children of the King, this requires us to act like children of the King, meaning again: DO NOT GET ANGRY, WORRIED, DISTRESSED, be royal.

 

  • Get up early on Rosh Hashanah; this blesses the coming year with ease. A year that your wishes will be fulfilled quickly. Try to postpone your afternoon rest until after 1:00 pm.

 

  • It is vital to daven for parnassah on Rosh Hashanah, according to Rav Dessler ztk’l. This proclaims that we trust in Hashem and know that everything is from Him. Ask to be a giver of tzadakah.

 

  • Very important to dress festively, even wear white and be HAPPY‼

 

  • Before hearing the shofar accept upon yourself: v’Ahavta L’Reiacha Kamocha (Love your neighbour as you love yourself). If you hold a grudge towards someone in the shul, the shofar will not be able to ascend and sweeten the judgments.

 

  • During the shofar: think of the following: resurrection of the dead, that Hashem can revive anything that has ‘died out’ in you be it physically and spiritually. Don’t talk during the shofar blowing. Think about all that you want to be. We are being reborn!

 

  • Very important to shed a tear during the shofar and to wipe the tear over your forehead (to wipe away transgressions {AriZal zt’l}). This serves as a shield for the entire year against any bad things i.e. illness. Whoever is able to shed a tear then can be rest assured that she is being judged at that moment and if she comes back to teshuvah at that point, she will be blessed with a good year.

 

  • During the first blow of shofar, take one particular transgression that you did and ask for forgiveness. During the second blows of the shofar, the shevarim, hurt/cry for those who are in pain and in sorrow, i.e. the families of terror victims, the families that lost their loved ones, those who are ill….

 

  • During the next set of blows accept upon yourself a new mitzvah: tznius, tefillah, tzedakah… The intention should be in your heart without uttering a word.

 

  • During Mussaf prayer when the chazzan says the word: ayeh, you can ask for one of three things, whisper to yourself:

 

1) Parnassah             2) Ruach Hakodesh             3) Righteous Children

 

 

  • Once we hear the shofar on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the judgments are lessened and sweetened and there is less stringency in Shamayim.

 

  • Don’t eat anything sour or spicy on Rosh Hashanah, only sweet foods. Everything that you do makes an impact on the entire year. Don’t use walnuts or black grapes.

 

 

Other segulos:

1) Prepare the seder table early in the afternoon, it is a segula that no troubles will come upon you the entire year, B’H.

2) Try to do ta’anit dibur, not to speak, the morning of Rosh Hashanah (speak only words of Torah). If possible fast as well; this way 1/3 of your transgressions will be wiped away. This comes out on Wednesday morning.

3) Candles for Rosh Hashanah: before lighting give 18 of ‘something (coins, bills) to tzedakah: 18 cents, 18 dollars, etc.. This serves as a pidyon nefesh. Ask Hashem that if something bad c’v is supposed to happen, let the tzedakah stand as a protector against it.

4) Buy a new knife and use it on Rosh Hashanah eve to cut open the challah and apple. It is a segula for a long life and for parnassah.

5) Bake challahs: bake it in the shapes of a circle.

6) Bircat Hamazon: the first one said on Erev Rosh Hashanah say it with enthusiasm and joy, it is a segula for an abundance of parnassah.

7) Recite the following perakim of Tehillim Alef, Beit, Gimmel and Daled before sleeping on both nights to prevent bad dreams.

8) Buy a new dress/clothing for Rosh Hashanah. Intend on this new article when reciting the bracha of She’hechiyanu

DO NOT FORGET ERUV TAVSHILIM THIS YEAR….

 

ALSO IT IS THE YAHRZEIT OF SARAH IMEINU ON THE FIRST DAY OF ROSH HASHANAH, LIGHT A CANDLE AND DAVEN IN HER ZECHUT THAT WE SHOULD ALL BE ZOCHE TO BE WONDERFUL WIVES AND MOTHERS AS SHE WAS A TRUE TZADEKES…

ויהי רצון מלפני אדון כל הנשמות ריבון כל המעשים  שתתחדש  בחסד וברחמים  ברכת רבי ישמעאל בן אלישע כהן גדול :

יהי רצון מלפניך שיכבשו רחמיך את כעסך ויגולו רחמיך על מידותיך ותתנהג עמנו לפנים משורת הדין

HAVE A WONDERFUL CHAG AND

GEULAH BEKAROV TO AHM YISRAEL!!

