Note: This is one person’s account of how he dealt with COVID-19. Obviously, one should consult a competent physician for treatment of any ailment.

The Man & the Motorcycle

Once a Baal Teshuva – a person who repented from their past ways and decided to follow halacha / Jewish Laws talked to Rabbi Noach Weinberg – the founder of Aish HaTorah – a Yeshiva for Baalei Teshuva. He said “Rabbi – G-d and I are close. Once I was riding on my motorcycle on a narrow road winding around a mountain. All of a sudden a big truck is coming my way. I veer off the side off the road – my motorcycle falls and I grab onto a branch on the mountain side and I hold on until the police came. You see how G-d saved me!” Rabbi Noach answered him “That’s impressive. But who do you think sent the Truck?”

He meant to tell him – that just as his being saved was sent by Heaven – his dangerous situation was also sent by Heaven.

If that’s the case – why did G-d send the the truck in order to save him. Let this young man not encounter the truck? The answer – this is the way G-d communicates with us. He sends us messages daily. Whether we listen or not is in our hands. But if we tune ourselves in – we can hear clear messages daily. Sometimes a person deserves a bad decree due to their actions – but their prayer, teshuva / Repentance to Hash-m & Tzedaka / charity to a worthy Torah cause – changes the decree.

Teshuva, Tefilah & Tzedaka Removes a Bad Decree

If G-d just let this young man go on his way – he would probably be still be riding his motorcycle into the horizon. This incident gave the person a reason for self-introspection. The boy was intelligent and was appreciative of G-d’s kindness of saving his life and thus decided to learn more about Torah Judaism by enrolling in a Yeshiva.

HaKol Biydei Shamayim – Hutz MeYireat Shamayim. Everything is in the hands of Heaven – except for the fear of Heaven.

Recently, I received a message in the form of the Covid-19. Barukh Hash-m, I survived. Someone in my family tested positive for Covid. Soon after I felt tired. I had the symptoms and also tested positive. Due to fatigue I spent much of my days resting in bed. I could hardly eat or drink. I took a sip here and there of seltzer or some soup. My sense of smell became more attuned. I shunned smells of cooking from the kitchen. I had the chills and getting up at times invoked dizziness. I was reluctant to sit up because I did not want to feel that dizziness. Almost 5 days I spent going from couch to bed.

When my sister heard I was not feeling well – she sent me a a slew of Vitamins, minerals and pills – Zinc, Quercetin (to help allow the zinc to be processed by the body), vitamin C, vitamin D and others. She was in Morocco about a year before – she happened to buy (Azix / Zithromax) Azithromicin (Z-pack) 500 mg. There – Azithromicine is sold over the counter. She sent me the Azithromicin.

I was reluctant to take it but my spouse mentioned that it is most effective if you take it in the beginning of the ailment. So I listened. I took 1 pill the first day and 1/2 pill the rest of the days.

After about five days I was able to get up. I started eating small amount of foods. I avoided – meat, eggs, nuts, beans, dairy and cheese and other proteins. (as it says in Masechet / Talmud Tractate Berakhot 57b). Little by little I was able to build up strength to be able to leave the house after about 10 days of the onset.

Someone suggested I take an IV (Intravenous) for dehydration but I abstained. I took mineral water. Some people who had Covid did do the IV and did feel better from the dehydration.

Fortunately, I didn’t need a respirator or an oxygen mask. Some people who did use the respirator – were caused more harm than good. If the technician who sets it, is not an expert – it may cause harm. Thus in many cases the oxygen mask is more prudent. My father, z”l, who passed on many years ago, was hooked up to a respirator. I am not sure if the hospital’s staff din not regulate the machine properly. One of his last words was “I am exhausted.”

I prayed to Hash-m to heal me. I said I know that my transgressions caused me to receive this. I did some teshuva and did my hishtadloot – effort to be healed and Hash-m sent me a refuah. It was a tough message – but Barukh Hash-m – thank G-d I survived.

Afterwards, since I was in bed for at least 1 day – I did the birkat ha Gomel at the Torah. Birkat HaGomel is said after an Aliya at the Torah to thank G-d for saving a person from a dangerous situation (Kol “HaHayim” Yodukha Selah / All the Living will Praise You (Hash-m) forever. – is the verse that alludes to this blessing. It is said by H’avush – a captive. Yisurim – a person who was ill in bed. Yam – someone who traversed a sea. Midbar / Mem – a person who went through the Midbar / Desert.)

