Emunah is Belief that Hash-m runs and Guides the World. Bitachon is Faith in Hash-m that He is guiding our lives in the best way for each of us personally. Having the Torah’s outlooks in both helps us live with a positive attitude daily.

Acquiring Emunah, like anything else in life requires effort.

Reading about it helps. Incorporating lessons of the past of how we thought a situation was bad that turned out for the best also helps us gain it. When we observe all the good that we and our beloved ones received in the past from G-d – like children, a good job, a nice apartment, etc. it will also help us build up our Faith in G-d. Ultimately we gain by having a more positive outlook on living and become stronger to deal with any situation.

Many audio shiurim / lectures also exist on the subject.

A Book on Acquiring Emunah is called “Eternal Emunah – A Torah Perspective of Achieving and Living with Faith” by Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Eliach from Artscroll Publishers. It is an excellent work that teaches the outlook of the Torah in General and Faith in particular.

The Author is not only noted for helping guide thousands to a higher spiritual level, but also for making Jewish concepts accessible to the average person.

Rav Avigdor Miller, z”l – the noted Rabbi and Lecturer – also gave many lectures on the Subject. His words were compiled in a book called “Rav Avigdor Miller on Emunah and Bitachon” by Rabbi Yaakov Astor

Each one on our own level can build up our faith daily by observing the good in the world.

The United States is the Superpower Nation in the world.

Is it possible because they put on their Money “In God We Trust” that G-d has rewarded them?

Possible.

G-d rewards those that believe in Him and do His will.

I heard a story of a Japanese Ambassador to Lithuania that helped to save thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, by issuing them visas to Japan.

Is it because of this that Japan is now one of the richest nations of the world?

Possible.

But look at the end of the story:

Prior to his leaving a mission of Jews from the Vilna Synagogue came to thank him.
“What you have done for the Jewish People will never be forgotten, and we will pray to God to bless you and your descendants.”

He lost his job and lost his pension due to pressure from Germany. To help his family he started a small workshop. The name of the workshop was Mitsubishi.

In Torah there are two parts of Trust

Emunah / Belief in G-d – is belief in G-d that He Exists and Does only Good

Bitachon / Faith in G-d – is surety that He will do what you hope is Good for you.

They Go hand in hand. One must work on both.

My Rebbi told me a story about two rabbis that were discussing whether G-d will provide something for a person unconditionally if he believes that G-d will give it to him or that G-d will only provide that that a person needs if he believes He will.

One rabbi said to the other “I will prove to you my point. I don’t need a gold watch. I believe that Hash-m will provide me with a Gold Watch.”

A short time later, there was a knock on the door. A man asked to speak with the Rabbi of the community. He explained they were deciding on dividing and inheritance. “We couldn’t agree on what to do with one item so we decided to give it to the Rabbi. So here – we would like you to have this gold watch.”

Giving of the Torah

About 3,300 years ago G-d gave the Jews the Torah at Mount Sinai.

There were millions of witnesses.

But before he gave the Torah to the Jews, he offered it to all other nations.

One Nation asked “What is in the Torah?” G-d replied for example: “Do not steal.” The nation said it was too difficult to uphold and did not accept it.

He went similarly to all other nations. All asked what was in the Torah. G-d told them and they did not accept it.

Finally, G-d offered it to the Jews – and they said “We will do it and We will hear.” They were willing to do what G-d said before they heard what the Torah said to do!

Jews become Chosen Nation

At this point the Jews became the nation Chosen by G-d to uphold the laws of the Torah.

Jews serve to be the upholders of ethics in the World.

Just like the President is chosen to run the country, because he, the country thinks, is best for the job, G-d thinks that the Jews are the best for upholding the ethics of the world as described by the Torah.

One does not bear animosity towards the president because he was selected to run the nation. Similarly, one should not bear animosity towards the Jews for having been chosen to serve as a light to the nations – to teach them ethics.

