Tetley Tea used to have short quotes on the tag of the teabag. One was “When Disagreeing Don’t Become Disagreeable.” Wisdom from a teabag.

Some say “I don’t agree, I don’t like.”

The Torah says respect every person. Be respectful to even a criminal. Treat him or her with common decency. This is the definition of tolerance – Being respectful to all.

Accepting all people’s actions because they do it – that is degeneration. If a person does something improper – respect them but take precautions to avoid you or your family from being improperly influenced.

Hating people because they have different point of view is not proper either. The Torah says just as one should not hate a person because they look different, they should not hate a person because they think differently.

Hate evil. Hate when people do evil.

The Rambam – Maimonides – states that the middle road is completion. Thus those who do evil – we act respectfully but do not condone their actions. If the need be, like if they steal, we put them to judgment – treating them with respect at all times.

Five people deserved a great honor in the Torah. One was a Righteous man, another a righteous woman, one a righteous convert to Judaism, one a wicked man, and one a zealous man. They were all people of truth. Their great honor accorded to them? They had a parasha / weekly Torah reading (of the humash / 5 books of Moses) named after them. They were Noah, Sarah, Yitro, Balak and Pinhas.

Noah searched for the truth in a generation of the flood – where all his co-citizens of earth were following evil. Sarah, our Matriarch, was the helpmate of Avraham, our Patriarch – who brought the truth that Hash-m / G-d runs the world in a generation of idol worshipers.

Yitro was a priest that followed after all different religions – and rejected them because of their falsity – before becoming a righteous convert to Torah. Balak, was the king of the nation of Moab, who hated the Jewish nation. He hired somone to curse the nation. His quality? That he didn’t hide his hatred – he wasn’t a flatterer, that in front of the Jews faces he would show favor, and behind their backs he would try to hurt them. He was honest – he hated the Israelites and acted with hatred. Pinhas stood for truth when he saw the Jews were acting immorally with the daughters of Midyan.

A thief once asked a rabbi what was one thing he could do to do proper Teshuva / repentance for the years of his stealing and wean himself off this negative trait. He wanted something easy to do.

The rabbi thought a moment and said – “never tell a lie. The man agreed – he thought it was doable. They parted ways. The rabbi met the man several weeks later and complained to the Rabbi “Rabbi, not saying a lie is too difficult for me. I want to go and steal – and I ask myself – “Is this the right thing to do?” and since I committed to telling the truth – I must admit to myself that it is not.

Eventually the man became a sincerely good person – following the laws of the Torah.

I met men of many races, colors, religions. Men that profess to being ministers, and the such. Many of them – were men of religion – but not necessarily men of truth.

If one only accepts truth they can arrive at truth. Prayer to Hash-m / G-d that one finds truth also helps.

Today one is free to choose their religion. But no one can choose their truth. Truth is independant of feelings. Thus G-d gave us the formula to arrive to following in his ways. Seeking Truth.

Many say they have truth – but they are liers. The fact they say they have truth – means that they are not comfortable in letting it be known that they have less than adequate anwers to simple questions.

Abraham, our Patriarch arrived at speaking with G-d because he was a seeker of truth. anyone who follows this formula will also be able to arrive to the service that G-d wants.

A person who seeks to follow in the path of goodness and G-dliness – first and foremost must be true to himself.

Today – religions are a dime a dozen. The “ism”s abound. Communism, Liberalism, Capitalism, Judaism. But the truth is – just like one chooses friends, one must choose their religion. It is not what feels right or seems right – it is what is right -even if it is not comfortable.

One of the first requirements in attaining true spirituality and closeness to G-d is being truthful.

The seal of G-d is truth. The point of this article is not to judge, but to give a person a starting point to think out their positions in life. Many a time I was going down a road and when I reached the end, I found it was the wrong road. The point is to illuminate the choice of paths so that one will not regret their choice of a path at the end.

Here are some questions – honest people may grapple with:

Many people swear by the “Bible.” Let’s for now consider the bible to be the five books of Moses. The 10 commandments are their credo. Yes they are devout. But every day they ignore the second commandment. The second commandment says that one is not to make any image of G-d – whether it be in heaven or on earth. Thus anyone who makes the image of G-d as an animal, man, object, star, planet, fire, or angel is transgressing that commandment. The person of truth – who follows the 5 books of Moses – will reject the religion that tells them to worship a man.

Some religions say G-d chose the Jews – but he changed his mind. Or He changed his laws or He gave a law to the people that people didn’t understand. Now come on. Do you really think that G-d, omnipotent, will give a law that people are unable to observe? If He gives it, He knows people can observe it. Or will G-d give a detailed set of laws and then say “You know what forget about it.”? In the Torah, that G-d gave us there are laws for Jewish people and laws for non-Jewish people. A Jew has 613 commandments from the Torah. A gentile has 7 commandments from the Torah (the Sheva Mitzvot Benei Noach / Noahide Laws). In Judaism, a gentile need not convert to becoming Jewish to get a place in heaven. If they follow their respective laws they get a place in heaven.

Does it make sense that G-d has a weakness? Being physical is a weakness. Being killed is a weakness. Anything that has a weakness must not be G-d. G-d is omnipotent. Once a person went to Japan to persecute the Jews. The Japanese official asked “what makes you so adamant to persecute them?” He answered – “They Killed our G-d” The Japanese official said “If Your G-d died, he must not be G-d.” That was the point of Avraham, anything that has a weakness cannot be G-d. Anything that is physical or spiritual has a weakness – it is limited. If it is limited – it has a weakness and cannot be G-d. G-d is unlimited and has no weaknesses.

Atheists – that do not beleive in G-d – have a problem in logic to deal with. Randomness does not produce order. Order is due to thought and intelligence. Thus, if there is order, there must be an intelligent creator who created and sustains the whole order of nature and the physical universe.