ארבעה צריכים להודות יורדי הים כשעלו ממנה והולכי מדברות כשיגיעו ליישוב ומי שהיה חולה ונתרפא ומי שהיה חבוש בבית האסורים ויצא וסימנך וכל החיי”ם יודוך סלה “חולה “יסורין “ים “מדבר:

We learn the way to life in the Yom Kippur services – Teshuva, Tefillah and Tzedaka save a person from a bad decree. I was fortunate that my and my beloved ones tefilot / prayers were answered.

At times we hear but don’t listen. At times we listen but don’t hear. Many people talk about the inefficiency of using a smart phone. I shrugged it off. “I need to check Whatsapp messages. I can see the weather. I can check the web. I need a GPS. I can’t get rid of it.”

Recently I was listening to a shiur / lecture by a Talmid Chacham – Rabbi Lior Glazer in Hebrew. I forgot the topic. But one of the things he mentioned was that the smart phone has become an item of addiction.

Today, many people search for Yeshuot / salvations. They do segulot, give tzedaka, pray. All good things. Some go to great rabbis to ask for a blessing. Rabbi Glazer said that a Gadol HaDor / Great Rabbi of the Generation – Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky – used to tell people to go to a person who was humiliated in public – and did not respond – and ask him for a blessing. That person’s blessing will most likely be effective.

He said recently – Rabbi Kanievsky – has been giving other advice to have a Yeshua / Salvation. “Get rid of one’s smart phone.”

So I decided to put my smart phone on ice. I bought a flip phone. I locked the web browser. Now I can’t surf with my phone or check my whatsapps with it. (Now I check my whatsapps with my computer once a day).

I noticed something interesting. I have Norton Parental control on my smart phone and computers. I noticed that just my weekly whatsapp usage went down to about a one quarter of the time of my former usage. Let’s say the usage time was about 3 and one half hours. It went down to 50 minutes – Saving me about 2 hours and 40 minutes a week.

When I do check my whatsapp – it do it once a day. I get all these messages. Most of them are not personal. Many are ads.

I used to check my messages almost every hour. Now I check once a day. People can still call me. People can send me text messages. I don’t get distracted.

I feel less stressed. More in control. Less dependent on the phone. It’s a great feeling. And I’m more efficient.

I learn from experience. I can prove to you anything that the Torah says is true. I can prove to you my point of view. However – sometimes when one gets involved in a discussion the heat goes higher and the words get louder.

In the Parasha of VaYechi – the last parasha of Bereshit – Yosef at the end of his life talks to Benei Yisrael – he tells them – pakod yifkod etchem – G-d will surely deliver you. Why does he use a double language –  He he could have said just – “yifkod”. The Baal HaTurim mentions that “Pakod” is that G-d will deliver you in the merit of the forefathers. “Yifkod” refers to that G-d will redeem you because of the merit of the matriarchs.

In order for a person to be redeemed – one must make an effort to be redeemed. He can’t wait at his home and wait for the mailman to bring him his income. He has to make some kind of effort – as small or great as he thinks will be fruitful to achieve his goal. What is that amount? Apparently – the amount that he will not regret that he should have made more effort.

So the Jews had to make some kind of effort to be redeemed. The merit of the patriarchs and matriarchs – might just be that they ingrained in the Jews that each one is responsible for one another.

That is one of the three reasons why they were redeemed – because they didn’t change their language (they spoke in Hebrew), they didn’t change their style of dress and they did kindness with one another.

Apparently to be redeemed they also had to fix the trait that caused them to descent to Mitzrayim / Egypt. The Brothers were jealous of Yosef. This caused them to judge him unfavorably. This had a domino effect leading them to ultimately descent to Egypt for 210 years.

What was the cause of this? One reason was the lack of communication. If it was bothering them that Yosef had grandiose dreams of becoming a ruler of them- they should have expressed it to him in a non-provocational manner. And worked it out.

They did not. We went down to Egypt. What can we learn? If something is bothering you – go to the person and express it in a non-provocational manner. Ask him or her in a calm and private setting why they acted that way and that it upset you. The person will likely respond nicely if you don’t start with accusations or provocations.

In having a peaceful relationship – one must also make an active effort to have peace and not just expect things to work out.

So what are these two requirements to win an Discussion, Debate or Argument?

1. Win the argument – through open discussion, willingness to hear truth vs. what you want to hear.

2. Assure that throughout the discussion, you are not putting the other down, making them feel badly, provoking them or insulting them. That’s the more difficult part. You should try to sincerely understand where they are coming from and they should understand where you are coming from.

