Moshe (Paul) Reichman, z”l – former CEO of Olympia & York – the worlds largest Real Estate Development Company, had his humble beginnings in Gateshead Yeshiva in England.

As a young Yeshiva Bachur (Lad), he was assigned the task of bringing bread from the local bakery for the Yeshiva. Every Day diligently he would go to the bakery and bring bread to the Yeshiva. His fellow – another Moshe – Moshe Sternbuch was assigned the task of waking up the Yeshiva Boys for the Morning Prayer.

Their Rebbe – Rabbi Schneider – gave them each a blessing. To Moshe Reichmann – that would bring the bread – he blessed him that he should become wealthy to the point of becoming world renown. And to the other Moshe – Moshe Sternbuch – he blessed him that he should become a great Torah scholar – becoming world renown. Both Blessings were fulfilled.

Moshe Reicmann related later in his life “I wish I was the one that went to wake up the students.”

The whole life of Moshe Reichmann – revealed where his heart was. He eagerly desired to support and learn Torah. Though he achieved tremendous financial success – he still remained a Ben Torah (Torah Learner) at heart. When he was in yeshiva – he didn’t think of going into business. He “wanted to something for the world.” When he did go into business he said often that the best training for business was learning Talmud (Gemara).

Once he went to the Gadol HaDor (One of the Greatest Rabbis in the Generation) Rav Shach. He asked him “I have enough wealth to support myself and my family and their families for the next generation – can I stop doing business to learn Torah all day?” Rav Schach said “You must continue doing business because – you are helping to hold up the world of Torah with your philanthropy.”

Yes. Holding up the Torah World. But not only the world of Torah, but the world at large – for great abundance and good is provided to the world from above due to the people who learn Torah. If Gentiles knew how much good comes from the people learning Torah – they would eagerly motivate us to learn it.

Thus he was a master builder – not only a builder of Sky Scrapers – but of Torah institutions and goodness in the world.

He helped to build Otzar HaTorah – a Jewish School system of many Torah schools in Morocco and France – for young children. He worked together with Rabbi Aharon Monsonego.

His relation in building schools with Rabbi Aharon Monsonego – chief Rabbi of Morocco – had it’s beginnings when they were both single. Once, when Reichmann was visiting a town in Morocco, Rabbi Monsonego invited Reichman to stay at his small room. He told him “I am sorry I have not much, but whatever I do we will share.”

For dinner he had a box of sardines and bread for himself. He gave half of the sardines and the bread to Moshe. He only had one bed, so Rabbi Monsonega gave it to Mr. Reichman to sleep in. Their relationship forged, together they toiled to build Otzar HaTorah school system.

Mr. Reichmann spoke used to speak dearly of the years that he spent studying Talmud and building Torah schools in Morocco. “I think that what I did in those years was a greater achievement than what I have done since,”

Mr. Reichmann gave millions of Dollars yearly to support and start new synagogues, schools, and Torah institutions. His humility, his impeccable honesty, Jewish philanthropy, eagerness to help Torah causes and his fellows will be missed by thousands.

Rav Schach – who was Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevehz Yeshiva – who was occupied studying and teaching Torah almost all day – in B’nai Brak – said to Moshe Reichmann – “I don’t know who has a greater share in Olam HaBa (the World to come.) But I do know that I have a greater share in Olam HaZeh (this world).” Because Rav Schach – had the great pleasure of learning Torah all day. Apparently Reichman agreed.

On October 11-12, 2013 – in a historical event in South Africa, lead by the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein thousands of Jews took upon themselves to Observe the Shabbat Together in it’s entirety. Jews from all over the spectrum participated. Comedians, Radio Personalities, Doctors, Lawyers all came together showing unity and comradery in observing the special gift to the Jews – the day of Rest – the Shabbat.

Together they observed all the Jewish Laws associated with Shabbat. No cell phones, no TV, no initiation of electricity – and were ecstatic and enthusiastic to do so.

The Torah states – “If all the Jews observed One Shabbat – the redemption would come immediately.”

We see signs that Jewish women of today are starting the redemption process – as the Torah states – “Due to the Merit of the Righteous Women, the Jews were redeemed from Egypt. In the Future due to their merit, they will also be redeemed.” In Egypt the Jewish Women encouraged their husbands in the field burdened with slave labor to not lose hope and continue a normal life.

