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It’s All in the Attitude

June 15, 2016
Orit Esther Riter
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Think about it – Hashem is watching, caring, protecting, safeguarding and waiting to hear from you at every moment. Rav Tzaddok HaCohen of Lublin ztk’l teaches that a fundamental part of having emuna in Hashem is the belief that Hashem is looking out for our ultimate best. It might come out in the form of tough love, but “Tough love is also love.”

It is all in the attitude. As we infuse our mind and heart with the understanding that Hashem loves us to no limit, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to accept all challenges as being for our best. Difficulties should be seen as ‘repairing kits’ that shift our mode of thinking; not as measures to cause us anguish. From here we learn the importance of a positive approach; it is all good, a blessing in disguise.

There is a simple yet proven practice brought down by Rav Chaim m’Volozhin ztk’l that empowers us to live with strong emuna and acceptance. It is founded on the principle that nothing controls our destiny but Hashem and thus Rav Chaim taught that by repeating the words Ein od Milvado and implanting in our heart there is no other force but Hashem; we can break free of any encounter that manipulates our connection with Hashem.

Thus is the power of emuna and bitachon. Fundamentally emuna is the constant practice of reminding ourselves how much Hashem loves and cares for us even if life is not exactly what we hoped for. Talk to Hashem, air out your concerns, you may not be granted your requests but you will certainly gain a tremendous feeling of closeness and feel Hashems loving embrace.

Pain, Doubt & Emuna

February 22, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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The Chofetz Chaim ztk’l teaches that we are brought down into this world for the sole purpose of rectifying the world through recognition and acceptance of Hashem as the Creator. It is called a clarity of ’Oneness.’ Emuna enables us to dismiss all doubts about Hashem’s existence and the fact that everything that happens to us is for a reason and is for our best.

We are instructed to serve Hashem out of emuna and bitachon – clear knowledge that Hashem is always with us and steadfast trust that helps us act on that security. Doubts are insidious and often interrupt emuna growth. They may arise out of uncertainty over Hashem’s ability to help, or fear of something we believe is greater and more powerful than Hashem.

Emuna empowers us to hope and trust in Hashem when beset with misfortune. Though we may lack understanding of why we suffer, pain is not ‘senseless’.  Emuna enables us to accept the pain and know intrinsically that somehow, in some way our pain is necessary for our spiritual repair and growth. This awareness and inner faith should help steer us away from assessing our difficulties and judging whether they are good or bad.

One reason why difficulties arise is to remind us of Hashem’s presence and motivate us to change our ways. We should constantly view ourselves and our world as transient, as if we are moving to another home. Our reality is constantly changing and helping us to move forward. When you move house, your current home appears on the surface to be in utter chaos, confused and disorganized. However, we can view change as stressful, or we can view it as an exciting opportunity. We shouldn’t fall apart because of this move. Don’t worry about putting things in order or making sense out of the mess.

The apparent chaos signifies that Hashem changing the world for the better. We can view the change as positive and exciting and adventurous. We are not stagnating but growing. We need to be ready with our packed belongings (mitzvot). In this world we pack – we do. Only in the next world we sit – we have.

It’s Time to Clear the Air

January 27, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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As a result of inner anger and the disappointment we feel in Hashem we tend to fall into a state of sadness; we begin to study Torah and perform mitzvot with a lack of joy. The AriZal makes a strong statement regarding this broken state and teaches that happiness is the central point of Torah living.

Living with discontent causes us to perform mitzvot with a heavy heart; as though it is a great burden and sacrifice.  The Torah teaches that Hashem wants our heart; our emotional bond and intent.   We cannot bury our true feelings of resentment since Hashem knows our innards; all is known before Him.  In addition there is a deep Kabbalistic teaching that brings down that distance causes Hashem’s blessings to come down in the form of din since we are not properly aligned with Hashem’s will and cannot receive His bountiful goodness in its correct form.

Children are naturally happy as they feel secure and taken care over by their parents.  If we could adapt this ‘childish’ viewpoint and constantly remind ourselves that Hashem has never and will never abandon us, we will find genuine lasting happiness. Nonetheless, we are emotional beings and do experience various ‘highs’ and ‘lows’ in life which causes fluctuations of the spirit. Therefore it is vital not to ‘ignore’ Hashem. Marital peace is not achieved by overlooking one another and refusing to talk about our painful feelings. Hashem endlessly takes care of us.  The path to internal healing and spiritual perfection is internalizing the message of Hashem’s love and care day in and day out.