If you do win the argument but make the other feel badly – you may have provided the proper proofs but lost in the long run. You want them to be on your side when you finish the discussion – not against you.

Make them feel good. That was what Yosef did when he interpreted the dream of Pharaoh – he showed all the advisors of Pharaoh that they would be needed to save Egypt from hunger. Yosef taught us this method. His way of discussing helped in ultimately saving Mitzrayim from hunger. It is also a method that could save your friendship, your job or your marriage.

Segulot for Zot Chanukah by Rav Raphael Avitan

https://chat.whatsapp.com/C0o7wU5KIwi1SF8LpAljik

This was sent out this morning, we only had the chance to translate it now. There’s a video that was sent out as well, that we’re working on the translation as well.

“Greetings.
Baruch Hashem we have reached one of the greatest and most auspicious days of the year, where we can be blessed with our salvation and good tidings which is the holy day of Zot Chanukah- “This is Hanukkah” which will take place tonight Thursday to tomorrow night before Shabbat. To take advantage of this very important day, I am writing out some segulot that will help each and every one of you with Hashems help receive an abundance of salvation physically and spiritually:

1. The first thing you need to do, is to be kind and pass on and share this message on Facebook and WhatsApp to as many men and women as possible, in order to increase your merits, especially on such a big day.
2. Tonight after the lighting of the eighth and last candle of Chanukah, one should try to disconnect from the phone TV computer etc. and concentrate on the great light emanating from the holy menorah and draw from it all the holiness and tremendous energy that is within it.
3. After reciting the tehillim you said every day by the menorah (last verse in chapter 90 going right into chapter 91- 7 times, followed by chapter 30, 19, 67- preferably in the shape of a menorah, 121, 100, 33, and 150 followed by Ana BKoach) it is very important for both men and women to say the general correction known as the Tikkun Haklali revealed by Rabbi Nachman of Breslav and say orally that you are aiming to be cleansed of all the negative shells and energies.
   (The Tikkun Haklali consists of the following ten chapters of Tehillim 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137 and 150)
4. It is very important to say the chapter 119 of Tehillim. Not all of it, just the 8 verses that correspond to the letters of your name and your mother’s name.
   Example דוד בן שרה David ben Sara… you’d start with verse number 25 through 32 each of those verses begins with the letter ד. Then find the 8 verses that begin with ו
   those verses begin from 41-48 etc. Once you’ve said all the verses pertaining to your name(s) and the verses that pertain to your mother’s name(s) then say the verses that begin with א.מ.ו. נ.ה and the letters מ.ז.ל.
5. It is important to say the prayer of Nishmat Kol Chai, followed by Yishtabach very important not to say the blessing at the end of Yishtabach (you can find Nishmat Kol Chai in your siddur in the Shabbat morning prayers or Google Nishmat Kol Chai Ashkenazi or Sefadic Nusach) on this holy evening.
6. You must know that your whole next year depends on these prayers, so invest your time in prayers tonight reciting as much Tehillim/ Psalms as possible. And in particular thank our Father in heaven for all you have, and ask Him for everything you are missing. As much as you ask even if you repeat the same words it brings great salvations.
7. Since this day is an important day of the year equivalent to Yom Kippur, as the Kabbalists wrote. It is therefore very important that each one takes upon themselves a mitzvah that is a bit hard for them, that they want to work on more. Saying bli neder (without a vow) “I take on the mitzvah of __ to work on it more”, this “vow” is between you and the Creator. This is a great way to create a vessel to hold abundance and blessing.
8. A great segula for single men and women, say tomorrow, either Friday morning or afternoon, the seventh chapter in sefer Bamidbar and then ask Hashem in your own words that by next Chanukah you’ll establish a bayit ne’eman b’ Yisrael – a faithful home in Israel.
   https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9935/jewish/Chapter-7.htm
9. Take one area that is most difficult to you in life. For example, finding a spouse, livelihood, health, peace, home, etc. And pray for it for 15 minutes straight while all the candles are lit, even if you repeat the same words and requests over and over again the main thing is to have a quarter of an hour straight on one thing, not including the other things you have already prayed for.

I wish everyone a happy Chanukah full of salvation and a good signing for a good and sweet year.

From me, Rabbi Raphael Avitan.”

Please excuse any typos and or grammatical errors.

I was a registered Democrat for most of my life – but recently because of the change in the politics of the party to become more radical – I have chosen the middle path.

