Yearly Archives: 2015

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B’nei Yisrael – A nation of Ups and Downs

December 21, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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We are called ‘B’nei Yisrael’ ​to identify with our nation’s purpose in this world. B’nei Yisrael ​defines a people following  in the footsteps of Yaakov Avinu ztk’l, the shalem [whole} and tamim {perfected} of our Avot. Yaakov Avinu was originally called Yaakov but later Hashem named him Yisrael.

Many of us may have experienced moments in our lives where we yearned for greatness beyond our physical limits and base drives and became frustrated at our limitations. The foremost disciple of Rebbe Nachman ztk’l, Rebbe Natan ztk’l teaches that Yaakov Avinu’s descent from Be’er Sheva to Charan is a parable for the soul’s descent from the higher realms into the lower world. On his way to Charan, Yaakov famously dreamed of angels ascending and descending a ladder. This teaches that even as we dwell below, we can still ascend to great heights beyond this world.

The dream also teaches that life consists of rise and fall. Descent is an indispensable part of ascent. Understanding this fundamental principle allows us to grow from our experiences and downfalls and build on knowledge we accumulate through life and let go of mistaken beliefs. It teaches that we can celebrate the downward as an opportunity to rise up again, to embrace the whole self not merely the positive experiences.

This teaching applies to many instances in life. For example, a mature adult will let go of their childish beliefs and dreams. Though it may feel scary or lonely, ‘letting go’ of unhealthy old habits and beliefs actually is a step forwards. And by embracing our ‘negative’ character traits we are seeing them as providing us with a positive impetus to grow and thus accepting all parts of ourselves.

​We are called B’nei Yisrael. We are a nation who rise and fall, build and dismantle, move forwards and sometimes backwards. No matter what the direction, we are always moving, striving, growing in order to reach a place of perfection.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of my dear Father-in-law Shaul ben Miriam. May Hashem send him a complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering, b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

A Great Jewish Nation

December 16, 2015
Orit Esther Riter

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Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Gittel Pesha bat Baila Perel. May Hashem shower her with complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are in need of refuot, yeshuot and nechamot, b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

While setting off to Be’er Sheva in this week’s Parsha Vayigash Ya’akov Avinu expresses his fear to Hashem. He looks for reassurance from Him while going down into exile.  Why?

The Netivot Shalom, the Slonimer Rebbe ztk’l explains that it is not physical suffering that causes Yaakov distress; rather he is afraid that Hashem will not be there with the nation of Israel.  Hashem’s response indeed comforts Ya’akov as He says, “Don’t be afraid of going to Mitzrayim because I will make you a great nation there.”  The emphasis is on the word there.

The Ba’al Shem Tov HaKadosh brings down it is precisely because of the oppressive conditions experienced in exile that make the Jewish people into a great nation. It is under the harsh conditions of exile that we clarify our vision and become more mindful of our purpose. Who can be more compassionate than those who have been oppressed?  The driving factor that moves the Jewish people to work for justice in the world is spelled out in Torah; to perfect creation and bring G-dly light into a dark world. We are strengthened by the conditions of exile to fulfill our holy task.

Furthermore Hashem was, is and will always be with us as is written in Yeshayahu (63:9), ‘All their suffering is for Him suffering.’ The nation of Israel is able to endure the harshest of conditions only because we are nourished by the Shechinah HaKedosha who is with us in our exile as is written, “I am going down with you to Mitzrayim.” No matter how difficult, Hashem can be found there.

אהבת ישראל בפרשת ויגש

December 16, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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בפרשת ויגש יוסף ובנימין בוכים אחרי שיוסף מגלה את עצמו לאחים. יוסף בוכה על חרבן שתי בתי המקדש שהיה בחלקו של בנימין. בנימין בוכה על חרבן המשכן בשילה בחלקו של יוסף.
לומדים מהמעשה הזה שחייבים להשתתף בצער של אחרים יחד עם הצער שלנו. זה מראה על אהבת חינם בין עם ישראל. טבע האדם הוא להיות אגואיסט. כשאנחנו מצטערים על כאב הזולת אנחנו מחכים את מידת החסד של הקב״ה.
כל אתגר הוא הזדמנות להתחזק ולהכיר שהקב״ה מנהיג את העולם ושאנחנו 100% תלויים בו. אולי עוד סיבה שהקב״ה מנסה אותנו הוא בשביל שנרגיש את הכאב של השני ונתפלל עליו שיזכה לישועה. התפקיד העיקרי של דורנו הוא לאהוב אחד את השני אהבת חינם. כשיתחזק במידה הזאת אז ב״ה יהיה אחדות בין כל עם ישראל.