The Shabbos Project – Keeping it Together – was initiated by women preparing Challah for Shabbat.

The Great Street Challah Bake

The preparation for the day started with the Women Baking Challah (Bread for Shabbat). Over 2,500 people participated in this event the day before Shabbat. Each woman was provided with a bowl, with the ingredients for Challah – Flour, Oil, Water, Yeast and Salt. Each one prepared their own. The South Africans closed off the streets for this great event.

The next day lit the Shabbat candles and went to the Friday night services at a local synagogue. Together they feasted for the First Shabbat meal – consisting of meat, wine & song with great company, a spirit of togetherness and holiness. Shabbat morning, the participants walked to their closest synagogue – rather than using a car – in accordance with Jewish Law. Some walked miles. They attended the morning services, followed by the afternoon meal – consisting of delightful food and more song.

When the Shabbat was over – after they said Havdala (the conclusion of Shabbat prayer) they were privy to a Jewish concert with thousands saying bye to the Shabbat Queen.

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Obtain a Free Shabbat Candle-lighting Kit – the Shabbat Care Package at Our Site

Rabbi Ezra Attia, was a head of the Yeshiva (Rosh HaYeshiva) of Porat Yosef in Israel. He had a star student that was extremely gifted, bright and diligent. One day he noticed that his student was absent.

Inquiring, He found that his student was at his father’s grocery store. The Rosh Yeshiva went to the store. He found his student with an apron, tending the store. Rabbi Attia asked “what brings you here? We did not see you at the Yeshiva?”

“My father needed me to help in the store.”

Rabbi Attia asked him for his apron and wore it himself. He said “I’ll take care of the store – You go and learn Torah.”

When the student’s father saw the Rosh Yeshiva with the apron, he was puzzled. “My Honorable Rabbi, what makes you don this apron?” he asked sheepishly.

He replied “Your son is brilliant. I told him to go to the yeshiva to learn Torah while I will tend to the store.”

The father was taken aback “No. I will not hear of it. Please forgive me. I will send my son to the Yeshiva and find someone else to take care of the store.”

That student eventually became Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, ztz”l. He helped thousands to enroll in Torah Schools – by going door to door to explain to parents the importance of a Torah education.

He became the Chief Rabbi of Israel. He guided and inspired people, politicians, doctors and rabbis.

He started an organization that created a network of Torah schools in Israel. He taught Hundreds of thousands of people Torah weekly. He was instrumental to give pride to Jews in their Judaism and Sephardim in their heritage. He learned Torah many hours a day learning the works by heart. He gave guidance to thousands of people yearly. He loved his people and helped them however he could.

At his funeral – according to conservative estimates – 850,000 people attended. The greatest amount of people at a funeral in modern-day Israel.

A short summary.

What gave him this power? What gave him this vision? What gave him this perseverance?

His dedication to learning Torah.

Learning Torah helps a person grow and allows a person to reach their potential and purpose in life.

If we were to imagine if Rabbi Ovadia Yosef – stayed as a clerk in his father’s store – what would he have accomplished? Perhaps he would have taught some people Torah and become the head of his father’s company. Perhaps 800 people would have attended his funeral.

But he reached heights uncommon for the common man through – Torah learning – especially the learning of Talmud.

This is the secret for a person to become a success.

In society – some people say clothes make the man or money makes the man. But we can easily discount this. Let’s say a person has the most expensive suit’s – $20,000 – tailor made. He is a billionaire. Is he a success? Many would say – yes.

But what if he is rotten with his employees, yells at his wife and children constantly and uses scheming tactics to make money?

Success? Obviously not. A person’s growth depends on becoming a greater human being. According to Torah this is comprised of three things:

1) Doing the Positive Commandments – this includes being a good person
2) Avoiding the Torah Prohibitions – this includes not being a bad person
3) Achieving one’s Purpose in life

Torah study is so essential – as we see in the example above.

For men – Talmud study is recommended. There are many orthodox synagogues that offer Talmud study courses. One can also learn over skype or over the phone with a partner.

For Women – It is recommended that they learn Jewish Laws that pertain to them and other Torah Topics – like Parasha – weekly Torah reading. Torah Books abound for women at most Torah bookstores.