As negative feelings mount the distance to Hashem widens.  Hashem is our shadow. As we respond to Him He in turn reacts back.  Hence, it is essential to be true with ourselves, talk with honesty to Hashem and use the mode of communication called Tefillah as an opportunity to ‘clear the air’ and make peace with our Creator.  This is a fundamental stepping stone to emuna and Tefillah.

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  Would love to hear from you.

” … and I am Tefillah”

January 26, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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As is written in Tehillim (109:4) “…and I am Tefillah”; tefillah should be at the core of our entire being. Awareness of Hashem’s presence becomes real when we communicate with Him through tefillah.  Communication through tefillah strengthens our recognition that we cannot do anything in life without Him.  On the surface it may appear that we don’t need to talk to Hashem since we are intimately connected, yet every successful relationship is built on continuous communication.

As we pray we should feel we are ‘face to face’ with Hashem.  As written in Sefer Shemot, “Wherever I will (allow you) to mention My name, I will come to you and bless you.” Just the mention of Hashem’s name sharpens awareness of His presence. Therefore we don’t need to talk loudly when we pray, since He is very near. We should talk to Him about our most intimate thoughts and concerns; even the most trivial.  In fact the more it appears to be insignificant, the more we instill emuna in Hashem’s Divine Providence over every detail in life.

When we speak to Hashem softly from our heart, the words melt on the flesh of our heart; a mitzvah which boosts our emuna in a special way. However we cannot find a serene place within to talk to Hashem unless we are whole in our relationship with Him.  Feelings of anger or emotionally feeling mistreated significantly diminishes our desire to talk with Hashem.

In order to better understand why we feel separated we need to go back to the sin of Adam Harishon; to get a clearer picture on why he was banished from Gan Eden.  Principally speaking, after he transgressed he could not handle living with Hashem’s intense connection. For his own benefit he needed to remain distant and slowly rebuild his pathway back to a close relationship once again.

This is the essence of tefillah. A corrective journey we sculpt for ourselves to return to Gan Eden; to feel closeness to Hashem.

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  Would love to hear from you.

Emuna of the organs

January 25, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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To conclude the lessons on the three levels of emuna let us briefly explore the loftiest level of emuna called emuna of the organs.  This exalted level particularly pertains to the righteous. As B’nai Yisrael stood in front of Yam Suf, the courageous Nachshon ben Aminadav walked into the sea; his legs ‘naturally’ marched forward.  What enabled him to ignore the great danger he faced? Nachshon knew that Hashem had promised B’nai Yisrael they would enter Eretz HaKodesh.  After surpassing the levels of intellectual and sensory emuna he attained emuna of the organs; his legs directly responded to the emuna of his mind and heart; they acted in complete faithfulness.

Another example of emunat ha’ayvarim can be learned through Akeidat Yitzchak. Avraham Avinu, the epitome of kindness woke up early in the morning to bind Yitzchak on the altar.  From where did he attain such strength to go against his ideals and values?  His legs were filled with emuna and walked without hesitation to fulfill his G-dly mission.

The Levi tribe merited to sing in the Beit HaMikdash.  Rebbe Nachman ztk’l teaches music is the highest connection to Hashem.  Song fills the soul and brings vitality to our organs.  Moshe Rabbeinu (a Levi) lifted his hands in prayer and thus filled his organs with emuna shleimah.  Every thought, feeling and experience brings spirituality and increased emuna into our bodies.  This is the level called d’veikut, where the soul takes full control of the body and the body is directed by the soul’s desire.

When we look at a Jew who has acquired emuna of the organs; we can see Hashem through him.  The light of his soul radiates so strongly due to it being bound to the soul’s Heavenly root that it inspires others to have thoughts of teshuva and draw closer to Hashem.  It is akin to see the ‘illuminated face’ of the Shechinah HaKedosha.

Cultivating emuna is a lifelong mission for the Jew.  Understanding this profound level will B’H help us realize the extent of G-dliness we strive to reach throughout our lifetime.

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  Would love to hear from you.

Sensory Emuna

January 20, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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The first step in working towards ‘feeling’ our emuna is recognizing that it requires work.  We need to continuously fight to hold emuna in our hearts. The Torah instructs that emuna is already present in our hearts as written in Sefer Shemot, “v’Aseetem  Li Mikdash v’Shachanti be’tocham (And they shall make for me a sanctuary and I will dwell amongst them).” However we need to focus on living a life of holiness in order to sense Hashem’s presence.

From here we understand that Hashem can be felt within when we increase our kedusha.  This stage in emuna development requires deep introspection and accountability; here we must be truthful with ourselves. Do we genuinely pursue spirituality in life or do we make significant concessions? Ask yourself, “How important is Torah living to me?” and “Am I willing to surrender to my Rav (after properly ensuring that he is righteous and G-d fearing) and Torah scholar’s guidance?”