Agnostics – who believe in G-d but not in any particular way of religion, may ask themselves – does it make sense that G-d created a world without giving directions on how to conduct oneself. Would one make a city or counrty without laws? The Next step is to determine which set of laws are the laws that G-d gave. Judaism is more likely because it is the only way of like that has the fact that millions of people heard G-d speak at Mount Sinai about 3,300 years ago. Also G-d doesn’t change his “mind.”

The Messiah’s role is to bring the world to world peace. If a person whom people claim to be Messiah died and peace was not achieved in their lifetime – wouldn’t it mean that that person is not the Messiah? Why would G-d need that same person to be resurrected? – Wouldn’t it make sense for G-d to send someone else instead?

Some religions condone violence. Some religions have a history of tremendous cruelty to innocent people. Do you think that G-d really wants his innocent children to be hurt by other children? I don’t think so. Every act of violence in the name of the religion removes from its credibility.

Some people cringe when you mention religion. If I were them I would too. They include Judaism in the religion category and thus avoid it. Yet when it comes to stereotyping people of different races, or colors – they would consider you a bigot. The Torah says respect all people – but know that they are liable to follow the law. judaism should not be lumped into the category of religions – because It has not the negative aspects that other religions may have. Judaism was the founder of monotheism in the world – other such religions came after.

Some Jewish people refrain from giving children a Torah education. Their reason – they want their child to make A decision on their own. The problem is to make a proper decision one should be exposed to both sides, the Torah and the secular. If a child is only exposed to the secular, through media, like tv, newspapers and the like, they are only exposed to one side of the story. Their decision will not be balanced, but biased. A child given a Torah education is exposed to both sides of the story and can thus Truly make an unbiased decision.

The Torah guides a person to act with modesty. This includes dressing modestly. This is comprised of two aspects being covered and not attracting the looks of the opposite gender. In Torah, married Jewish Women cover their hair. Does the hair covering or clothing accomplish both aspects?

Many people observe holidays – that has its origins in idolatry and human sacrifices – falling pray to the marketers who want to make sales of their products. But they never found out about what is the origin of the holiday. Unfortunately, many Jews even observe these non-Jewish holidays that have their origins from idolatry, anarchy and tremendous cruelty. A Rabbi gave a lecture about the history of Xmas and New Years – gives an unsavory background of these days.

If you were G-d that was giving a law to the world – would you give it to one man and then tell him to propogate it? Or would you let millions of people know about the divine law? What makes more sense to you? Out of all the religions in the world – no religion even claims that millions of people witnessed the giving of the dive law – except Judaism.

People searching for spirituality – have to deal with the question: “What exactly is Spirituality?” The Simplest definition is the Method to become Closer to G-d. Given that, apparently wouldn’t it make more sense to follow the religion – that G-d actually spoke to millions of people in their nation to give them a Divine law – than to follow a sect that a random guru made up yesterday? Wouldn’t it make more sense to travel to Jerusalem for spirituality than the Far East.

Is Judaism more humanist than liberalism? Judaism wants the propogation of man to have a great world with a spectrum of all people. Liberalism – through its defending of same gender marriage – curtails that beautiful variety – by limiting the propogation of certain sections of the poulation. Judaism says every person must be treated with respect – but if they commit a crime they must be punished. Liberalism defends not the respect of the person who commited the crime – but the crime itself – leading to a degenerative society. Also by defending the criminals “rights” to doing the crime they cause millions of people to suffer. Is it better criminals suffer for their crimes – or that the whole poulation have to suffer from the worry of having such criminals among them in society?

Does my preferences or heart guide my values or does the truth or my mind guide my values?

People who complain about G-d’s role in the Holocaust or any other tragedy – are they also cognizant of all the tremendous good that G-d does continuously – every single moment?

People divide Jews into denominations. Just like they didn’t exist at the time Moses gave the Torah, they don’t exist today. When one gets to heaven, they will not ask were you orthodox or conservative – they will ask did you follow the code of Jewish law – the Shulhan Aruch? These titles serve to separate. We have one commonality – that we are Jews. And the Torah is the law that unites us.

There are basically three questions for a person to arrive at the Truth. To Arrive at belief in Judaism, one must answer three questions –

1. Does it make more logical sense to believe that G-d Exists or that He does not?

2. Did He give a divine law for people to follow?

3. Which law is it?

These are just a small collection of examples. But each person has to deal with being truthful to himself. In the end of life – the Torah says – a person will be sent to a world of truth – heaven. If they don’t arrive at truth here – they will find out the truth in the next world. I assure you it is better to find out here in this world than to find out later.

Thinking is beneficial to living a purposeful life. A person who acted a certain way in the past always has the possibility of starting again anew and wiping the slate clean. The first step is to want to find truth.

G-d gave us a brain to think. The idea of Judaism is to use our minds and questioning and inside fire to find the true path. The Torah is G-d’s word. It is not afraid of Questions. On the contrary, it encourages question. Truth is not afraid of questions. Falsity is.

Following the truth is not always convenient. Is not always easy. It does not always make you feel warm and cozy inside. One thing it does do – it does make you a real man or real person – that has the potential to reach closer to the one who said “Let there be Light.” This was the path of Abraham – of how he reached the tremendous heighs of illumination and closeness to G-d. It’s in everyone’s hands to also be closer to our Father in heaven – if we are adamant to truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

The quest towards perfection begins here.

People love a good ending. Good triumphs over evil. The hero beats the villain. Apparently people deep inside know what is good or bad. Otherwise people wouldn’t care.

Each person has good inside him or her. The point that Judaism stresses is to develop and use that good to help others.

I was one of the first Star Wars fans. I remember some of the exciting parts.

Good Triumphs over Evil

Many of the themes of movies are based upon Torah principles. Good will triumph over evil is a Torah principle. The reason why Yitzhak / Isaak, our patriarch , which means “He will laugh” in Hebrew is called such – is because after all the sufferings that the Jewish people endured throughout the centuries for keeping morality alive – the morality of the Torah will triumph – and we will have the last laugh.

