Rosh Hashanah Segulot

September 18, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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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!!

Avinu Malkenu

September 10, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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Original article published on Breslev.co.il

During the High Holidays, we say in our prayers the words, “Avinu-Malkenu” (Our Father, Our King). Avinu Malkenu represents the covenant between the Jewish People and G-d. The reference to G-d as “Avinu”, our Father, emphasizes the closeness and compassion of a father towards His children. Thus, G-d is our Father and we need His guidance. Yet, we must also remember that we are in the presence of the King of Kings and serve Him in awe. Thus, the title “Malkenu” or our King represents our sense of awe of our G-d, like that of a nation towards its king.

‘Avinu’ is the term representing Hashem’s love – the close, loving, compassionate, nurturing intimate parent who will forgive us because He loves us. ‘Malkenu’ is the distant, strict, stern ruler who metes out justice and can forgive us because only He has the power to do so. Our relationship with G-d should be predicated on both love and fear. Loving G-d without any fear may cause one to be neglectful in his study of Torah and performance of mitzvot. It represents a self-centered or egocentric form of service. Yet, fear that is not balanced with love may cause a lack of happiness and leave us serving G-d out of rote.

Referring to Hashem as Avinu reminds us that our Creator loves us and that everything He does is for our best. There are no bounds, constraints or legalities. It focuses on the love aspect of our relationship with Him. The word Avinu awakens us to repentance through love – it breaks our heart and motivates us with a desire to be forgiven of our sins because we love our Father and He loves us. Even if our Father is the greatest of rulers, ‘Father’ is a cry – a child’s yearning for closeness. We want to connect out of love. We ask that he notice our good deeds. We come to Hashem in our brokenness and seek healing for our moral failings. Throwing ourselves on Hashem’s compassion is our best hope for salvation. ‘Hashem help me become a better me, even when I mess up, even in my brokenness. This is my prayer.’

Referring to Hashem as Malkenu serves as a reminder to us that G-d is in charge, and that only He has the unlimited power to save us. He can annul bad decrees and has access to unlimited resources to help us. This title represents the reverence aspect of our relationship with Him.

On Rosh Hashanah, our Jewish New Year, G-d sits with the books of judgment open before Him. This reminds us that we are servants in the King’s court; a measure of honor and distance reflected in this physical world. We function in this world with this apparent separateness, a world of detachment. Our body creates a barrier encasing our souls and causing us to feel as a servant serving its master.

We thus approach G-d and are motivated to do teshuva (be remorseful) out of our awe. We realize that G-d is the ultimate king Who controls life and death. We are completely dependent on Him and we need to do repentance because He rules the world.

Though we need to relate to G-d with both love and fear, in these days of the coming of Moshiach, our sages teach that it is more vital to focus on the love aspect of our relationship with Him. The Holy Baal Shem Tov brought to life this pathway of coming close and cleaving to G-d by performing mitzvot with warmth and joy. The Baal Shem Tov would repeatedly say, “If tears open up the Heavenly gates, joy absolutely demolishes them!” The pathway of Chassidism is to do everything through happiness.

We can even do teshuva through joy. This may seem difficult to accept because doing teshuva is generally associated with distress and criticism. However, when viewing the bigger picture, the repentance process can envelop us in joy because it enables us to view where we are heading and how we can create a more meaningful relationship with our Creator. There can be no greater joy than forgiveness resulting from atonement.

Separation causes sadness. However the Torah teaches “…Every moment G-d renews the world.” This is a revitalizing and reassuring idea that no matter what has happened in the past, the re-union that occurs via repentance mends our lives. The act of repentance reunites us with our true purpose in life – recognition of our G-dly spark. It realigns us with the rhythm of life and renews our strength. In addition, we increase our love and attachment to G-d. Our heart is emptied of weighty transgressions and then we have room for feelings of affection and closeness.