When we empty our hearts from egocentric desires, arrogance and untrue feelings that Hashem doesn’t care for us, we will begin to sense His ongoing existence; we begin to touch our G-dly spark a.k.a. our neshama. Here lies the key to heartfelt emuna; penetrate the body’s exterior and delve into the soul.

One simple and practical way is to talk to your soul; feed her the nourishment she craves by talking to her in a language she can understand. The following is an example of the way to talk to your soul, “Hashem, Ribbono Shel Olam, You are My Aba.   I love You and I know You love me.  But I am lost; I can’t live without You anymore. Please help me… “

Another simple piece of advice to touch our soul is to adapt or expand an attitude of gratitude.  See Hashem in everything from the trees to your working car; from your children to your ability to walk. Life is a gift, one we didn’t earn by performing any special deed. We are in debt to our Creator from the first breath we inhale.

Let’s expand our horizons and the way we see life; it’s time to develop emuna vision. Remember that Hashem is looking out for our ultimate good.  Just as money put into savings requires us to limit current spending habits for future benefit, so too does Hashem control and guide our current life’s path for our eternal benefit. Appreciate the personal attentive care Hashem invests in each of us.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Bina Ita bat Sora Rachel.  May Hashem send her a complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  Would love to hear from you.

 

Intellectual Emuna

January 19, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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There are three basic emuna levels; the beginning point is called intellectual emuna.  Intellectual emuna stems from a deep-founded knowing there is a Creator Who is in charge over every detail of existence. Hashem was, is and always will be the Only Source of life and intimately involved in every aspect of existence; both on an individual and worldwide level.

In order to attempt to further strengthen our emuna we must solidify our belief that there is none other than Hashem; all is Him and He is all.  There cannot be two causes or doubt that there is only one origin for all happenings; all is from Hashem Yitborach.  All that occurs in life stems from His will and desire for it to be so. This is a brief and basic explanation of the basis of intellectual emuna.

How do we strengthen the foundation of intellectual emuna:

  • Completely accept the Torah and all of its instructions transmitted through our ancestors from Har Sinai.
  • Reach the simple recognition that nothing comes by itself. No such thing as coincidence, or ‘should have’ or ‘could have’ been.  There is a Creator who runs the world down to the minute detail.

Next stage in emuna living is reaching the stage of sensory emuna; indeed the area which most of us get stuck on.  Sensory emuna a.k.a. heartfelt emuna is feeling Hashem’s presence in our heart.  This stage is most challenging since what we know in our minds many times does not penetrate the flesh of the heart.  Therefore we find ourselves downtrodden, frustrated, angry, and saddened. Our heart is filled with negativity and lack of acceptance since we cannot feel that which we know.

An entire daily dose of emuna lesson will be dedicated to this tomorrow, B’H.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Aitan Gavriel Ben Shulamit Aviva who is 12 years old and was left severely brain damaged and paralyzed from the neck down after a doctor gave him an overdose of insulin. Also to the refuah shleimah of his sister Aliza Bracha bas Shulamit Aviva who has has diabetes and epilepsy and only 10 years old. May Hashem send them a complete healing b’riut hanefesh v’b’riut haguf among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

 

The Torah reading of this coming Shabbos – Parashas Beshalach – includes the chapter telling how the Jewish People in the Wilderness received manna. Many people recite the chapter daily, as a special prayer for parnassah. There is also a widespread custom to recite this chapter on theTuesday of the week of Beshalach, which this year is today, January 19th.

As a public service from Artscroll, we offer the text and interlinear translation of the chapter, from the Schottenstein Edition Interlinear Siddur. Please feel free to download it.

Click on this link to download:
CLICK HERE OR  CLICK HERE

 

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  Would love to hear from you.

Emuna Basics

January 18, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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BS’D

It is important to constantly review the basic principles of emuna. The yetzer hara tries so hard to make us forget the holy task we are here to complete while we sojourn in this world. Therefore the Hebrew word for world is Olam, is derived from the root word he’alem (to hide).

Yet a clear path has been carved for us by the Navi Chavakuk ztk’l, ‘Tzadikk b’emunato yichye (A righteous person lives with his emuna).’  This is our avodah every living moment; each person on their individual level.  The foundation of Torah study, mitzvot and good deeds are for one purpose; to instill emuna in us.

Emuna is a higher spiritual sensitivity to the Divine presence within.  It is an inner knowing that is unexplained in worldly terms, but a sixth sense that cannot be denied and continuously hungers to be fed. Emuna drives us to seek out life’s true meaning; the answer to the BIG questions, ‘Why am I here’ and ‘Where did I come from and where am I going?’