Basically the way that the world should work is that if any person has an ethical question , they should ask a competent Orthodox rabbi and based upon his knowledge of Torah, he will give an answer according to Torah.

Daat Torah – The Understanding of Torah

Daat Torah – is the understanding of the Torah. Sometimes people even ask questions that do not seem to be an issue to ask a Rabbi about, like whether to take a Job or not, to a competent Orthodox Rabbi to receive the point of view of the Torah.

Basically the way that the world should work is that if any person has an ethical question , they should ask a competent Orthodox rabbi and based upon his knowledge of Torah, he will give an answer according to Torah.

This makes life much easier – because people estranged from Torah usually have three dilemmas.
1) To Know what is actually right or wrong.
2) To know if it is proper to apply what is right to their particular situation.
3) To actually implement it.

People who follow the Torah only have two dilemmas. They know the Torah is the True source of all ethics. Thus the answer to question 1 is answered by looking in the Torah or consulting with a competent Torah authority.
Thus they only have to grapple with:
2) To know if it is proper to apply what is right to their particular situation.
3) To actually implement it.

Deciding About Life Support

Once someone I knew was on a life support machine. The family was grappling with the issue of whether to take the person off the machine, because he was suffering. There were pros and cons. I explained to them it is an issue of ethics. The Torah deals with this issue. I asked a competent Torah authority and he said it was forbidden to take him off life support.

This made the burden much easier on the family. They did not have to know if what decision they made was right or wrong. They asked the to find out Daat Torah and followed it.

Routine Questions for a Rabbi

Many people routinely ask orthodox rabbis specialized in certain areas of Jewish law, questions on Halacha (Jewish law).

Some ask:
– whether they should get married to a particular individual.
– Which neighborhood would be suitable for them to move?
– Which school is good for their children?
– How to deal with a particular problem.
– how to deal with family problems – like children off the path of Torah, abusive spouses, etc.
– the proper manner of burial according to Jewish law
– about civil law disputes

Almost any question – that has ethical repercussions – can be asked to a competent rabbi to receive Daat Torah.

Beacon of Morality in the World

Part of the Job of the Chosen Nation is to Follow the Laws of the Torah to be able to serve as Moral beacon to the world. It is also to have a close relationship with G-d. If a person wants to take this responsibility they are free to do so by consulting with an Orthodox Rabbi on how to convert.

A Gentile, does not have this responsibility. They Just have to follow the 7 Noahide laws from the Torah for the Torah to receive a place in heaven.

Being part of The Chosen nation is a responsibility to act with impeccable morals. The Laws of the Torah guide us to reach the level of becoming an example to follow.

I came home recently and was told the startling news.

“Someone saw a Squirrel in the closet of one of the rooms. We closed the door.” It was now my job to check if it was still there and, if the need be, to remove it.

I was not afraid – well a little nervous. I remember when I had the squirrel in our other home. I was brave and caught the squirrel in a box and let him go. (He was a bit cute).

I took my equipment to protect myself – I had thick work gloves and my mint spray. Squirrels don’t like mint.

Before entering, I knocked hard on the door to hear if it was still there.

I thought I heard a noise of scrambling.

I turned on the light and creaked open the door.

I was nervous. I thought it would jump out at any second.

After checking carefully I found nothing.

Healthy and Non-Healthy Fear

There is healthy fear and non-healthy fear. Fear to be prudent is good. Fear of G-d is good. Fear of the imaginary is not good. It stifles a person.

So what to do?

Deal with it.

Slowly expose yourself to the situation you fear.

If you fear going on job interviews – ask someone you trust to do a mock interview with you. Look at it as a challenge as something to be excited about – rather than to be apprehensive about.

Talk it out with others.

Build up your confidence slowly. Remember situations in which you were exposed to the fear and you overcame it or there was a positive outcome.

And pray to Hashem to help you.

As in my case – that the squirrel doesn’t jump out.

(By the way, someone told me if an animal ever enters a house, leaving the window open is recommended so it has a way to get out. Animals don’t like to be trapped indoors.)