Our journey through life involves repeated movements of separation and return – from a broken fragmented existence to a yearning of Oneness and wholesomeness. By praying with both the terms Avinu and Malkenu, we are essentially directing our prayers through two different avenues, reminding ourselves that there is a need for both love and respect our relationship with ourselves, others and our G-d.It also reminds us that the very same G-d Who punishes us is the One Who loves us. This all-encompassing reality offers us a chance to start fresh every day, to and repair whatever needs repairing in ourselves, in our relationships and in our lives.

FRUITY WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH RASPBERRY DRESSING

September 10, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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FRUITY WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH RASPBERRY DRESSING

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked wheat berries, (approx. 1 cup uncooked) Soak overnight. Rinse in the morning. Cook in slightly salted water until al dente’ (firm to the bite) around 1- 1 1/2 hours.

1/2 cup scallions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup golden toasted almonds

1/4 cup golden toasted sunflower seeds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

2 granny smith apples, unpeeled finely chopped

1 cup sprouts (sunflower preferably, alfafa or other kind), coarsely chopped

Mix all ingredients together in no particular order.

For the dressing:

3 tbsp. raspberry jelly (preferably without seeds), I use the one sweetened with juice and not sugar, but either can be used

2 tbsp. orange juice, as naturally squeezed as possible

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup canola oil (or light olive oil)

salt, to taste

black pepper, to taste

sugar, just enough to sweeten a bit

Mix all ingredients together and pour over salad about 2 hours before serving.

Can eat cold or slightly warmed.

SPIRITUAL INTENTIONS WHILE PREPARING:

Wheat is considered one of the most mineral-dense grains, able to absorb a wider range of minerals from the soil than any other grain in existence. It is also known to be the most nourishing grain for children, because according to Traditional Chinese Medicine as rooted in the kabbalah, it’s considered an ideal food for human growth and development.

It is one of the very few foods attributed to directly calming and focusing the mind. And as one of the 7 blessings of Eretz Yisrael, wheat is characterized extensively in the Torah as a high-quality super food loaded with nutrients for body, mind, and soul.

For forty years Hashem fed and watered B’nai Yisrael with their livestock, throughout their wanderings in the desert, where no food could be grown, and no rain could be expected to fall. In a most extraordinary and miraculous way Hashem showed them day in and day out, that “not by bread alone does man live, but by that which issues from G-d’s mouth (by G-d’s “word”) does man live” (Deut. 8:3).

This was one of the basic lessons which was taught during the forty years of “schooling,” before Ahm Yisrael were ready to settle down on their own land. They had to learn that when they planted their land and reaped their harvests, it was not their sweat and toil that gave them bread, but Hashem’s word. Without Hashem’s blessing, all their toil would be wasted.

Therefore while preparing this tasty and healthy wheat berry dish think about how Hashem provides us with all of our needs. Food is not bought from ‘our money’; but from money given to us through ‘natural’ means. Stir in your blessings while preparing the salad: “Hashem, may whoever eat from this salad be nourished spiritually, emotionally and physically. May it satisfy their appetite and may they be enveloped with wellness and health.”

SCRUMPTIOUS CHEESECAKE

September 10, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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SCRUMPTIOUS CHEESECAKE