Emuna was given to us as a gift; it is that Divine spark that unceasingly injects us with life force. We are eternally connected to our Creator; emuna is the pursuit of consciously recognizing and living with this bond.  Nonetheless, we do forget.  We don’t forget that we have a hand since we feel and see it.  Therefore we must go beyond our physical senses to grasp emuna; we must search deeper than the intellectual surface.   In fact this is the root cause for weakened emuna; connecting to Hashem mainly through the avenue of logic and reason. Emuna is beyond reason; it is infinite wisdom.

However, as mentioned above we live in a fragmented world; in a world of hiddenness. We are not given permission, for the sake of free will, to view the big picture of life while dwelling on planet Earth. To this end we were put into this world; to relentlessly find and develop the ‘real me’. Emuna living propels us to grow, improve and elevate beyond our ‘innate traits’ so that we may become the G-dly beings we are intended to be.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated l’iluy nishmat Devorah bat Shulamit Rut. May her neshama bask in the Divine radiance among all the righteous who have departed from this world, Amen.

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  Would love to hear from you.

The Fundamental Secrets of Life

January 6, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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We gain access to Hashem’s Infinite wisdom mainly through Torah study. Chazal teach us Torah is the main mode of communication Hashem uses to speak to us (and that we communicate back to Him via Tefillah).

We may wonder how reading or studying Torah ‘stories’ can assist us to understand life and make decisions? Torah is a garment containing within it signposts to direct us on our own journey. These signposts are clothed in a language we can understand. In other words, embedded within the Torah are fundamental secrets about life that are garbed in the form of true stories.

The Zohar HaKadosh teaches that if Hashem’s Divine wisdom was not ‘hidden’ in this way, we would not be able to bear the powerful light it brings forth. The Torah is therefore written with layers of wisdom (including pshat, drash, remez and sod) to enable each of us to slowly unveil the Divine wisdom hidden within it at our own appropriate pace and level.

How does Torah enable us to grow in our Emuna? We are able to better understand the manner which Hashem wants us to live when we learn the ways of our forefathers and mothers and adapt their values and principles. In particular, sefer Bereishit is filled with stories of the Avot and Imahot, and yet only cites three direct mitzvot (peru revu, brit milah, and gid hanashe). Yet, it is precisely by studying the Avot and Imahot’s travails, experiences, mistakes, challenges and by emulating their strength and chesed, that we are able to obtain direction and clarity.

Chazal teach that the Torah has 70 faces. The Torah speaks differently to each of us since every person has their own individual path to travel. To maximize clarity about our own individual life’s purpose and the choices we face, and to avoid possible confusion caused by merely emulating our neighbors, we can strive to study, investigate and apply the Divine messages embedded within each Torah portion.

We can celebrate with wonder the fact that exact same words of the parsha provide an individual gift, uniquely wrapped, tailor-made and chosen just for us!

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  

Would love to hear from you.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Yochanan ben Carmela.  May Hashem shower him with a complete healing refuat hanefesh v’refuat haguf among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and in pain b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

A River Flows from Eden

January 5, 2016
Orit Esther Riter

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Many struggle to grasp the full concept of Emuna. Emuna is da’at; intimate intuitive knowledge that directs our lives in confidence and quiet. Without emuna we are left feeling hopeless and worried what tomorrow may bring. With weakened emuna one has questions, doubts and doesn’t know where to turn. In addition he is left feeling as though the world is simply unfair.

To this end our Holy Sages have arranged that the third prayer (the first request after praise) in Shmoneh Esrei be a request for da’at. Just as vegetation is in need of water to grow, the Jew first and foremost needs emuna (known as da’at, also referred to as water and Torah) for his neshama to blossom.

Hashem instructs us to learn Torah and better understand the purpose of existence. Without Torah study we at loss for meaning. The Zohar writes, “Torah, Torah… the light of all the worlds.” As we involve ourselves in Torah learning we are fed the necessary knowledge to flourish and perfect ourselves. The upper worlds shower sustenance through the words of Torah we study as the Zohar beautifully describes, “A river flows from Eden and waters the garden” meaning the river that flows from Eden is the Torah. This river waters the garden of Jewish neshamot, the Jewish People.

Torah is knowledge that feeds our Emuna and clearly lights our way.

Please share your comments, thoughts and questions in the comment section.  

Would love to hear from you.

Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Yosef Mordechai ben Chava Yenta. May Hashem shower him with a complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering, b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.

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