In one film, they destroyed the “Death Star.” It was threatening the existence of other planets. So – an imminent danger must be destroyed.

The point of our lives is to distance ourselves from evil and generate good.

May the Force be With You

Someone suggested that one of the reason why the US currency is the standard is because it says on the Dollar “In G-d we trust.” Possible. It is possible to say that star wars was successful because it has a concept of the Force – G-d or Hash-m in Judaism – running the world. In the film, the Force is a good power that directs the world for goodness. In Judaism, Hash-m / G-d is a good power that directs the world for goodness.

Belief in in G-d and Oneself

Once Yoda – told Luke Skywalker to lift up a spaceship (the X-wing fighter), through psycho-kinetics, out of the water. He said “That is impossible.” Yoda told him “That is why you fail” and preceded to lift it out.

In Judaism – one is to believe in oneself – to achieve their maximum. One also believes in G-d to be able to overcome any power.

In the Nefesh HaChaim – it states that one has the ability to Nullify Any Power in the World. It says ”
The exiled will only be redeemed in the future for the merit of belief [in Hashem]”

(Tanchuma Beshalach 10) Nefesh HaChaim – Gate 3, Chapter 12
In truth it (having belief & faith in Hash-m) is a great matter & an awesome ability (Segulah) to remove & nullify from oneself all judgments & wills of others – that they will have no power or influence upon you whatsoever.
When a person fixes in his heart to say “Is not Hash-m the true G-d & besides Him, may He be Blessed, there is no power whatsoever in the world & in all the worlds at all & all is filled only with His simple Oneness, may His Name be Blessed.”
And [then] he shall nullify with a complete nullification & he will not be concerned about any power or will in the world. And he will attach & cling the purity of his thoughts – only to the One Master, Blessed be He. Thus the Blessed One will give in his hands – to automatically nullify by himself all of the forces & desires in the world that absolutely nothing will be able to affect him.

Say No to Idolatry

In one film – the Robot C3P0 went to a planet. When the creatures there bowed to him – he said – “It’s against my programming to impersonate a deity.” In the 7 Noahide laws from the Torah for all people in the world – is the prohibition of idolatry. In the second of the 10 commandments – is against idolatry. it says one shall not make an image of G-d – this means anything – an object, an animal, a star, a planet, a robot, a man, an angel – anything spiritual or physical.

Aish.com (Aish HaTorah) has some good articles on further analogies, a question a person asked the rabbi on it and even confession of a Jewish Jedi.

At one point in my spiritual development – I stopped watching movies. There is opportunity cost to time. I figured I could achieve more good during that time.

May the Force / Hash-m be with you.

A person is surrounded by a light that is usually imperceptible to the human eye. This light is called the Aura / Hira in Hebrew. (Interesting to note that “Aura” is similar to the word for light in Hebrew – mother of all languages – “Ohr”)

In the 1930s, a scientist from the Soviet Union, Semyon Davidovich Kirlian noticed that when a patient’s hand was attached to a high-frequency d’Arsonval electrotherapy device (that generates currents of 0.5-2 MHz called “D’Arsonval currents” for therapy) there was a small flash of light between the machine’s electrodes and the patient’s skin. He wondered if he would be able to photograph that light.

Experimenting with similar equipment he was able to take an unusual and striking photograph of an apparent energy discharge around his own hand. He thus started the Development of Kirlian photography.

Over the next ten years he and his wife developed and perfected an apparatus for this photography. They employed a high-frequency oscillator or spark generator that operated at 75 to 200 kHz. Eventually he claimed that that energy around the person’s body was the person’s Spiritual Aura. In Torah the term for the Aura is Ohr HaMakif / The Surrounding Light.

Rabbis, like the Ben Ish Hai and the Ari z”l speak about this light. It is also mentioned in the Talmud, in tractate Berakhot – where Rabbi Yohanan, a beautiful sage, went to visit an infirm Rabbi / do the Mitzvah of Bikur Holim, visiting the infirm. In the dark room, he revealed his arm which illuminated the room. Moses also had such a great aura that would illuminate the room when he was a baby.

Torah & The Aura

A Russian Aura Investigator, Zevulun Revayev, investigated the impact of doing mitzvot / Torah commandments on the aura. He has a Kirlian Camera hooked to a computer with Aura Software. He experimented with the aura in many situations with many subjects. (Apparently his studies were on Jewish Subjects – results may differ for Gentiles. Apparently gentiles that do their 7 noahide laws will experience similar aura improvement.)

The Aura has various colors
Material Colors are – Red, Yellow and Green
Spiritual Colors are – Blue, Purple and White

A Baby has a white aura. It is understandable – a baby is pure.

One of his subjects was a scientist – Arik Naveh – that practiced transcendent mediation. He believed in the aura. At that time he was not too connected to the Mitzvot. He was videoed before and after wearing tephillin- he saw aura immediately change. When he noticed the immediate improvement in his aura to white – a change he did not see with much of his meditation – he dedicated himself to putting on tephillin daily.

Findings on impact of Mitzvot on Aura

Negative Impact on the Aura – Color turned red, yellow or green
1. Wearing Non-Kosher Tephillin / Phylacteries
2. Wearing Non-Kosher Talit
3. Anger and Anxiety
4. Aggressiveness
5. Negative Thoughts

Positive Impact on the Aura – color turned, blue, purple or white
1. Wearing Talit and Tephillin
2. Learning Torah
3. Prayer and Saying Tehillim / Psalms – with Kavana / concentration
4. Immersion in a Mikve
5. Blowing of the Shofar / Ram’s horn
6. Love of a Fellow

The Torah guides woman to be appreciated by refraining from clothes that draw attention to herself. We call this Tzniut. A married woman – covers her hair with a beautiful scarf. In the investigation Mr. Revayev asked a woman to film the aura of a woman who was not wearing a scarf. When she placed one one one – her aura brightened up immediately. A woman who placed on a wig – he found that the aura became cloudy yellow. Modesty for a woman means that she is appreciated for her inner qualities, rather than her external qualities.