For Gentiles – it is recommended that they learn the laws of the 7 Noahide Comandments with a reputable Torah scholar or organization.

A peaceful forest.

A serene landscape.

A cool, autumn beach.

Places for Jewish meditation.

A calm room will also do.

Sit. Alone. Quietly. Close your eyes.

Close your phone.

Let the world out.

Let your hopes and thoughts in.

Relax.

No one in the world can see you.

Except Hash-m – the good G-d.

Pray to Hash-m. Anything that you want. Repeat it. Say it again. Say it differently. Express your heart to Him. Plead, argue, cry. Say thank you. Express your hopes, desires and fears.

Let positive thoughts pour over you.

Think of yourself. Think of how you are and how you can be, how you would like to be.

Work on one aspect at a time. Being less angry. Being more kind.

This is Jewish Meditation. It is called Hitbodoedut. Meaning secluding oneself.

Many Tzaddikim – righteous Jews – use this method to improve themselves. Some would take one hour a day to reflect. But starting with 5 minutes is fine.

Society and the race of life keeps a person busy. They say – “Don’t stop.”

“Be Busy.”

Too busy for free thinking.

Too busy to reflect on where your are, who you are and where you want to go.

Hitbodedut is a solution.

Tell life to stop for a moment to see where you are heading. Is it the right path? Is it the right path for you? is it the path that G-d wants from you?

You deserve to be the captain of the ship called life.

Especially your own.

Let the waves of water sooth you

but not be your guide.

You decide.

You be you.

So that which yesterday you said “I’ll do tomorrow” – do today.

and since “Tomorrow is a better day” – be happy Today.

🙂

Freedom.

Everyone wants it – but what is it?

There is freedom of action, freedom of choice and freedom of self.

In essence they are all related.

Freedom of Action

Freedom of action — is being able to do what one wants to do without being constrained. This category also includes freedom of speech and thought.

Freedom of Choice – the right of a person to choose between right and wrong.

Freedom of choice is having two choices before person and being able to choose the right one. For instance if a moral choice is before a person and they choose in an intelligent manner. Choosing the proper thing, and the right and moral thing to do, they make a proper choice.

According to Torah, everyone has Freedom of Choice. G-d gives every person the opportunity to choose.

If one chooses the proper thing to do — he or she will be rewarded — either in this world or in the next or both. And if they make the wrong choice morally, they will be punished — but each individual has a choice to do what they want.

Choosing the right thing makes a person reach a higher level of freedom of self.

When a person has a moral dilemma – There are forces pushing him to do the right thing (Conscience – Yetzer HaTov / Good inclination) and forces pushing him to do the wrong thing (Yetzer HaRah – Evil Inclination – which pushes a person towards the bad). He or she must choose. Only a moral dilemma allows a person to achieve a higher freedom of self. Why? Because there are two forces pushing them in opposite directions. And one chooses between the two.

Freedom of self — is being in Control of Oneself – having freedom from dependencies and vices.

What is True Freedom?

What is true freedom? Of the three – freedom of self.

Why?

A person can have freedom of choice and freedom of action and still be an alcoholic. An alcoholic is dependent on his vices.

If a person has freedom of choice – One is not necessarily a free person.

One’s Job in the World
A person’s job is limiting his freedom of action to choose what is good according to Torah.

There is a window of actions that a person is able to do.

Some will never kill but will steal a person’s purse. Some will never steal a purse but will take office supplies from work. Some will not take office supplies, but will take hour “coffee breaks.”

Rabbi Aharon Heymann, a Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva of Epinay in France, said on one of his French “D’var Torah” lectures “he would never steal a purse so he had no freedom of choice with respect to grabbing a person’s purse. But he would not be able to let himself die for God.“ The freedom of choice stands at the point between the two points of moral decision-making.

A person’s job in this world is to remove his freedom of choice for bad. How? By inculcating into one’s being proper values, making the right choices and by learning Mussar / Jewish Ethical Works to the point to — not to have “the choice” to do bad. For instance — to not steal, to not lie, to not cheat.

One’s Job is also to open their choices to good. — to observe Shabbat, to learn Torah, to keep kosher, to be a better person.

By this one becomes more free.

Who is more free? A person who needs to steal or needs to drink or needs to smoke or to overeat or one who can control themselves and abstain?