Life is good.

Look at your overall blessings and you will see the good.

But at times we encounter the unpleasant. We have the power to overcome these situations.

G-d does not put us in a situation we cannot overcome.

One such situation is dealing with the abusive individual.

This could be physical, mental or spiritual abuse.

Some have an abusive spouse, parent, boss or friend.

So what to do?

It really depends – each person must evaluate their own situation and take action – but here are some suggestions:

Understand Them
Understand the root causes of what is driving their abuse and deal with the root causes not just the symptoms. One of the reasons that some revert to abuse is because of their low self-esteem. Or it could be they grew up in an abusive home and they mimic the behavior of their parents. This does not mean that you should suffer for it. They have a responsibility to act correctly. But understanding the root of this behavior can help you react in a more intelligent way.

Speak with a Torah Authority
A Rav (an Orthodox Rabbi) usually have Daat Torah. Meaning that they can tell you what the Torah’s perspective of the situation and how to deal with it. It is important that one consults a competent Rav regarding a situation that one has outlook questions. (like Where one should send their children to school, where is a good place to purchase a house, how to deal with an abusive spouse, etc.) If he does not have the necessary background to deal with such an issue, he can likely direct you to someone competent who can.

Get Advice from Professionals and Friends
A hotline that deals with abusive spouses in the Jewish community is called the Shalom Task force. They give advice based upon the precepts of the Torah. It is best to consult others first so that you will know what the best way is to approach the abuse without incurring more.

Some Organizations – include Shalom Task Force – which deals with Shalom Bayit / Peaceful Marital Relations and marital abuse.
Ohel is another organization that has a wide variety of social services for the Jewish Community.

In Israel – Yad Leachim – which deals with Marital abuse, Missionary Abuse, and more..
יד לאחים – בעברית – עזר ליהודים נגד אלימה Francais / Russian

Speaking with family and friends for useful advice is also recommended. Sift out what is proper advice and what applies to your situation.

Confront in a peaceful time
At times, when the person is calm, one can confront that person with the issues and tell them straight – “I don’t appreciate your insults when I do something not to your liking. Let’s talk it out calmly instead.”

Set Limits for them and For Yourself
At times a person does not know they are abusive. You can explain to them in a gentle tone during a calm time “when you yell out loud it frustrates me. Please try to always talk calmly to me.”
Explain to them the limits of what is abuse.

Here are some of the things that are considered abuse – if done in an improper measure

Yelling
Cursing
Intimidating
Insulting
Forcing a person to do something against their will
Silent Treatment
Striking
Violence
Threatening
Scaring
Imposing
Asking one to do something against the law or the Torah

Drawing the Line
Set limits for yourself. You must define precisely exactly what you feel is abuse and then either speak with them or take action – like “if he yells again without regard for correction I will speak with his parents or force him to get a social worker or leave him”. Beating a Spouse is 100% forbidden according to Torah. A victim in such a situation should speak immediately to one of the organizations above to receive help to get them out of the situation or out of the marriage.

Show your teeth
At times the abusive person is a “Paper Tiger”. If you stand up to them, they might back down. It happens that they back down when resisted or put into place. However, they might get more abusive. It is up to you to find the proper balance and tone of standing up to them.

Imagine how to react ahead of time
When that person starts a tirade, or insults or other abuse, think ahead of time of how you will react. In this manner you will be more in control of the situation.

Get them Psychological help:
Their is a personality Disorder called APD – Abusive Personality Disorder. A person basically uses their resources or methods available to get what they want. They will not be concerned about feelings of the other. They can threaten, flatter, use scare tactics or physical violence or mental abuse to get what they want. Speak with them at a calm time that you suggest that they see a social worker or psychologist. The Social Worker or psychologist should preferably know the laws and the psychology of the Torah – for sometimes a psychologist may prescribe actions that are contrary to Torah, making the situation worse.

