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Genuine Teshuva

October 1, 2014

teshuva, Yom Kippur

BS’D

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

Orit Esther Riter

teshuva, Yom Kippur

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BS’D

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

Orit Esther Riter

teshuva, Yom Kippur

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BS’D

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.

A ‘New’ Me (part II)

September 18, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

Elul, teshuva

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BS’D

(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

Orit Esther Riter

Elul, teshuva

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BS’D

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

Orit Esther Riter

Elul, tehillim

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BS’D

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

Elul, gratitude

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BS’D

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

Elul

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BS’D

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.

Teshuva On The Same Aveiros

September 10, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

teshuva

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BS’D

Rav Yisroel Salanter – Teshuva On The Same Aveiros Year, After Year, After Year….

The Rambam ztk’l says that real teshuva means that Hashem, who knows the secrets of your heart, must testify that you will never return to the aveira again. That is a tall order! Most people would not even be comfortable testifying on themselves. How can we do teshuva if it requires a 100% guarantee on the future?

Reb Yisroel Sanlanter ztk’l answers with a question on this Rambam. He asks why does he say, Hashem “who knows what is hidden in the heart”. Shouldn’t it say “who knows the future.” Therefore he explains that the requirement of the Rambam is that a person must resolve honestly in the depths of his heart that will never do the aveira again. If he makes an honest resolution and really believes that he is so disgusted by the aveira that there is absolutely no possibility for him to slip yet again his teshuva is accepted. Even if he reverts to his old ways it does not negate the teshuva that he has done. That is why the Rambam says you need the testimony of Hashem who knows what thoughts lie in the heart of every man. (Revach.net)

Believe in a sweet year

September 8, 2014

Orit Esther Riter

Rosh Hashanah

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BS’D

Today’s daily dose is dedicated L’iluy nishmat Hinda (Hedi) bat Gavriel a’h. May her neshama bask in the Divine radiance amongst all of the righteous souls who have departed from this world, Amen.

The ‘work’ of Elul is to strive for perfection. The goal should be to refine our ‘natural tendencies’ and go beyond that which comes easy. With each effort we make to elevate our behavior we ‘remind’ ourselves that the ‘day’ is rapidly approaching. Measure for measure as we are ‘concerned’ and desire to merit a favorable judgment, so too Hashem ‘worries’ that all decrees be sweetened, B’H.

Yet at the same time, if we struggle to develop our middot (attributes) we must then believe that we will merit a good year, B’H. Rabbi Yerucham Halevi Levovitz ztk’l of Mir Yeshiva brings down a beautiful teaching that demonstrates how ‘believing’ in Hashem’s compassion essentially brings about a compassionate outcome.

R’ Levovitz explains in order for Hashem’s ‘promise’s’ to actualize it must undergo a two-step process. The first step is for us to recognize the promise and the second step is to have emuna that the promise will be fulfilled. In the most simplistic terms: in order to ‘enable’ Hashem to fulfill His promise we must first have ‘emuna’ that He will fulfill it.

We give our ‘all’ this month to create lasting change in our lives. We yearn to achieve perfection and complete our soul’s mission in this world. However, it is no less vital for us to have emuna that Hashem will accept our tefillot and genuine effort towards self-improvement and grant us with a sweet New Year, Amen.

Category Archives: Daily Dose Of Emuna

Genuine Teshuva

Hashem’s Mikveh

The Cry Within

A ‘New’ Me (part II)

A New ‘Me’ – part I

One Thing I Ask…

We Have Now

The Good In Our Lives

Teshuva On The Same Aveiros

Believe in a sweet year

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