A ‘New’ Me (part II)

September 18, 2014
Orit Esther Riter
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(Part II – cont’d from yesterday)

The Zohar, the mystical commentary of the Torah, teaches that we begin Elul feeling as though we are ‘back-to-back’ with G-d – that is, G-d is facing away from us and we are facing away from G-d.  We feel displaced and confused over our relationship with our Creator.  Yet, if we motivate ourselves to turn around 180 degrees, we discover that G-d is actually right there facing us! When we take the initiative this month to reconnect to our spiritual core and come closer to G-d, we actually find ourselves right next to Him!

We all inevitably become distracted and take detours along the path of life. Elul serves to redirect our compass, enabling us to reconnect with our inner selves and become rejuvenated. This road to self-discovery requires honest evaluation over our choices, and taking the initiative to make meaningful resolutions for change.

Some practical ways we can reconnect this month include:

  • Thinking about our bond with G-d. Imagine a more intimate relationship and strive to feel His presence in each of our relationships and daily activities.
  • Listening to the Shofar (ram’s horn) which is blown every day in Ashkenazi synagogues. What do we hear when the Shofar sounds? Do we ask ourselves: “What is holding me back?  There is so much more I can be doing.
  •  Reciting Psalm 27 until the holiday of Sukkos. This Psalm depicts King David’s personal relationship with G-d.  It declares his gratitude for all the goodness in his life and his hope and reliance on G-d’s compassion for the future.

With motivation, initiative and new meaningful resolutions, we can strive forward towards Rosh Hashanah, buoyed by the hope and excitement of re-discovering the new ‘ME’ just waiting to be born.

 

A New ‘Me’ – part I

September 17, 2014
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Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Frumah bas Mechlah Ita.  May Hashem shower here with a complete healing amongst all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

During a Torah class I feel privileged to teach, one woman recently shared a beautiful insight that begs to be imparted. Traditionally, every child in this woman’s extended family blesses their parents and grandparents on their birthdays. This year, her four year old granddaughter blessed her grandma: “May you be blessed soon with a new child.” Though this was physically far-fetched, the lady intuited that this blessing contained a G-dly hint. She recalled that this month of Elul lends itself to renewal, a rebirthing of the spirit. She thus interpreted the blessing as being a blessing for her to “soon give birth to a new ME!”

Once a year, our Creator provides us with an amazing opportunity to rejuvenate our spiritual essence and thus redefine the direction of our lives. During this month we are open to new perceptions and emotions, and feel driven to look beyond the dominating forces or bad habits that may have characterized our lives until this point.

This rejuvenation and freshness lies in sync with the Zodiac sign of this month, Virgo. The Jewish Nation is referred to in the Torah as Betulat Yisrael, the virgin of Israel1. The pure maiden is excited to build her new home and bond with her groom. She is virtuous and innocent, loyal and dedicated to her b’shert (soul mate).This term describes the yearning of the Jewish soul; the ray of the Divine that resides in every Jewish person. This month of Elul provides a unique opportunity to uncover our spiritual core – our desire to bond with our Creator in love. (part II tomorrow)

One Thing I Ask…

September 16, 2014
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Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicate to the refuah shleimah of Yaakov Yohonatan Levi ben Chaiya.  May Hashem shower him with a complete healing among all of those sick and suffering in Klal Yisrael b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

There is one particular request that Dovid HaMelech seeks and emphasizes in perek 27. Dovid makes numerous pleas, however this one encompasses the rest. Verse four: “Echad sha’alti me’et Hashem, Otah Avakesh… (One thing I ask of Hashem, this I seek…)” The Hebrew word used for ‘ask’ is sha’alti as opposed to bee’kashti (to seek). Why?

The word she’elah refers to the idea of a loan while the word bakashah denotes a request that does not need to be returned. Dovid HaMelech pleads with Hashem that He consider giving him a ‘loan’ of compassion and allow him the quietude of sitting in Hashem’s house and embracing His love. Amazingly, Dovid HaMelech, the King of Israel, feels inadequate to make a request but rather feels as though he is only entitled to a loan of Hashem’s compassion. What are we to say?