Mr. Revayev did a demonstration on the power of Netilat Yadayim / ritual washing of the hands in the morning. In the morning, we take a wash cup, full of water and pour it alternating on each hand 8 times – assuring the entire hand – from wrist bone – is rinsed from impure spirits that gather in the hands when we sleep. (Pour on Right hand, left, right, left, right, left, right, left). After a people attending his lecture did the ritual washing they noticed a marked difference in their aura – as seen by the aura camera. Many went out and purchased wash cups.

Physical Health linked to Spiritual Health

People have noted that aura’s color can signify a physical ailment. This is a Torah concept. A Jewish person has 613 Mitzvot / commandments. 365 are Prohibitions – that one avoids – daily 365 days a year. 248 are positive commandments – for a person to do – with his 248 members of their body. If one is deficient in a particular spiritual matter – it may have an effect on his physical body. There are works on this subject – one is called Torah Therapy

Metzora / an ailment like leprosy is linked to the prohibition of speaking lashon harah / evil speech about others, even if it is true.

Once a person told a Rabbi she had pain in the shoulder. He asked her if she was careful about doing Netilat Yadayim of Mayim Aharonim / washing the hands with final waters – before Grace after meals is said. They said no. The Halacha / Jewish law states Tekef lenetilah beracha – immediately after washing hands is the blessing (of grace after meals). The word for immediately / Tekef are the same letters as shoulders / ketef in hebrew. They were more careful not to make an interruption and they were healed.

Obviously, for an ailment a person must see a doctor. It is forbidden to live in a town without a Doctor. But, if one can focus in on the spiritual cause from the Torah as well as the physical ailment, apparently they could have a greater chance of healing.

Think. In the 1910’s IBM developed a popular motto – Think. Just that. It is easy to accept the status quo and go with the flow. IBM’s motto gained enormous popularity – that it still uses today – apparently by breaking from just accepting something because society or one’s value system leads them to think that way. Apple took a variation – Think Different. Both mottos’ philosophy come from Judaism. To lead a productive and meaningful life one uses the gift G-d gave us – our mind. Judaism is open to questions and challenges. It answers them satisfactorily.

The point of this site is for a person to think. It geared to the open-minded that can appreciate thought and logical analysis of contemporary issues – leading to a better life.

Two Ways to View Laws

There are two ways of looking at laws. I value their existence – even though occasionally, I don’t necessarily understand them or follow them. Or my opinion or lifestyle is different so I will change the laws based upon my values.

For man made laws – either is acceptable. The attitudes will not necessarily lead to a moral law – but laws will follow the level of morality of the strongest or most vociferous political supporters or voters.

Divine Law vs. Man-Made Law

Torah law is different – for Torah is the only Divine Law given to a nation of millions of people who heard G-d themselves. Thus Torah law is G-d’s view of morality. G-d’s law is true morality.

People cannot arrive to true morality through vote. There were times in which child sacrifice was the vogue. Abraham protested and taught about the immorality of sacrificing children. Now, it is obvious that child sacrifice is immoral. But at one point in history it was acceptable. If one were to vote before Abraham’s time about child sacrifice – they would have voted it moral. The Nazi’s would have voted that killing innocent people is moral. But obviously, it is not moral. Thus, morality cannot stand by the opinion of people.

Only G-d’s morality is true morality.

I taught a person about the 7 Noahide laws.

The Seven Noahide Laws
They are seven major categories – that with their details consist of 30 laws.

1) Respecting G-d – Not to blaspheme.

2) Being Faithful to G-d – Not to Commit Idolatry – which prohibits worship to any physical object, animal, person or energy (like fire or wind) or spiritual being. (G-d is not Physical, nor spiritual. Anything that can be destroyed cannot be G-d – because it has a weakness – the fact it can be destroyed. Physical and spiritual entities can be destroyed – thus they cannot be G-d.)

3) Respecting Human Life – Not to Kill.

4) Respecting One’s Fellow’s Property – Not to Steal.

5) Respecting the Integrity of the Family – Not to commit forbidden relations – which includes prohibitions of adultery, incest, bestiality and homosexuality.

6) Respect of Life – Not to eat a limb taken from a living animal.

7) Law and Order – Establishing courts of law to enforce these laws.

He didn’t appreciate it. Apparently because he condoned one of the above.

Open mindedness is accepting ideas based upon their value to society.

This is very different than one who accepts any idea because someone in society holds of it. This attitude leads to leads to degradation of society’s values. Because a person kills, because he has a reason does not make it right. It is prohibited to kill.

Abortion is killing. In Jewish law – if the Mother’s life is in danger – G-d forbid – by the child – an abortion is permitted. This is only because the child is considered as a rodef – one that may cause the death of another. Thus Torah permits abortion in the case where a respectable Doctor says that the woman’s life is in serious danger if she completes her pregnancy. (Obviously, one must consult a respectable Orthodox Rabbi – to determine if this is the case for the final – decision of halacha / Jewish law.)

Balance in World

G-d made a balance in the world. This is for the purpose of freedom of choice. G-d wants a person to exercise their freedom of choice.

Once idolatry was prevalent in the world. Today it is less popular. The reason – once the Rabbis prayed that the Yetzer HaRa’ / Evil Inclination (the thoughts and desire that pushes us to do bad) be reduced. G-d removed the desire for physical relations and for idolatry. Whe He removed the desire for the opposite gender – reproduction (ie, births) dwindled. G-d thus restored this desire, but tempered it by removing the desire for one’s family members. G-d removed the desire for idolatry – but at the same time G-d made a balance that – people did not fully understand the idea of animal offerings. Today, people don’t understand or may be a bit pushed off by the idea of offering animals. This feeling is the result of G-d creating a balance in the world – removing the desire for idolatry – He balanced it by removing the comprehension of animal offerings in the Beit Hamikdash / Holy Temple.