Avoid the Forgiveness-Abuse Cycle
Abusive spouses or people are not always abusive – they do sleep. Sometimes they are abusive and at times they bring a facade of friendliness or repentance. The victim feels bad for the person and continues the relationship until the next abuse surfaces. The “kindliness” is part of the abuse. It is a way for the perpetrator to keep a hold on the victim. Be smart and if you are part of the vicious cycle – and see no real amelioration – take counsel from Torah authorities – and if the need be, run for the door.

Make a Plan and Take Action
Have a limit. If the abusive person continues, take positive action – according to Torah, to alleviate your suffering.

Abandon or avoid
Some people are best to avoid. If you have an abusive boss or significant other that it is not worthwhile to keep the relationship going – it may better to avoid and abandon them than to deal with daily abuse. Find a new Job with a boss that acts respectfully towards workers. There are ways to avoid people saying a truthful excuse – like I can’t meet this week I have a previous engagement.

Protect Yourself
If the person is violent, in extreme cases it might be best to runaway without notice. If the violence reaches a point that is unacceptable calling the police or defending oneself is also recommended by Torah. Your life takes precedence. According to Torah, if one’s life, G-d forbid, is actively threatened one may take action by maiming or even killing the pursuer.

Avoid Getting involved with Such People
Some people are known to be abusive. Some hide the fact until they suck a person into their trap. Many people act very nicely and properly before marriage, but when married they become a terror.

The Torah has very specific laws and advice for a person before they get married. They should be from a similar background. Jewish people marry Jewish. One Should check the background of a person before they get married. These laws usually help a person to assure one will end up with a compatible mate – one that one can build a happy life together and a family that has Torah values.

The Torah’s way is first for a person to use their head to select a mate. Afterwards love comes. Not first love then marriage. Love blinds at times. Using “Love” as the reason to get married – is one of the reasons for the high divorce rate. This is a reason for why many get involved with abusive spouses. Either they did not do enough homework to find out about their mate before marriage or they think “Love conquers all”. Get real. Do your due diligence.

Ask their friends, family, acquaintances about their personality, values, openness to advancement, character traits, Jewish Outlook (Hashkafa), level of Torah Study, level of Torah observance, etc. When asking questions ask very detailed questions like “Does this person have any psychological issues? Have you ever seen them being abusive? What is the worst encounter you ever had with this person?, etc.” Don’t ask “Is he a nice person?” and feel you have asked enough. Anybody can act nicely at times.

You may have to spend the rest of your life with a spouse, it is unconscionable for your own sake not to inquire about them. Investing in a dead end marriage – because your are “in love” – is basically a waste of time. Sometimes after years of suffering, people divorce and they are too old to establish a family.

One of the objectives of Marriage is to help a person reach their potential in bringing good to the world and serving Hash-m properly. Being stuck in a dead end marriage, stifles one’s ability to achieve their potential and purpose in life.

Compatibility with Torah values is more important than “love” when selecting a mate. A person can fall in love with an abusive person who will also abuse the children. It’s not worth it for “love”. When buying a car one does much research, even more so a person should do so when selecting a life mate.

Prayer
Pray to Hash-m that he guides you the right way to avoid the abuse of the person. Pray that the person changes. Or pray that He helps you avoid that person. Pray that He finds you another Job with a non-abusive boss. Pray for a peaceful day.

Ein od milevado
Strong Belief in Hash-m (G-d) that only He is in control is another way to nullify the person’s abuse. Ein Od Milevado – means that “There is only Hash-m.” Beleiving this strongly one can nullify the will of another person. (Get the Card Here)

In school, Math was one of my better subjects. I used to be a Math Tutor.

I still am in sorts.

One does not need to be a Math Genius to find happiness – but knowing simple math helps.

Let’s explain.

Mistakes in the Equations

Pleasure = Happiness
Pleasure + Pleasure = Happiness

One of the Mistakes in finding happiness is the assumption that the pursuit of pleasures will allow one to attain happiness.