Freedom can only be proven in a choice between right and wrong. Choosing between pizza or spaghetti is not a real freedom of choice decision. It is choosing of a preference. It is freedom of action, but not really freedom of choice.

Animals do not have freedom of choice. If you put a a steak or grass in front of a cow – it will likely choose the grass. This does not mean it is free. It means it chose what it preferred. It is freedom of action but not freedom of choice.

Little by little a person, who limits their choices of right and wrong to do what is right, becomes a free man.

This is the the reason that Torah gives a person true freedom. A Person becomes a master over choosing what is right and a master of control over one’s self.

This is the explanation of what it says in Pirkei Avot / Ethics of the Fathers (chapter 6:2):

Rabbi Yehoshua son of Levi said ”Each day a Heavenly voice comes out from the Mount Horeb, and says ‘woe to the creatures, from the insult of the Torah’, for whoever does not occupy himself with Torah is called “reproached” [nazuf] …

and it says “and the tablets [of the Law – the ten commandments] they are the work of Hash-m (G-d) – and the writing is the writing of Hash-m – inscribed [charut] on the tablets ”

Do To not read [it as] “charut” [inscribed] rather as “cherut” [freedom]. For the only one who is considered to be a free man is one who occupies himself with Learning Torah . And who ever occupies himself with learning Torah Behold he is elevated as it says from “Matanah [gift] to nachliel [inheritance] and nachliel [heritage] to bamot [heights].”

(Bamidbar / Numbers 21:19 quoted in Pirkei Avot 6:2)

Meaning that through the gift of Torah, one has a personal heritage of it. When one occupies oneself with it they reach higher heights in self-actualization. It is through this process of choosing the right from the Torah, that a person reaches their potential.

Torah allows me to be free and to be me.

The Martial Arts – the ancient art of self-defense.

I am not well versed in martial arts.

I do know of various types – karate, tai-kwando, judo, Torah Dojo. Each one has their own philosophy defending oneself. Many use momentum of the enemy for defense or defeat.

Everyone has an enemy. This enemy seeks to destroy a person in this world and the next. He is well versed in the tactics of war, seduction and attack.

It is not a person. It is the enemy that is inside each and every one of us. Some call it – desire, lust, greed, hatred. The Torah calls it the evil inclination (Yetzer HaRah).

To counter balance it one also has a conscience. The Torah calls it – the good inclination (Yetzer HaTov).

As these two forces are constantly present in an individual – to balance their actions – at all times, most of the time a person has free choice to choose whether to do good or commit a transgression.

The Spirit of Folly

The Torah states that a person will only sin when a spirit of folly enters into him or her.

Meaning that a person will sin only when they are not thinking rationally.

An example. A man who is happily married with children. Little by little he develops emotional dependence towards his secretary. Developing the relationship with her causes strife in his house and in the end – divorce. Initially, desire doesn’t seem so bad. In the long term – it broke a happy household.

Or a person with a temper. He is the boss. His employee does something improper. Instead of speaking with them in a respectful manner – he blurts out his anger. He let off his steam, and maybe even got his point across to correct the situation – but he also caused his employee to be less motivated. The same applies to one’s family, one’s spouse, a friend, or one’s children.

Transgressing the Torah, one does bad to themselves many times more than to anyone else.

Transgression Prevention

So what is a person to do to prevent themselves from transgressing?

According to Torah each person has free choice at every moment.

Even when one is very angry he has the power to control himself – to make a rational decision.

To understand how to fight against the enemy – the evil inclination – we must understand its ways.

It uses many tactics to cause a person to transgress.

One of the tactics is found in Judo.

In Judo one uses the momentum and the force of someone coming towards you to your advantage – for instance to flip them.

The Evil Inclination does the same thing. When a person is in the momentum of being angry – it makes a suggestion – “hit your child”, “slap that person”, “use foul language.” Now you – have a choice – should I follow the suggestion of the evil inclination or not. You are in control at that moment.

Ways that the evil inclination causes a person to sin.