המסר של חנוכה

December 16, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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היום השמיני של חנוכה היא ספירת נצח. מספר שבע מסמל את העולם הזה, עולם מוגבל. מספר שמונה מסמל עולם הבא, בלי הגבלות. כלול ביום השמיני כל שבעת ימי חנוכה, זמן של הלל והודעה.
אחד הסיבות שהקב״ה עושה ניסים גלויים הוא בשביל שנזכור שהוא מנהל כל פרט בעולם הזה מקטן ועד גדול. לפעמים אנחנו זקוקים לתזכורת שהקב״ה ״נמצא״ ומשגיח, בלי זה איך אפשר להלל ולהודות לה׳.
הודעה מלשון להודות ולהכיר שהכל מאת ה׳ יתברך ולהודות על הטוב. רק אז אפשר לשיר ״הלל״ לפני הקב״ה . הלל מקורו הוא הנשמה כמו שכתוב, ״ כל הנשמה תהלל קה״. הנשמה שרה שיר הלל כי היא ״רואה״ את ההשגחה הפרטית, הגלוי והנסתר.
המסר העיקרי של חנוכה הוא להכיר בטוב של הקב״ה עושה איתנו כל יום ולהגיד תמיד ״ תודה לך ה׳….״

Unity and Empathy

December 15, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the hatzlocha and refuah of Shimon ben Elsa. May Hashem grant him Siyatta D’shmaya b’riut hanefesh v’b’riut haguf among all of Klal Yisrael who are in need of yeshuot, Amen.

This week’s Parshah of Vayigash discusses how Yosef and Binyamin cried after Yosef discloses his identity.  Yosef wept over the destruction of the two B’tai Mikdash that would be built in the portion of Eretz Yisrael belonging to Binyamin. Binyamin mourned the destruction of the Mishkan in Shiloh destined to be built in Yosef’s portion.

We can derive a practical lesson from this incident. When we experience suffering, we should nevertheless empathize with others’ misfortunes as well.  Feeling saddened by another Jew’s plight demonstrates pure love for other Jews. Essentially, this is akin to performing an act of kindness in response to one’s own adversity. Human nature tends to be selfish.  This is in perfect alignment with the Divine Masterplan to emulate Hashem’s qualities. In mourning for others we transcend human nature and emulate Hashem’s own Middah of Chesed. 

The challenges we are presented aid in self-development.  Each is tailor-fit to bring us to the realization that Hashem runs the world and we are 100% dependent on Him.   However, perhaps another reason why Hashem gives us so many challenges is in order to enable us to empathize with our fellow Jew and pray for her relief in addition to physically trying to help. One of the fundamental tasks we stand to correct in our generation is achdut (unity).  Sympathizing with each other’s feelings helps us to connect with each other another and can help to foster achdut on a national level.

Hoda’ah and Hallel

December 14, 2015
Orit Esther Riter

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Today’s daily dose of emuna is for the complete healing of Moshe ben Itta Leah. May Hashem grant him a clean bill of health and may he continue to enjoy years of health and happiness, Amen. 

The eighth day of Chanukah makes reference to the sefirah of Netzach (endurance).  Seven symbolizes this world; a finite world which is limited. Yet the number eight represents the next world; of limitless time and space. This day encompasses all of the past seven days of Hoda’ah and Hallel.

One of the reasons Hashem brings revealed miracles is to sharpen our awareness that He runs the biggest and smallest of events. The everyday hum-drum activities are also from Hashem and personally supervised by Him.  Often we forget and need reminders through open miracles that ‘wow’ us.   If we fail to recognize Hashem’s hand in every minute detail of life, how can we say Hoda’ah and Hallel?

Hoda’ah means to acknowledge; admit that everything is from Hashem and appreciate the ultimate good in it. Only after we clearly internalize this can we properly sing Hallel. Hallel originates from the soul as written in Tehillim, ‘Kol HaNeshama T’Hallel Ka’.  The soul sings a song of praise and glory to Hashem since it undoubtedly acknowledges that everything is guided by the Divine hand, whether it is seen by the open eye or not.