Though our site usually refrains from politics – because of many factors – we do not shy away from treating issues that are pertinent to Torah, Judaism and Jewish people. We thus give you logical and reasons according to Torah for who we think will win the Election according to Torah.

1. Trump Believes in G-d

On the Dollar it says “In G-d We Trust.” This is one reason why the US Dollar has been a major & strong currency in history. In Many of Trump’s speeches he mentions G-d. G-d gives success to those that believe in Him.

2. Trump Supports Basic Morality

G-d wants the world to follow morality of the Torah – The 7 Noahide laws for all nations and the 613 Commandments for the Jews. Trump’s platform and stance is more in line with Torah than his opponent.

3. Trump has more followers

God Loves those that are loved. Trump has more people who show up at his rallies than his opponent – an indication of his popularity.

4. Trump Has Done a Good Job Bringing Up the Economy & Holding the line against other countries & issues that may be detrimental to the US’s Interests

Im Ain Ani Li. The Torah says “If I am not for myself – who will be for me.” Trump has put the interests of the US before the interests of others. He provided the stimulus package from Corona. He held his ground with other nations. G-d rewards those that do good to His Chosen Nation. The USA has been in General a Nation of Kindness towards the Jews and other Nations. G-d will thus repay kindness with kindness by giving Trump more time to improve the Economy.

5. G-d Protects the Pursued

From the Beginning of the election much of the Democratic party & the media that supports them has been focused on seeing ways to criticize, condemn and complain against our President. G-d protects those who are pursued.

6. Trump Has done things to help the Jewish community at large – Orthodox Jews will Pray that Trump will Win

After the good that Trump has done for Israel and the Jewish community – the Orthodox Jews feel a debt of gratitude towards Trump. Take into account the Difficulties that ceratin Democrats have placed on Orthodox Jewish Groups – will motivate them further to pray for a Republican Leader. Rabbis Have Endorsed Trump because his values are more in line with Torah values than his opponent.

7. Torah Codes

In the Previous election – Rabbi Matityahu Glazerson Showed through the Torah Codes that Trump would be the victor. Rav Meir Turnheim, a chassid who lives in Lod, Israel  uses a different method to inquire the verses of the Torah. He came to the same conclusion that Trump will win.

8. The Other Side’s Platform is More Based Upon Criticism of Trump than Solving Problems

G-d runs the world according to Nature. People see through the difference between criticism and constructive criticism. In all the 4 years instead of pursuing a path to present solutions to problems – like has Trump – they have been trying to bring him down. This in the end will serve towards their detriment. People see through a real interest in improving the situation and just the desire to try to bring the downfall of the opposition.

9. The Opposition’s Platform Wants to Make the Country Less Moral According to Torah Ideals

G-d Hates immorality. He wants people to follow his Torah laws. The opposition supports Abortion (on demand) without valid reasons, Homosexuality, etc. G-d wants morality according to His laws – the Torah – to be observed. The opposition is opposed to many laws of the Torah. G-d wants a country to be lead with a government that supports – law & order, respect of human life, respect of G-d, respect of property, respect of living creatures – as seen in the 7 Noahide laws of the Torah for all people. People feel safer when there is order than when anarchy reigns. This is one reason why it says “Pray for the peace of the Government – for if it was not – people would eat each other alive.”

10. Trump is a Businessman – not a Politician

Trump is running the country like a business. If something works he does it. If it doesn’t he nixes it. Thus his interest is more in line with running a business – the US – than listening to the opinions of the various groups that may have interests that are to the detriment of the US.

When Napoleon entered Russia – two rabbis had opposing vues of who they prayed to win the war. One Rabbi prayed that Napoleon should win – because he would make material life better for the Jewish people. The Other rabbi prayed that Russia win the war – because it would be better for the spirituality of the Jewish people. We pray that one who will lead the country next will do good for both the spirituality and material sustenance of the Jews and all people.

Shana Tova!

A good year to all!

This is the time that we wish others a Happy New Year. Rosh Hashana is the day that all people in the world are judged according to their deeds.

Now is a New Year. Last Year it was Year 5780. This Year it is 5781.

The Jewish Year Differs from other calendars in various aspects.

1. Our Year is based upon the Lunar & Solar Year.

2. The Months are calculated according to the Synodic Month – the time it takes for the Moon to circle the earth. Our Months are usually 29 – 30 days.

3. We add a month (Adar II) 7 times in 19 years to adjust for the discrepancy between the lunar & solar year.

4. Our Year starts in the Jewish Month of Tishrei. (Around September).

5. Our Year corresponds to the amount of years from the creation of the world.

Why the Difficulties?