Ingredients:
For crust bottom:
100 grams cold butter cut into cubes ¼ cup white sugar 1 egg yolk 1 Tbsp. cold water 1 ½ cups of white flour ½ tsp. baking powder	Mix all ingredients for crust in mixer, if possible. Flatten onto the bottom of 9×13 pan. Poke holes with fork to allow steam to escape. Bake for 10 minutes in 170 degrees Celsius/350 degrees fahrenheit oven until the crust is golden brown and a bit firm. Allow to cool before pouring cheese mix onto crust. Lower oven temperature to 150 degree Celsius/300 degrees fahrenheit..
For cheesecake mix:
750 grams of G’vina Levana (Israeli Spreadable cheese) 1 ¼ cup of white sugar 5 eggs separated (separate while cold, whip while room temp.) 1/3 cup corn flour 2/3 cup vanilla instant pudding mix powder 2 tsp. vanilla extract 200 grams sour cream 1 Tbsp. white sugar	Mix corn flour & vanilla pudding together. Mix cheese, egg yolks and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended (by hand or mixer). Whip egg whites with sugar until stiff. Delicately fold the egg whites into the cheese blend in small amounts by using a plastic spatula. When you have mixed in approx. ½ the egg white quantity, start to alternate into the cheese blend the corn flour/vanilla mix. Pour onto the pre-baked crust and bake for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Suggestion: Lightly cover the cake with aluminum foil for the first hour and then continue to bake without cover for remaining 50 minutes. Remove from oven. Mix sour cream with 1 Tbsp. of white sugar and spread over cake. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Cover in saran wrap and let cool in refrigerator for a minimum of 24 hours. Can cover top with cookie/biscuit crumbs, jelly mixed with fruit, whipped cream, fruit…
You can never add too much positive spiritual energy into your endeavors … even into your cooking. It simply makes everything you prepare in your kitchen taste better; taste Heavenly!Cheesecake is not a ‘must’ (well, maybe for some :)) in our diet. However it is a chance to say to others who enjoy it: I LOVE YOU – you are so sweet. They will feel your love when you bake with loving intentions. This and all food will then become a messenger of love and blessing to those who dine on it. Please send me your comments and thoughts. I would love to get your feedback.

Chinese Auction

March 30, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yF2Gq4H0RT_tRYqxTjy1mhAEp1Dip8WKhwVNEyq6UTI/viewform?usp=send_form

Have you been inspired by the Daily Dose of Emuna? Show your support by attending OR purchasing raffle tickets at our

First Annual Chinese Auction….

CLICK ON THE FLIER AND OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW TO ENLARGE PRINT:

SUNDAY, June 15TH IN RBS

TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yF2Gq4H0RT_tRYqxTjy1mhAEp1Dip8WKhwVNEyq6UTI/viewform?usp=send_form

Have you been inspired by the Daily Dose of Emuna? Show your support by attending OR purchasing raffle tickets at our

First Annual Chinese Auction….

Analyzing Purim’s Main Characters

March 9, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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There’s an Esther, Haman and Mordechai in all of us.

Original article published on Aish.com

By delving into the main characters of the Purim story, we can discover some hidden attributes that are still embedded into our psyche, projecting positive and negative influence on our actions.

Haman, the evil antagonist of the Purim story, was steeped in wealth and power. He experienced material bliss to the highest degree and used his money to buy his way up to the highest ranks in the palace of King Achashverosh. He was second in command and in charge of the royal servants. Nonetheless he was still not satisfied with life as the Book of Esther writes, “Yet all this means nothing to me as long as I see that Jew Mordechai sitting at the King’s gate and refusing to bow down to me.” It means nothing… This is the voice of the ingrate, discontent with life and drowning in a pool of self-entitlement with lack of appreciation for life’s gifts.

The Haman in us comes out when we are dissatisfied with what life serves us, chasing after our cravings to no end.

The Haman in us comes out when we are dissatisfied with what life serves us, wanting more and continuously chasing after our cravings to no end. We sense the undertone of Haman’s displeasure in life at the beginning of the Torah when God asks Adam after he has eaten from the Tree of Knowledge, “HaMin ha’etz hazeh (from this tree (you ate)?” Hinted in this question God essentially is asking Adam if Haman was behind his defiant behavior; and he was.

Adam had at his disposal every tree in the garden, yet he still ate from the one tree that was forbidden to him. Why? The voice of Haman caused Adam to desire and focus on that which he didn’t have, not on all that he did have. The voice of Haman whispers to us ‘that is not enough, there is so much more out there.’ How to rid ourselves of our Haman? Invite him for dinner and then hang him! Meaning, get to know your Haman, recognize his tactics, prepare for the battle and then defeat him on his own turf.

Esther did exactly that. She submerged herself in contemplative prayer and enjoined the nation to invoke Divine mercy. Esther is derived from the root word hester (concealment). We each have hidden within us the ability to go against the temptations that are presented before us and fight against them. However, when that side of us gets sleepy, a Haman may come along and shake us up. The goal is to wake up the hidden strength and reveal to ourselves that we can refuse to bow down to Haman’s idols. There is an Esther deep down that can combat the Haman when she truly chooses to do so.