The one lesson we should take from Chanukah is to find every possible reason to admit, acknowledge and thank Hashem for what He does for us daily.   We should regularly find ourselves saying, “Thank You Hashem for…”

המנה היומית של אמונה – מסירות נפש, חלק ב

December 14, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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בשיעור של אתמול למדנו על חשיבות האמונה נגד העצבות. לא משנה אם זה מלחמה גשמי או רוחני, בלי ההשגחה של הקב״ה אנחנו לא ננצח. מה כן מוביל לניצחון? כשמבטלים את מידת הגאוה. בין אם זה מאבק פרטי או כללי עלינו להבחין בהשגחה של הקב״ה. המסר העיקרי של חנוכה הוא מסירות נפש למען ה׳ יתברך, ואז לא משנה מה הנסיבות, נזכה לסייתא דשמייא.

לפעמים אנחנו עושים את ההשתדלות המינימלית ואין תוצאות. במצבים האלה אנחנו חייבים לבטל את רצונינו לפני ה׳ יתברך. לחזק את הקשר שלנו עם הקב״ה לבטוח לק בו ולהתחזק באמונה ובטחון, או חס ושלום להתעלם מן המציאות.

המכבים היבחינו בירידה הרוחנית של עם ישראל. ראו שלהילחם בדרך קונבנציונלי אי אפשר. העבירו את כל כוחם לבורא עולם ונתנו להילחם עבורם.

לעיתים קרובות אנחנו רואים כשהאדם נמצא במצב של סכנה הוא מקבל כוחות מעל הטבע. כך גם אצלנו כשאנחנו מבטלים את רצונינו ה׳ נותן לנו כוחות חדשים להתמודד במצבים קשים. על ידי המסירות נפש מגיעים להבנה שהכל מאיתו יתברך. וזה עיקר חג החנוכה.

המנה היומית של אמונה – מסירות נפש, חלק א

December 9, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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חנוכה נופל בסוף החודש בזמן שהירח הולך ומתמעט. בנוסף לזה אנחנו מדליקים משמאל לימין ומוסיפים את הנר החדש לצד שמאל של הנר של לילה הקודם
שני דוגמאות אלו מראות על יותר חושך ודינים.
ההיסטוריה שלנו מלא בניסים והשגחה פרטית. למה חנוכה שונה משאר החגים? חז״ל מסבירים שהרקע של החג שונה. הניסים של חנוכה הם כמו אור זוהר בזמן של חושך נורא, כמו הגאולה שתגיע בקרוב, ב״ה. האור של הנר בולט יותר בחושך. חנוכה הוא זמן של תקוה עצומה במיוחד מתי שנדמה לנו שנאבד התקוה. בזכות המסירות נפש של המכבים במלחמה נגד היונים ניצלנו. גלות יון גרם ליהודים תרדמה רוחנית. למרות הסכנה הגדולה המכבים יצאו לקרב. הניסים שהם חוו ושאנחנו נראה בקרוב, הם בזכות המסירות נפש שלנו את התורה הקדושה. 
לעיתים קרובות אנחנו הולכים נגד הזרם בשביל להיות נאמנים למצוות של הקב״ה. חובה עלינו לפעול בבטחון מלא כמו שהמכבים עשו כדי להציל נשמות יהודיות, וב״ה גם אנחנו נזכה לגאולה השלמה וניסים גלויים, אמן

Self-Sacrifice, Part II

December 9, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Chaya bat Baya who is suffering for over 8 years with the machala (cancer). She is one of the driving forces behind the 40 day modesty campaign beginning this coming Sunday, Dec. 13th.  Please take the time to sign up and share it with others.  Your participation is so important.  CLICK HERE for more information. May Hashem shower Chaya bat Baya with a complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering, b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

EXCITING NEWS~

This coming Sunday, Dec. 13th I will present our first ever FREE LIVE EMUNA teleconference

TOPIC:  Emuna & Geula 101

I have received so many emails asking questions about the current situation and how to keep our emuna strong.  B’H we will address this and much more during the 45 minute teleconference, leaving room for Q & A at the end.

Start time:  9:00 pm, Israel time
Share with others.