Why? Because they think :

One’s Self = Body

We see people with all the wealth in the world and access to all the pleasures and are still sunken in depression. Why? Apparently many think that the above is the equation for happiness.

It is not.

There is some truth to the equation but it must be modified. We’ll see below.

Happiness is a inner feeling of satisfaction with oneself, one’s situation and life in general. It’s a feeling that “I am accomplishing my purpose.” “I am doing good and bringing good to the world. I am making a difference of the world.”

Why do many people do all kinds of kindnesses? It brings them happiness.

Why?

The Torah says this the equation of a person:

One’s Self = Body + Soul

Apparently because G-d built us this way that we are pleased when we do good – as defined by Him. When we give pleasure to the soul we are happy. Torah is the guidebook of pleasure to the soul. It is likely this is the reason why the Gallup Poll found that people who observe Torah Judaism carefully are the happiest with life out of all other groups in the USA.

So for them it is much easier because they already have the guidebook to happiness – the Torah. For Jews the Mitzvot from the Torah make them happy. For Gentiles it is following the 7 Noahide laws from the Torah that make them happy.

Let’s Modify the Equation.

There are pleasures that make a person happy – like those that are congruent with Torah.

There are pleasures that sadden a person – like following the desires that distance a person from G-d and the Torah.

So the Revised Equation is:

Pleasures that Bring a Person Closer to Hash-m + Pleasures that Bring a Person Closer to Hash-m = Happiness

or

Pleasures to the Soul + Pleasures to the Soul = Happiness

or

Mitzvah + Mitzvah = Happiness

I found out through experience. When I pursued pleasures contrary to Mitzvot I was left feeling empty and abandoned. When I pursued those that were congruent with Torah and brought me closer to Hash-m (G-d) I found satisfaction.

Achieving One’s Purpose

But really the equation above is a bit simplified.

Here is the real equation

Happiness = *Healthy Personal Relationships with Others + Mitzvot + Having Proper Torah Outlook + Achieving One’s Purpose + Continual Improvement + Torah Study + Doing Kindness + Trying to Be Happy – Transgression

(*a relationship that is deemed healthy by Torah standards)

That is the real equation.

Doing Addition and Subtraction

Another reason why a person is sometimes depressed is because they do not know how to do addition and subtraction.

The Grass is greener on the Other Side.

This is addition of what others have over what you have.

The Equation they Use is

What Others Have > (greater than) What I Have

Meaning if I add what Others Have to What I have I will be Happy.

The Equation they use is :

What I Have + What Others Have = Happiness

or

What I Have + Particular Situation = Happiness

But this is not so because G-d gives you exactly what you need to serve him properly. So Happiness is in your realm of possibility at any moment in time.

Really One should Do the Opposite – Look at what others lack and compare your own situation to Theirs. Meaning

What I Have > (is greater than) What Others Have

Meaning they Should Subtract

My Life is better because I Have what Others do not have.

Many people have good lives but they also have problems and challenges.

We tend to look at the good that others have and ignore their problems.

If we put more emphasis on that we have and look less at what others have and look at the problems that others have that we don’t have will help us to be happy.

This is one of the interpretations of Pirkei Avot

Who is Wealthy? The One Who is Happy with One’s Lot. (Talmud: Avot 4:1)

Also Being Happy that Others Have What they Have is another interpretation of the quote from Avot Above. Being happy for others makes you happy.

Happiness = Happy for What You Have + Happiness that Others Have What They Have

Usually it is not what you have what makes you happy – It is what you do.

Do Good and Feel Good.

Please your soul and you are on the road to happiness.

A Rebbe is a Rabbi from which one learns much of their Torah knowledge. A Rebbe could be also a Rabbi that has much Torah knowledge.

In Yeshiva, my Rebbe taught me how to learn Torah. We had many Torah discussions. I tried to serve him the best I could.

The week my Rebbe passed away – walking to my Teaching Job – the sky was purplish-orange but clear. I felt a great emptiness, accompanied by sadness and darkness.