Once my wife’s Grandfather felt badly that the works of many Moroccan Torah sages were lost. When he read something that Rebbi Yoel Teitelbaum – the Rebbi of Satmar – wrote – he was comforted. He wrote that there is a balance in the world. Sometimes Holy Torah books are lost. The reason – is that they contain – tremendous wisdom and boost greatly belief in G-d. If these were published – G-d would have to allow works of Apikorsut – Heresy into the world to counter them. Thus to avoid the negative works to be published – G-d hid away these great Torah works.

If there are too many works of Torah value – many people will be drawn to Torah – which might have disturbed the balance of freedom of choice.

The point of this site is to get people to think. It is not to push a point of view. Each one has a mind and can decide, through proper thought and consulting the Torah view of things what is right or wrong.

Provided there is this concept – of balance and freedom of choice – we can ask the following question –
Does Liberalism cause extremism? Liberalism basically says everything is ok. Extremism says everything is not ok. Does one causes the other? I don’t know.

The Middle Road is Complete

What is the solution? The middle road – Judaism. Which states that things in their proper measure or place or time are ok. G-d gave us the golden rule – whatever is hateful to yourself, don’t do to others. Even that law must be used with proper thought as well.

I don’t believe in the denominations of Judaism. There was only one Jewish nation when we received the Torah. There is still only one Jewish nation. When the Jews received the Torah – it was halacha / Jewish law – given by G-d that guided us.

Thus, the thinker will say – in terms of Jewish law – it might be a challenge – but I still accept it as law. I might not do it fully, but I accept it as law. This is much more logical than saying I will change the laws – that were divinely given. Although we humans are intelligent – we still cannot fathom the wisdom of Hash-m and thus to tamper with perfection of Divine law is detrimental – to us and society – as history and current events have shown.

I remember the world of my youth. It was such a nice place.

A pleasant walk in the field. Catch a raindrop in your mouth. Appreciating the Swiss alps.

Now. The world in turmoil. Why?

Observing the way of the world, you see a re-occurring trend.

A movement arises. It becomes popular. Then eventually it wanes. The world discards it because of lack of interest or lack of lasting value. Or it self-destructs.

Take communism, it fell apart. It was a system that self destructed because of many reasons. The major reason because lack of truth. Its founders thought it was a panacea for the worlds ills, equality for the common man. They found out that it also lead to corruption and poor distribution of the goods, placing more of a boon on the common man than liberating him.

Nations rise and fall. Mark Twain wrote about it in his essay on the Jews… The Egyptian, Babylonian, Romans fell but the Jew remains. What is the secret of their eternity?

A Common Reason for their fall is lack of morality and values.

This is called catharsis. Going through a mode and discarding it for it is not truth.

Truth lasts. Falsity falls. Good stands. Evil self-destructs.

The world in its present form follows a pattern of the week of creation. Each 1000 years is like a day. On the seventh day G-d rested. Today we are in the 5775 year of the Jewish calendar. Meaning that the world will change to another mode in 225 years.

But before this the world will have to reach a level of world peace, called the Messianic Age. It is when nation will not lift sword against another.

The world is a macrocosm of the individual. There are two ways a person can repent / do Teshuva and better their ways. One is to arrive at truth through logic and learning experiences. Another is to be put against a wall because of suffering or pain and come to the realization one must change. (Some, unfortunately, never come to the realization of truth in this world and die, finding out in the next world – called the world of truth)

The individual learns truth. And the world learns truth. As stated before, nations primarily fall because of lack of values. If the world learns truth and values, through Torah – the only value system given directly by G-d to a nation of millions in which every single one of them heard G-d (as opposed to a single individual who had a vision about what G-d told him and passed it on) – then the world can come to its potential peaceably.

If the nations of the world say, yes we recognize the Torah as having the universal value system, that we will abide by, then a peaceful transition is possible. If they recognize that G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has given us the true values in which to abide by, there is hope.

But If they hold on to values and laws that serve to only satisfy their desires, like in Rome, then we must bear the turmoil we find ourselves in today.

The point of man is to find a higher truth through G-d. The first step though is to determine which is the true word of G-d. It would be “irresponsible” of G-d to let one person know and then let him transmit His teachings. Everybody would rightly have the excuse to say, I never heard G-d say anything to me. But if G-d told a nation of millions of people his word, then people cannot say I never heard it, because millions of people did.

Take a product recall. Should a company let all purchasers know of the recall, which is responsible. Or should they let one purchaser know and tell him to notify others, which is irresponsible.

It’s important to note that G-d is intelligent. His law is achievable by man. He knows if we understand it. He knows we can do it, otherwise He would not give it. And he changes not His mind.

Only G-d’s morality is true morality. If nations were smart, they would employ professionals in whatever they endeavor to build. To build a bridge – you need architects, engineers, and construction managers. To build a computer – one needs hardware and software professionals. To build a country – one needs experts in morality. Thus many kings – had prominent rabbis as advisers. If one wants to know about morality – go to the professionals – the Rabbis who know the Torah in and out. Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, ztl was of the Caliber to give advice to nations.

The seven reasons for turmoil are the Seven Laws given to Noah needed for world peace.

These are they

The Seven Noahide Laws
They are seven major categories – that with their details consist of 30 laws.

1) Respecting G-d – Not to blaspheme.

2) Being Faithful to G-d – Not to Commit Idolatry – which prohibits worship to any physical object, animal, person or energy (like fire or wind) or spiritual being. (G-d is not Physical, nor spiritual. Anything that can be destroyed cannot be G-d – because it has a weakness – the fact it can be destroyed. Physical and spiritual entities can be destroyed – thus they cannot be G-d.)

3) Respecting Human Life – Not to Kill.

4) Respecting One’s Fellow’s Property – Not to Steal.

5) Respecting the Integrity of the Family – Not to commit forbidden relations – which includes prohibitions of adultery, incest, bestiality and homosexuality.

6) Respect of Life – Not to eat a limb taken from a living animal.