When prompted enter
Participant Access Code: 202566

followed by the # key.

Local phone numbers to dial from your country ~
Israel: 
 076-599-0060
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For other countries write me OritRiter@gmail.com.

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Yesterday we learned the importance of keeping our emuna strong in the face of gloom. A tough battle, it is one which cannot be won under natural circumstances. The Jewish people cannot fight physical wars without the help of Hashem. What leads us to triumph?

The Jewish people triumph when we are spiritually strong. Victory begins where ego ends! Whether we are fighting personal battles or national conflicts, we need to recognize that the impossible is possible so long as we acknowledge that all results come from the Divine will. Hashem controls everything! Chanukah teaches that no matter how dark and gloomy our situation, anything is possible as long as we take the first step for Hashem’s sake. For instance, we stand a great chance of meriting revealed siyatta d’shmaya (G-dly assistance) if we undertake a genuine act of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) – an act which seems too difficult or defies human logic. But in order to receive this Divine Assistance, we must take that first step outside our comfort zone!

If we have invested normal measures of hishtadlut (effort) but the way is still blocked and there still appears no relief, we must try to completely give ourselves over to ratzon (the will of) Hashem. Practically speaking, this may include letting go of our worries and uplifting our bitachon, increasing our connection to Hashem by growing in another area of Yiddishkeit, or continuing to live life as though the solution has already materialized.

At the time of Channukah, the Maccabbim recognized that Ahm Yisrael was in great spiritual danger. Logically, it seemed like a war they could not possibly win. And so they undertook the illogical instead. The Maccabbim let go of their worries, stepping out into the battlefield and placing their bitachon in Hashem’s hands. Their act of courage demonstrated their internal trust in Hashem to fight the war against the Greeks. In return for surrendering their limited human strength, they received G-dly supernatural powers to win an impossible war.

Time and again, when a person finds himself in danger or being tested to go outside his natural habitat, he is given super powers that he knows are not his or humanly possible. So too when we let go and let in G-d, we receive strength to cope, hope and survive under the most difficult of circumstances.

Hashem is waiting to pour down miracles for those who have the emuna to surrender their nefesh (self-sacrifice). Knowing that there is no one to rely on but HaKadosh Baruch Hu was and is the miracle of Chanukah!

THE DAILY DOSE OF EMUNA IS NOW TRANSLATED TO HEBREW. HAVE YOUR HEBREW SPEAKING FRIENDS SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE IT DIRECTLY TO THEIR EMAIL BOX.  OritRiter@gmail.com

Sufaganiyot, Fried filled doughnuts… The real deal ~ YUMMY!

December 8, 2015
Orit Esther Riter
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The word sufganiyot can be traced back to the Greek word sufan, meaning “spongy” or “fried,” as can the Arabic word for a smaller, deep-fried doughnut named sfenj. This could perhaps be where these treats got their name; similar fried balls of dough have been eaten to commemorate Hanukkah for centuries by Jews in North Africa.

INGREDIENTS: (makes about 30)

1 kilo flour, about 6.5 cups

pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

2 vanilla sugar packets, about 2 tbsp.

2 tbsp. dried yeast

4 large eggs or 5 medium eggs

1/2 cup oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups warm water

2 tbsp. Moscato OR other sweet white wine OR rum

Oil for deep frying

Few unpeeled carrots

Jelly or custard for filling

Powdered sugar for sprinkling

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

Mix flour and salt together. Add both sugars and yeast.  Make a well in the middle and add the rest of the liquids. Mix just until it forms a manageable dough, soft yet not too sticky.  Do not over knead. Cover and let rise until double in size.

Roll out dough onto lightly floured surface to 3/4 to 1 inch thickness. Make circle cuts and let rise again. You can gently turn the circles over after 20 minutes of rising in order to achieve a full rounded doughnut, or let rise without touching for a total of about 30 minutes in warm place.

Heat oil.  Add whole unpeeled carrot (this is a great bakers secret – it helps keep the oil from browning the doughnut too quickly). After a few rounds of frying replace fried carrot with new one. Keep repeating until you finish frying.

Oil hands. Gently take doughnut circles and fry in oil, turning once when golden brown.  Remove.  After a few moments, inject with custard, jelly or any filling. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Yummy! Enjoy!

 

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