1. Chipping away at the person, little by little.

For instance it doesn’t tell a person to eat non-Kosher directly. It says “Why don’t you go to MacDonalds to relieve yourself.” – which is permitted. Then the next time at the time of one’s thirst, when passing by – “How about a coke?” Then the next time it says “Why not a coke?” And at the counter it suggests “Those fries look very delicious – why not get a small pack?” Afterwards “It say how about a fillet of fish.” Until it suggests to the person to eat a cheese-burger – which is not kosher.

2. When the person is in a state of pandemonium – it suggests a transgression. Like when the Jews thought Moses died – the Jews became emotional vulnerable. At that moment, the evil inclination suggested a the Jews to do the sin of the Golden Calf.

Tactics against the Evil Inclination

1. Remember you are in control. Know that you are in control has a calming effect. Use it in all situations. Don’t say “He made me so angry, that’s why I yelled,” – You are in control.

2. Make a fence – For instance – there are complete set of laws regarding how one is to conduct themselves with the opposite gender to prevent one from becoming emotionally attached or physically attracted. They are called the laws of Yichud / seclusion. It includes not being alone with a member of the opposite gender in a closed room, apartment or office. One can make boundaries between them and employees of the opposite gender to only call them by their family name – Like “Mr. Cohen” instead of their first name. One can avoid buying sodas at non-kosher restaurants, etc.

3. Play out situations in your mind. Sometimes a person gets angry or emotional when certain buttons are pushed.One should mentally play out a situation and imagine in a time of cool, what would be the most appropriate reaction.

4. Learn books of Mussar (Ethics) – that explain the dangers and pitfalls of bad reactions and the tremendous reward of acting with nobility.

5. Ask for help from others – whether it be advice or to help calm you at certain points.

6. Use delaying Tactics – I won’t get angry now, I will count to twenty and then I will state my point. I will not eat the food now , I will eat it in one hour.

7. Nip it in the bud – at times we recognize the suggestions of the evil inclination. They are suggestions placed in the mind – that go against morality or may even seem innocent. Once one recognizes it, one should disregard it and flee. Perhaps doing the opposite of the suggestion. A poor person asks you for a quarter. The evil inclination says “He is probably going to use it for alcohol. Don’t give it to him!” Recognizing that this is the evil inclination – you can counter by giving him the quarter with a big smile or giving him a dollar.

8. Know what Hash-m wants from you – and act accordingly. Sometimes one must take a step back and ask themselves – “How does Hash-m want me to act with this person.” This helps a person understand the proper perspective of how to act with others.

9. Love your fellow as yourself – place yourself in your fellow’s shoes. If you were in such a situation, how would you want to be treated? Speak softly and kindly – but state your point. Anything that can be said with anger can be said softly and be better accepted.

10. Pray – to Hash-m to help you overcome your trials and become a person that you want to be.

G-d gave us a beautiful world. He gave it to us to enjoy.

It is a Mitzvah to enjoy the pleasures G-d gave us – the delicious fruit, the awesome nature, relationships with people and more.

Unfortunately many people are hurt or offended by others and instead of getting over it, they dwell on the past, live with quarrel and chips on the shoulders. This puts a damper on the enjoyment one is to have.

In Pirkei Avot (4:21) it states about Removing Oneself from the World:

Rabbi Eliezer Hakefar says jealousy and desire and honor remove a person from the world.

Why is this?

One answer is : Because he does not live his own life and enjoy it – he lives his life based upon others and his satisfaction is dependent upon them.

The person who has jealousy is living his life based upon the what other people have. The possessions of others are controlling his life.

The Person who has desire is living life based upon the desire of others. Others are also controlling their life.

Honor seeking also puts control of one’s life in other people’s hands. One lives because of the honor that others provide.

So the person that pursues the above puts the control of their life in the hands of others.

People walk around with chips on the shoulder – this person did this to me. This person didn’t help me when I needed it. This person took away my job.

There are many ways to cope and get over the above.

1. Remember any thing that happens is from G-d. He only does good.
That that the person did it means that he was just a messenger. See the good in the situation.

For instance – let’s say you want to get a certain promotion at your company and you did not get it.
Before you are evaluated to receive it you should say to yourself:
If I get the promotion it is good – I will have more potential to help the company.
If I don’t get the promotion it is good – I will have more time to spend with my family.

In this way one will have a win-win situation.

If they get the thing they wanted – good.
If they don’t they will also be satisfied.