7) Law and Order – Establishing courts of law to enforce these laws.

Surviving the turbulent times will be challenging. Some say millions will perish. It will be an upheaval to bring the world to true morality and values as given by G-d almost 3,000 years ago. People can chose to ignore them or avoid them but the intelligent thing to do is to accept them. G-d wants the world to arrive at truth of His morality. If a person already accepts it, it will be more likely that they survive. If a person does sincere teshuva / repentance – they will likely survive.

Once my cousin, as a child did something improper. His father explained to him why what he did was wrong and was ready to give him a hit. He replied to his father “Dad I accepted what you have to say. So there is no reason to hit me now.” The same applies to us. If we accept the lesson and search sincerely for truth – even with the idea of having to modify our current values and lifestyle – there is no reason for the punishment. We more likely will survive in these turbulent times.

In these trying times – we must hold on and reinforce our faith in Hash-m / G-d. Many prophetic visions on the time before Messiah will arrive have been realized recently. World War III (already started on Sept 11, 2015). Russia attacks Turkey. Our faith and efforts to become closer to Hash-m will help us weather the storm – to arrive at a world of ultimate peace.

Knowledge is power.

Education illuminates minds.

The Menorah in the Temple – had 7 branches. Each branch had a wick whose flame was pointed towards the central branch. The central branch represents Torah Knowledge.

Each branch represents one area of knowledge:

1) Tevunah, the ability to understand and draw conclusions.
2) The knowledge of nature – in subjects like chemistry and physics.
3) The knowledge of the soul – some consider it, the study of psychology.
4) The knowledge of biology
5) Music
6) Metaphysics… (philosophy) and
7) The knowledge of Torah …. which is the most significant branch.

When one uses their knowledge and faculties with the guidance of Torah – they arrive at true illumination of the mind and soul.

Torah is Freedom
In Ethics of the Fathers / Pirkei Avot – it states – Torah Learning brings Freedom

2. Rabbi Yehoshua son of Levi said: “Every single day a heavenly voice comes out from Mount Horeb [Sinai], & proclaims & says: “Woe to the Mankind for the disgrace to the Torah!” [that they neglect learning & practicing it], for whoever does not occupy himself with Torah is called “reproached” [nazuf] as it says: “A ring [nezem] of gold [zahav] in the nose [af] of a swine is a beautiful woman that turned away from reason.” (Mishle 11:22) & it says: “And the tablets [of the Law – the ten commandments], they are the work of G·d – & the writing is the writing of G·d – engraved [h’arut] on the tablets” (Shemot 32:16) Do not read [it as] “h’arut” [engraved] rather as “h’erut” [freedom]. For the only one who is considered to be a free person is one who engages in Torah Study. And whoever engages in Torah Study, behold they are elevated as it says: “And from Matanah [name of place meaning – a gift – ie, of the Torah] to Nachliel [name of place meaning – My inheritance is in G·d] & Nachliel to Bamot [name of place meaning – high altars].” (Bamidbar 21:19)

Types of Freedom
Torah freedom is not necessarily what society considers freedom. Freedom of society that leads to addiction or personal loss is not freedom. It may be considered freedom or can be addiction or debauchery. The first step is to define what is freedom:

Society’s definition of freedom is – to do what you want, when you want without infringing on the rights of others.

The Torah’s definition of freedom is – to be in control of yourself that you do not harm yourself, others or the world.

In Torah – one learns the following freedoms:
Physical Freedom – freedom of movement
Personal Freedom – freedom of expressing one’s self
Freedom of Expression – freedom of expressing one’s self
Psychological Freedom – freedom of thought
Emotional Freedom – freedom of expressing one’s emotions
Intellectual Freedom – freedom of thinking and learning

Examples of Torah Freedom

When a person’s central focus is Torah – then they can be freed from the limits and constraints that society urges upon them. Many addictions exist. A cell phone, TV (average usage is 5 hours a day), Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol, Food. Yet in the proper context – they can be used properly.

Personal Freedom
A person once asked “Are our tools our servants or are we the servants of our tools?” Today that is a very relevant question. People are addicted to tools – cell phones, email, TV, drugs, alcohol, etc. Hash-m gave the Jews the gift of the Shabbat – 6 days we work – and on the 7th day we rest from all creative work. Instead of being a servant to long shopping lines, carrying heavy shopping bags, being attached to the cell phone – we spend our time with family, enjoying our family and appreciating interaction with them. We put aside our tools and thus show we are their master by our observance of Shabbat.

Emotional Freedom
Mussar is basically translated as ethics. It is much more. It encompasses – self-control, self-improvement, emotional control, emotional maturity. Basically one uses their mind over their emotions. When the mind is in control one is not a servant to their emotions. One controls anger. Anger does not control them. One’s mind guides the heart. One’s heart does not guide his mind. It is a higher level of freedom.

Psychological Freedom
The Rambam / Maimonides states that “One who thinks of improper sensual thoughts is gets a greater punishment that one who actually does them.” This is difficult to understand. Some explain – because thoughts are more recurrent – thus one is punished more. A Gentile – who thinks of seriously doing a bad thing is punished as if he or she did that bad thing. A Jew that thinks of doing a good thing is given a reward as if he did the good thing.

One might think – wow – that is unfair. Why should I be punished for thinking badly? The answer is simple. If one thinks not badly, they will likely not do bad things. One steals – because they think of stealing. One hurts others, because it is a possibility or thought in their mind. Thus, eliminate the bad thoughts and eliminate the bad actions. Curtail the thought, curtail the action.

Moreover, a person who refrains from negative thoughts – replaces them with positive thoughts. Instead of having a miserable, negative view of the world – full of jealousy, anger, hatred, and vengeance – one turns their life into a life of peace, love and understanding.