Elul, the month of repentance and a propitious time of closeness to Borei Olam, is the time for taking advantage of the theme that is echoed in Perek 27, which we are encouraged to recite daily (as in daily dose ;)) until Hoshanah Raba. We must never despair or lose hope that we have gone so far adrift that we cannot return to Hashem Who loves us dearly. We pray for His protection and to be consoled by His Fatherly love, even if we need to take it as a ‘loan.’ Even if we are undeserving we trust that Hashem will ‘lend’ us this chance to experience His endless love no matter where we are.

We seek, we beg and we ‘borrow’ but never lose hope in the loving care of our Aba who ‘wishes’ to shower us with His love and protection more than we can imagine. Hope and trust is the message of this perek and of the month of Elul, as indeed the final closing words are, “Place your hope in Hashem. Be strong! He will strengthen your heart and can place your hope in Hashem.”

We Have Now

September 15, 2014
Orit Esther Riter
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One of the beautiful benefits of living a life of gratitude is that it frees us from the constant compulsive need to attain more and more. Our soul basks in the tranquility that comes with the satisfaction of living in the ‘here and now’ with the ‘what and how.’

The idea of living in the present encourages a life of gratitude.  We are never certain what the next moment will bring and therefore cannot really judge whether our current state is good or not (in comparison to the picture at large).  Life events continuously unfold.  Consequently we can never determine what is beneficial or seemingly not. We only have now – and for that we must be thankful.

No matter how much we try we cannot understand the intrinsic details of what occurs in our lives.  Generally speaking, some good can be found even in the troubles we face.  Time and again we experience the good in due time after what may have appeared to be the worst and most trying.

Living with gratitude though should not be a ‘show’ on the outside rather should manifest itself as an inner attitude of thankfulness. It should affect the way we interact with others, allowing us to become more kind and caring individuals. Ordinary events should become reasons to celebrate and express outer joy.

There is a well-known saying, “No expectations – No disappointments.”  Appreciating the little details such as the ice cold water on a hot summer day and a warm latte’ on a cold morning, to the working washing machine and fluffy couch you cozy yourself in to, all enhances a thankful attitude.

When we are thankful, we let go of resentment.  When we let go of resentment, we are at peace.  When we are at peace, we can begin shaping meaningful relationships with others and of course with Hashem.

Today’s Daily Dose of Emuna is dedicated to Meir Elya ben Bluma. He’s in the hospital. stage 4 lung cancer and a serious infection in his legs. May Hashem shower upon him a complete healing refuat hanefesh v’refuat haguf amongst all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

The Good In Our Lives

September 11, 2014
Orit Esther Riter

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Today’s Daily Dose of Emuna is dedicated to the memory of all those who perished on 9/11. May they all rest in peace and may the families be consoled and know no more sorrow, Amen.

The message Elul sends our way is certainly not one of despair and sadness. Elul ushers in a call for the Jewish People to elevate themselves so that they return to their soul root – reconnect to their G-dly spark.

How to awaken it? Let’s start by opening ourselves to experience and value the good there is in our lives. We should strive to put on rosy tinted glasses. Certainly it takes practice but the reward is endless. Living a life infused with gratitude drives you to sing your way through life!

It’s so easy to focus on the things that go ‘wrong’ and how much we lack. On the flip side, living with a deep sense of joy that comes from cherishing what we have, is a sign that our hearts are healthy and whole.

If you find it difficult to be thankful, the first thing you need to ask yourself is whether you wish to change your frame of mind. Genuine change will occur only if you experience an urgency to change. Not an ‘it would be nice to change’ attitude, but an ‘it just can’t stay this way’ approach.

One exercise we can put into practice right away can be learned from the Kotzker Rebbe ztk’l, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern. Before replacing his worn-out shoes he would carefully wrap them up. Before placing them in the garbage he would say, “How can I simply toss away such a fine pair of shoes that have served me so well these past years?”

Developing appreciation of the things we dispose of, most certainly inspires us to be thankful for those things that continue to serve us in this world.

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