Usually one thinks – if I get A good. If they don’t they feed badly.
Using the win-win situation one will be happy in either case.

2. Try to reduce Jealousy, Honor Seeking and Desire.
This will eliminate also many disappointments in life.

3. Judge People favorably
Perhaps the boss did not give you a raise not because he felt you did not deserve it but because the company was having financial difficulty at that point. Or they did not recognize your true worth.

4. Focus your efforts on progressing not on dwelling on the past.
Many people get into the consumation game – they are consumed with a particular problem and they dwell on it. This makes them unproductive and greatly limits their potential. Instead one should look ot how they can realize their potential rather than putting others down.

5. Count your blessings.
One usually has much to be thankful for. Focus on the good you have rather than what you lack. Like it says in Pirkei Avot (4:1) about Being Wise, Rich and Honored
1. Ben Zoma says …Who is the rich person – one who is content with his lot as it says “If your hand arrives that you can eat – happy are you and it is good for you” (Tehillim 128:2) “happy” — in this world; “and it will be good for you” — in the next world.

6. See the Good in Others
One way is to 1. take a sheet of paper. 2. Write the name of the person that you have animosity towards. 3. list all their good qualities and good things they did for you. This will help you to see the person in more of an accurate light.

7. Feel for the Other Person
Perhaps the other person is living difficult times – that is why they acted in a way contrary to your expectations.

8. Live your life to please Hash-m Rather than to please others.
When one does the will of G-d, concern for what others think or do becomes more irrelevant. Your focus is to please G-d not to please others.

9. Be Noble
Usually it is the greater individual that forgives and forgets about the bad of others.

10. Know that G-d is happy when you live Peacefully with others
This will allow you to overlook slights against you.

11. Be Resilient
Kids Fight. Two minutes later they are playing again together. Learn from them.

These are some simple guidelines from the Torah that can vastly improve one’s outlook and enjoyment in life.

There is a discussion regarding doing the Mitzvot. Are the Mitzvot for the purpose of themselves – doing them are the purpose. Or are the purpose of doing the Mitzvot – to become a better person?

What is the difference?

Let’s take a person who is doing all the Mitzvot and learning Torah, but he or she is has a bad temper, embarrasses people, disrespects others and or has no mercy for their fellow. According to the first manner of looking at Mitzvot – that person is doing pretty well. According to the second view of Mitzvot – this person missed the boat.

So many people will say – OK so at least according to the second view I don’t have to perform the Mitzvot – I am already a good person and that is what really matters.

Although that might sound proper, let’s look at it on paper.

According to Torah – a person must achieve 3 things in life.

1) To observe the 613 commandments of the Torah for Jews or the 7 Noahide laws for Gentiles – which includes belief in the 13 principles of the Rambam

2) To become a good person as defined by the Torah

3) To achieve one’s purpose in life

Being a good person is just one aspect of life.

After one passes to the next world they will be shown 2 films – one of what their life was and one of what their would have been if they would have properly followed the Torah.

Regarding point 1 –
If the King asks you to take care of a particular task like making sure the palace is well kempt and the garden is taken care of – should one abstain?

Regarding 2 –
Sometimes a person thinks they are good, but they are not as good as they can be according to Torah. If a person can provide kindness to 100 people a day and he is only does to 5 people a day – sure that person is good but not as good as one can be.

Regarding 3 –
For a person to find and achieve one’s purpose in life – it is necessary to observe and learn Torah. Many times a rich person thinks that their accumulation of wealth is a proof of their achievement of purpose. But it is not the wealth in itself that will enable them to achieve it – it is the use of the wealth to provide kindness to the world – to help Torah scholars, to build Yeshivot, to help Jewish children receive a Torah education and so on…

In any case it – following the Torah provides one with meaning and purpose – which is many times lacking in people who disregard them completely.

Some books that help a person find purpose and help them in their quest of self-improvement – here are some Classic Jewish Self-Improvement Works:
Pirkei Avot – Ethics of the Fathers
Mesilat Yesharim – The Path of the Righteous – By Rabbi Haim Moshe Luzatto
Ahavat Chesed – Love of Kindness – the Chofetz Chaim

Proper Torah Outlook –
Mishne Torah / HaYad Hachazaka – Sefer HaMadah by the Rambam / Maimonides