The Past Year was a Challenging year to say the least.

Everything is in the Torah. There is an allusion to last year – 5780 -in the Torah (Vayikra / Leviticus 23:43)

וְהָאָרֶץ֩ תֵּעָזֵ֨ב מֵהֶ֜ם וְתִ֣רֶץ אֶת־שַׁבְּתֹתֶ֗יהָ בָּהְשַׁמָּה֙ מֵהֶ֔ם וְהֵ֖ם יִרְצ֣וּ אֶת־עֲוֺנָ֑ם יַ֣עַן וּבְיַ֔עַן בְּמִשְׁפָּטַ֣י מָאָ֔סוּ וְאֶת־חֻקֹּתַ֖י גָּעֲלָ֥ה נַפְשָֽׁם׃

For the land shall be forsaken of them, making up for its sabbath years by being desolate of them, while they atone for their iniquity; for the abundant reason that they rejected My rules and spurned My laws.

the Numerical Value of the word “Ya-An” –  יַ֣עַן
is 780. Yud = 10, Ayin = 70, Nun Sofit = 700.

In Two Sefarim – One by the Chatam Sofer / Chasam Sofer (on the Parasha) and One by Rabbi Netanel son of Yeshaya (from Yemen in his sefer / book the Meor HaAfela) we learn that 5780 will be a difficult year.

“190 years ago, the Chatam Sofer said that 5780 would be an difficult year, and that 5781 would be a year when the poor man (the Jewish People) would be raised up from the garbage.”

In a certain site it describes the situation thus:

“Rebbe Nachman says that when Moshiach comes there will be such a tumult in the world, that people are not going to know what’s happening. They’re going to lose themselves and be completely confused. Only those who are holding on to the tzaddik (Righteous Torah Sage) will know what’s happening. And in another place he says that only those who do regular hisbodedus (Self-introspection), personal prayer to Hashem, will be able to experience redemption as something good, everyone else will be confused.

THE LIGHT ITSELF WILL BE THE GREATEST DARKNESS AND SUFFERING FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T SEARCHING FOR LIGHT, THAT JUST WANT THE DARKNESS.”

Reasons For Suffering

The simple reason why we suffer is because G-d is our loving Father. He wants a person to have a relationship with Him. A relationship with Hash-m / G-d also happens to be the greatest pleasure one can have. Thus when suffering is sent from above it may be for one of more reason:

1. G-d runs the world Middah Keneged Middah – What one does comes back to him or her. If one is kind – kindness pursues him or her. This is the nature in the spiritual world.
2. G-d is punishing an individual for past deeds.
3. G-d wants a person to wake up and follow Torah (The 613 commandments for Jews or the 7 Noahide laws from the Torah for Gentiles / non-Jews)
4. Lefum tzaara agra – According to the pain is the reward. (Pirkei Avot / Ethics of the Fathers 5:23) The more pain one has – the stronger one becomes. He or She turns to G-d and receives a reward for that. At times the pain is the reward – the pain awakens the person to better opportunities. A Wife yells at her husband (the suffering) to take care of the children instead of being a workaholic. He then discovers a better relationship with his family. (the reward).
5. We don’t understand the calculations of G-d. (Pirkei Avot / Ethics of the Fathers 4:15)
6. The Suffering is for the person’s good. (It makes him introspect and become a softer better person). Suffering is expected to grow. For a person to become strong he or she has to push themselves out of their comfort zone – for instance exercise or running a marathon or doing cold calling.

If a person’s suffering allowed him or her to awaken and become closer to Hash-m will eventually look back and be thankful for the difficulty.

So a simple way to avoid suffering is to take a proactive stance. Start learning Torah. (see links section) Start attending an Orthodox synagogue more often. Put children in a Torah school. Gentiles – learn about the 7 Noahide laws from the Torah.

Teshuva, Tzedaka and Tefillah can remove a bad judgement. Teshuva – is repentance. Tzedaka is giving Charity to Torah causes. Tefillah is prayer to Hash-m / G-d. Remember G-d / Hash-m is our Loving Father. Just like a father is merciful with their children – G-d is merciful with us when we communicate, repent and help our brothers and sisters. Do Teshuva because of awe or fear – one’s sins are erased. Do Teshuva because we realize the great kindness of Hash-m and we Love Him – our transgressions become Mitzvot (Merits).

Do good Get good. Think it will be good and it will be good.