In the merit of Esther’s self-sacrifice on behalf of her nation she was worthy of being invited to the King’s chambers without prior invitation. Achashverosh took one look at Esther and was mesmerized by her amazing spiritual aura. She was glowing from the immense love and concern she had for the Jewish people. This is the power of unconditional altruistic love; it has the power to spiritually dress us in royal garb and become beloved by all.

Mordechai is the inspiring personality behind Esther. Mordechai embodied the image of a simple humble Jew who wished only to follow God’s mandates. He was optimistic and believed that although the picture appeared gloomy, everything could change. He never gave up hope.

In the Book of Esther it is written that Mordechai wailed as he walked up and down the streets of Shushan. His scream emanated from a place of goodness, that Godly spark of benevolent care of another. A cry out for another person’s pain and suffering originates from deep within, from a place of wanting to impart goodness to the world. When we tap into this part we become Godly and impart Divine light onto ourselves and those around us. This lies at the heart of a genuinely virtuous leader; the desire to share goodness and see that their needs are met.

Purim brings with it the profound opportunity to take off our masks and reveal our true selves to ourselves. We have within us the great power to overturn what may appear as a hopeless ending to a miraculous outcome. We inherited the ability to fight our way back by such leaders as Mordechai and Esther.

Haman is a distraction intended to gain our attention and awaken our courage to stand up against him. Let’s get to know our personal Mordechai and Esther and follow their lead. By doing so, the Hamans will fall by the wayside and be hung on their own gallows.

For original article click here

It’s Never Too Early to Teach Your Children Emunah!

March 6, 2014

Daily Dose Of Emuna

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What happens when we point out the beauty of Hashem’s world to our children? They learn to notice, to appreciate, and to connect to the One Who created it!

The Hidden Artist is a breathtaking new picture book from Hachai Publishing, all about the wonder, the variety, and the loveliness Hashem created just for us! Illustrated by an artist known for her lifelike paintings, The Hidden Artist depicts amazingly detailed animals, fish, mountains, sea and sky. Truly inspired rhymes tell the story of a young child who wonders, ‘With all this beauty, great and small, ‘I wonder, Who’s behind it all?’

His journey to discover the answer makes this book a must have for every Jewish home!

Click here to buy it online

About the Author

A social worker by profession, Leah Chana Rubabshi began writing educational songs for children in the 1980’s. After receiving her MSW, she continued writing poems and articles, which have appeared in newspapers and magazines. She has now combined her love of children with her love of poetry, and hopes to continue writing children’s books.

About the artist:
Phyllis Saroff received her BFA degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She works from Annapolis, Maryland as a freelance illustrator specializing in natural science and children s illustrations. Her work has appeared in books and magazines, and her paintings of wildlife are used in outdoor displays in wildlife management areas across the country.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Beautiful useful book for introducing the wonders of creation to preschoolers!

By write4me on March 2, 2014

This book is a wonderful way to teach children that the world has a Creator. The rhymes are cleverly written, and the illustrations are stunning, authentic reflections of the beauty that exists in our world. When the child in the story draws his own picture, it becomes obviously apparent that an Artist must have created the natural “pictures” that surround us. The message of this book is not limited to young children, and I felt older children would enjoy it as well. While it says the book is geared towards children ages 2-5, I felt the rhymes were delightful and would be enjoyed by older children up to age 8. Highly recommend!

AN EXCEPTIONAL BOOK FOR ALL YOUNG CHILDREN

By Lynn Glaser on March 3, 2014

As an Early Childhood Specialist, I am greatly impressed with the contents of this book, and highly recommend it for lower and middle grade children. It’s message is impressive and very worth thinking about and discussing.

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!

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

Author Archives: Daily Dose Of Emuna

Rosh Hashanah Segulot

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Can’t Live Without You, Hashem

Special segulos for Rosh Hashanah, as told by

Rebbitzin Yamima Mizrachi:

Other segulos:

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!!

Avinu Malkenu

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