I reminisced the good times we had.

Daylight fading, combined with the darkness of losing my Rebbe left me searching for light.

Teaching, I was more quiet than usual. In spite of difficulty, I taught Torah to the people who were at my table. That’s what my Rebbe would have wanted.

I still felt pain but as I taught the darkness started lifting.

The light started shining again.

Melancholy of Youth Lost

At times I reminisce about times I had as a youth with sweet melancholy. What I’m left with is a semi-regretful feeling, for the times passed.

Some try to hold on to those feelings and relive the times of youth.

The Torah says to go on and grow and continue living fully. Life is to be more than reminiscing of yesterday. Life is to enjoy and rejoice. The Power of a Mitzvah can uproot darkness and bring new happiness into life. Life is to be full of Light.

Torah Light

It says in the Torah :

A Mitzvah (commandments) is a candle and Torah is light. (Shlomo HaMelech / King Solomon in Mishlei / Proverbs 6:23)

Life’s Ups and Downs

In life it is normal to have ups and downs – spiritually and materially.

There were times that I missed the mark spiritually and felt the void and heavy darkness.

When when I took myself in hand again to do Teshuva/Repentance and continue doing good deeds I found the light shining again.

The reason: Hash-m is the source of life. When the Soul is close to Hash-m, one is close to Light. When one distances themselves from G-d’s Torah and Mitzvot, Darkness seeps in.

I speak from experience. A recent Gallup poll survey found the same – those close to Mitzvot are happiest.

Source of Light

A rabbi once remarked to my friend – the only source of happiness is from observing Torah.

My friend countered “My Parents are not observant Jews and they live happily?”

The Rabbi Replied “Are there any particular Mitzvah’s that your parents do?”

He said “Yes. They do a lot of Chesed / Acts of Kindness”

The Rabbi then concluded “That is the source of their happinesss.”

I was pretty good at pool.

Not like the professional billiard players that can call which pocket the ball will fall.

But decent.

Now, I hardly play.

Too busy.

The objective of one version of pool is to knock cue ball (the white ball) into other balls with a pool stick and try to get your balls -either striped or solid – into the pockets before the other player. The Eight Ball must be sunk last.

Emotional Pool Game

Life is a bit like the game of pool.

There is a situation – like a cue ball – that knocks into a person.

The person – the colored ball – moves based upon the direction the cue ball hit him or her.

Choose Your Reaction

For Instance:

The Slow Cashier

You are waiting on line for to buy bread and several other items. The cashier, on his cell phone, slowly punches the prices into the cash register. He makes 5 mistakes on 5 of the items you purchased. You are in a rush.

It is understandable that you are irked.

You could react like what your emotions tell you – “Rank him out! Tell him he shouldn’t be on the phone when serving a customer! Especially you who buys thousands of dollars from the store every year. He should be more careful. Let me call the manager! I’m in a rush and he is taking his sweet time.”

or you could react the way that your mind tells you – “Let me be patient. It’s understandable to make errors. I will point out to him in a gentle manner, without accusations, that he made a mistake on several of the items I purchased.”

or
Child Responsibility

You tell your child for the fifth time to clean up the toys from the floor. Before he cleans up, you inadvertently step on a toy and slip. Trying to catch your balance, Your hand knocks over a bowl of chocolate cake mix and pours all over your brand new suit that you were about to wear to synagogue.

You could react like what your emotions tell you – “Yell at him! I told him five time to clean up the toys. Why doesn’t he listen? This suit was over $750 and now it has chocolate all over it! Tell him he is grounded for the entire day.”

or you could react the way that your mind tells you – “Let me be patient. I myself do leave things out without putting things away. Sometimes children just mimic their parent’s actions. I have to set an example. Let me gently explain to him and set an example of the way to put things away promptly after using them.”