Freedom of Expression
Torah Study – like Talmud study – is the most open-minded discussion one can have. One expresses their thoughts with a partner – chevruta – and together people arrive at Torah truth together. The goal is not to be right – the goal is to arrive at truth. There are no restaints – like the restraints placed upon by society – like political correctness (in the negative sense), society imposed morality. One’s only goal is to arrive at the truth. One breaks barriers of assumptions, “accepted values” and gets to what is true and good in G-d’s eyes.

A person who follows fad and fashion – are not necessarily expressing themselves – wearing the latest styles or street garb. They express the thoughts of the fashion designer. Externally they send a message – but inside they remain the same old people.

True freedom of expression is perfection of the individual. This is an internal improvement – A true expression of themselves. Thus those that do learn Mussar / ethics and Jewish self-improvement works – and work on becoming a better individual. This emanates from their inner being to the outside world – there is no greater self-expression than this. Their acts of kindness show kindness. Their acts of benevolence express benevolence. Their good acts express their goodness.

Intellectual Freedom

In the scientific world – many people don’t know how the universe originated. So they propose theories that the world was always in existence. This was debunked by the big bang theory. But what is the primary cause of the functioning of the world? Some say the world came about by randomness. But a general rule is that order does not come from randomness. If a world was made through random interactions of molecules – then it would be highly unlikely that even a cell would be created – let alone, trees, birds, animals, plants, fish and humans. Also where did these initial molecules come from. Some scientists – even a very intelligent scientist – says that aliens started the world. Yes, so who maintains the world and who created these aliens.

The Torah offers a simple answer – G-d created and maintains the world every single second. Some might ask – so who created G-d? The simple answer that many humans cannot comprehend is G-d always was. He created the concept of time. Since we cannot easily understand a world without time – it is a challenge to fathom.

Accepting the logical over the illogical. The Torah frees a person to think logically. It is more logical to think that an intelligent existence – G-d – created a thought out and orderly world than to think everything came about through randomness.

Physical Freedom

In Torah, a person has the right to do what he wants as long as he does not harm himself or others. Take the example of same-gender marriage. The society thinks that giving right to same-gender marriage is emancipation. In reality it is devolution. Many people who hold for supporting same gender marriage do so at the detriment of those who practice it. One of the worst insults a person can give to another is that they should die. Dying can various ways. It can occur through lack of expression or lack of continuity of a person through children.

The Torah says three are considered dead “One who has no money, one who has no children and one who cannot see.” One who has no money – cannot fully experience the pleasures of life. One who cannot see also does not experience sight which makes life dark. One who has no children – has no continuity. The person could have added beautiful people to the society that have a unique mixture of their parent’s personalities. Now through choosing – not to bear children or engaging in a marriage which will never bear natural children – they are withholding these unique individuals to the world. That is a detriment to society. G-d wants a populated world. Not an empty one. G-d wants a varied world. Same gender marriage – restricts the number and quality of people from coming into the world.

The Torah would rather have the continuity of these people – have their children in the world by them participating in a traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Same gender marriage, unfortunately, condemns the prospective natural descendants of these people to non-existent.

Torah – the Only Divine Law Given by G-d Heard by Millions
The Torah, given to the Jewish people, at mount Sinai – has laws for all people. Laws for Jews and for Non-Jews. Judaism is not a religion. It is life the way that G-d proscribed. Two major differences between Judaism and other “religions” is other religions – had one founder that said they had a prophetic vision. He taught his way of life to his adherents.

Judaism was given by G-d. Millions of people heard G-d speak. Millions of people saw Moses bringing down a Divine law from G-d. That is a great difference. If one person tells you they witnessed something or millions of people said they witnesses something who would you believe?

Omniscient, G-d changes not his “mind.” The laws he gave about 3,000 years ago are the same as those observed today by Torah Jews. (ie, “Orthodox” Jews – I prefer not to use denomination of Judaism terms for two reasons – they just at times serve to separate people and when G-d gave the Torah there were not these denominations – they are man made terminology. I use them occasionally to make things clear. Either person is Jewish – because his mother is/was Jewish or they converted, guided by an “Orthodox” Rabbi, through an “Orthodox” Beit Din – or is a Gentile.)

Both Jews and Gentiles have a purpose in the world. Gentiles build the world. Jews provide the world with the values of the Torah. Each has a very important role in the world. Just like building the world is a Mitzvah / Commandment – Teaching people their respective Mitzvas – ie, the Jews the 613 commandments and the Gentiles – the 7 noahide laws – from the Torah is a Mitzvah.

A person who puts G-d into the picture – realizes that if G-d is here, we must behave properly. If one ignores G-d, they think they are free from the morals of G-d. But in any case – whether one ignores or believes in G-d, one will be Judged – in the next world. So in any case – like the sign in the dentist says “Ignore your teeth and they will go away.” Meaning if one ignores his teeth the problems will not be resolved. If one ignores the law – it doesn’t mean that the person will not be judged.

So it makes more sense to learn about the laws in this world – so one will be prepared for the next world. Jews have 613 commandments to follow. Gentiles have 7 commandments to follow – the Noahide laws. Makes more sense to find out what they are than to be surprised in the end.

But more than that. A person who does learn and follow their respective laws – end up achieving this precious state of being called freedom. True freedom.

My uncle told a story about advice for a person wants to get married.

When Selecting a Proper Life-Mate, the Torah advises that one should act like a King – Melech. (Mem, Lamed, Chaf)

Mem – First One Should Use their Moach / Mind to reflect upon the qualities one is searching for in a mate, A Jewish person sees if the potential mate is Jewish, has solid Torah values, wants to grow in Judaism, Has Good Character traits, & are attractive. Once all considerations are in order, one can marry.

Lamed – After marriage comes love coming from Lev – heart

Chaf – Caved – Liver – the Initiator of Passion.

Doing the Opposite causes a person to make an irrational decision. First One has Passion, then they Have feelings for the other and then Think if this is the right mate. At that point one is no longer completely rational or impartial for feelings taint the decision. If one does follow this order – Caf, Lamed, Mem. They become kalem – embarrassed.