Self-Control

Basically, you can choose at any point in time your reaction to a situation. This is what we call in Judaism – Freedom of Choice. We are expected to make decisions based upon what Torah says is acceptable – even though at times we might feel we know better or our emotions push us in the opposite direction. (See Pirkei Avot 4:1 – Who is Strong? The one who conquers his inclination.)

G-d knows the absolute best decision you can make – these are called the Mitzvot. Choosing them we become free. Choosing them, we do the best for ourselves and the best for the world.

My Rebbe, Rabbi Zecharia Mines, z”l used to tell me – “The mind should control the heart. The heart should not control the mind.”

You control the situation. The situation should not control you.

Recently, a car from a perpendicular street pulled into my lane. I swerved to avoid it. I believe I was driving the speed limit, but a person in a car flagged me down and said “I admit that that driver was wrong for pulling into your lane but… you should slow down.”

Did I take his message to heart?

Obviously not.

A little time after I was in a rush. I passed a person parking on a narrow road and they dented my car as they were pulling into a parking space. Had I waited, I would have avoided the dent. I realize I should have listened to the first message to “slow down.”

After the second message I try to take myself out of “rush mode” when driving even when rushed.

G-d is very close to each individual. If one notices, He guides your life for the good and also sends you messages daily. You just have to be able to pay attention and understand them. Knowing this is comforting in itself. You are never alone. Hash-m is always with you and guiding you for good. When you reach out He is there.

Another Message

The Mikve is a body of natural water – either from rain or an ocean, stream or lake – that purifies. A Jewish man or woman, who observes the Jewish laws of family purity, uses a Mikve for purification. A Gentile who wishes to convert to Judaism also dips there. It purifies one’s body and thoughts from the everyday.

I was in the Mikve to when a man mistook me for someone else.

He turned to me and said “Yitzhak. In case you didn’t notice the clock battery needs to be replaced.” Realizing his error he said “Oh! You are not Yitzhak.”

Most people would be amused for a moment and quickly forget the incident.

Me? Not.

Here is how I deciphered it.

For about three weeks a clock in my home needed a new battery. I took the message that I should replace my own clock battery.

More importantly, the man called me “Yitzhak.” and then said “You are not Yitzhak.”

I might be reading too much into things but here goes…

“Yitzhak” was one of the forefathers of the Jewish nation. He was on a tremendously high spiritual level. He would be learning Torah much of the day.

When he said “You are not Yitzhak”, I took it to mean – that I should reinforce my regular Torah learning.

Listening to G-d’s daily messages can be an important source of self-improvement.

“Shabbat Shalom Dave!” – a True Story:

After returning home from an inspirational trip to Israel, where he learned in Torah in a Yeshiva for the first time of his life, a young man named Dave was grappling with the idea of properly observing Shabbat. It was Friday night – the Night of Shabbat / the Sabbath – and he had a dilemma.:

Should he adhere to the laws of Shabbat or should he cave in to the pressures of those discouraging him?

So he prayed to G-d. “G-d please give me a sign that you want me to observe the Shabbat.” No answer.

“Please G-d give me a sign that you want me to observe your holy Shabbat day.” No sign.

David waited and prayed. Prayed and waited. No sign.

Close to midnight Dave decided to turn on the TV.

At that moment a Talk Show Host was interviewing a guest. He asked him to say something that he had learned on his trip to Israel before they break for a commercial.

Just when Dave turned on the the TV, the guest turned to the screen, and said “Shabbat Shalom Dave!”

He took the message to heart – returning to Israel three days later to continue his spiritual journey discovering life through Torah.

I felt it was going to happen.

I was driving to work teaching.

I hit one pothole. The car drove fine.

Then the second. The thump, thump, thump began.

Pulling over, I noticed it was a flat.

I prudently got off the next exit and changed the tire to the spare.

Good exercise, but I could have avoided it.

The mechanic said to change the tires.

But I avoided it, forgot about it, ignored it and pushed it off.

I know G-d will help me get to work.

But I forgot another thing.

We shouldn’t rely on miracles.

Just take care of it.