Thus a person can understand with the heart and the mind. My Rebbi told me that the mind should take precedence over the heart. Occasionally a person lets their heart think for them. It could be good – it could be bad.

People who follow Torah have one less concern than others. We know that the Torah is G-d’s word – the Torah is the only work of law given by G-d before millions of witnesses. Only the Torah claims this – no other religion does. The Torah teaches us what is right and wrong. So we don’t have to go to think tanks and take surveys or rely on our hearts – we can go to a competent Torah authority – and they will tell us if according to Torah a particular thing is right or wrong.

One who is merciful to the merciless, ends up being merciless to the merciful.

We may have compassion for a person – but it may be misguided. A person who feels bad for a criminal being put to death – may have compassion in the wrong situation. It says in Torah – “One who is merciful to the merciless, ends up being merciless to the merciful.” In the Torah – King Shaul / Saul had compassion for King of Agag. G-d told him to put him to death. He waited one night. The king had relations with a woman that night and his descendants committed unimaginable atrocities.

True mercy according to Torah is to treat everyone with respect – but mete out punishment when it is due. This is true mercy. Otherwise – if one is merciful to those that do bad – they may continue their evil and do bad to others.

Understanding Why the Evil Prosper and the Good Suffer

In Pirkei Avot / Ethics of the Fathers it says: It is not in our hands (to understand) the serenity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.” Apparently a person may not be able to understand on an emotional level why the righteous suffer and the wicked proser.

We may not be able to fathom emotionally why the Holocaust happened. Rational explanations exist of why “G-d let the Holocaust happen.” But apparently on an emotional level we may not be able to fully fathom and come to terms with these explanations.

G-d is good – he feeds the entire planet every day. He provides life, water, air, food, jobs, sustenance to all the people in the world. At time things that seem bad happen – but G-d in his infinite wisdom knows the good in all situations.

The emotionally mature person – says – I may not be able to understand it – but knowing G-d is the essence of all good there must be a reason – that I with my limited comprehension understand that G-d has a reason. Like a child who is scolded for doing something bad – although he may not comprehend what was so bad about what he did – he understands that the parent has his best interests in mind.

Cheering up a person is a Mitzvah. Our Forefather Avraham Avinu / Abraham’s essence was to do kindness. The Torah says that Jews in General are exemplary in three traits “Mercy, Bashfulness and Kindness.”

A kind person searches for ways and opportunities to help others. In the Torah Abraham, was talking with G-d, when he saw angels disguised as three Arabs. “And he (Avraham) said My master – if I have found grace in Your eyes – do not pass by Your servant” One opinion said he was speaking with to Hash-m / G-d asking him – please bear with me a moment – as I would like to invite these guests. Another opinion says he was talking to the leader of the Arabs to ask him to join him for a meal. Avraham’s kindness extended to even to His words. He made the guests feel like they were doing him a favor by accepting his hospitality.

Avraham’s tent was open on all sides for guests to enter from any direction to receive free food, drink and lodging.

A Story from the Talmud illustrates how one can do kindness with their G-d given talents:

Once a rabbi met Eliyahu, Hanavi / Elijah the Prophet in the market place. He took the opportunity to ask him some questions: “Out of All the people in this marketplace, who will receive a place in the World to Come?” (ie, Heaven) Eliyahu looked around and said “No one.” Everybody was busy with their own business. He looked a bit more and said “wait – those two men over there will receive a place in heaven.” The rabbi, went over to the two men to find out their secret why they deserved heaven – “Excuse me sirs, is there any special kind deed that you do?” They replied “We make Jokes – when we see people that are upset or down – we go to them and cheer them up. We don’t leave them until – they are cheered up.” The rabbi understood why they deserved such a reward.

There are various levels of doing kindness. Let’s take for example the kindness of giving Tzedaka / Charity to a poor person or Torah organization. One level is to disregard the person’s plea for a dollar. A Higher level is to give a dollar grudgingly. A higher level is to appease the person with words. A Higher level is to give money graciously and make him feel good – “I’m sorry that you are in this situation. Here is something small for you. I hope your situation will improve.” The higher level is to give a person a job or business that he will be able to support himself. One of the Highest levels is to be pro-active – to search out people to help out.

The Torah outlook is such: When a poor person extends a hand or a representative of a Torah organization makes a personal appeal – the least a person can do – for the effort they made is not to leave him without giving at least something.

Bikur Holim is the name of an organization of people that – among other things – goes to Jewish people in hospitals and provides them with Kosher food, and Jewish needs, and just goes to cheer them up. They are proactive. We have many talents to help others. Using our talents to help others in their material situation is how we rise in spirituality.

In the marketplace – everyone was busy with themselves. They did not look at the others to be able to reach out and help them – but were looking to gain, or buy or sell. The comedians in the marketplace were not busy solely with their interests – they were looking to help the other person. They were looking to do the kindness of cheering up others and make them laugh. They were concerned about others – thus they deserved a place in heaven.

My cousin told me – if a baby is crying it means one of three things: He is hungry. Or He has colic /a stomach ache or he wants to be changed.

Simple.

A child in pain becomes cranky. They may be tired. Occasionally they want to be held. But they hardly ever intend to annoy their parents – unless they want attention.

When a child cries – he is using his gift to alert someone to help him.

Unfortunately, some people at wits end resort to hurting the child. They can hit the child, scream or shake the child. But if you think logically, it makes no sense. The child is reaching out for help and instead of a parent solving their child’s concern – they give him a whack.

It is challenging to decide what to do when one is late for an appointment – the child is crying and then spills milk on their newly changed clothes. One way to deal with stressful situations is to plan in advance. Ask yourself, before you get into a stressful situation – what is the most proper thing to do in this can I do in this situation? Write it out. For example, write – “If baby cries when I am late – calmly call about appointment to tell them I will arrive 10 minutes late and take care of baby’s or child’s needs. If you can’t write it out think it out – to be prepared.

If a stressful situation occurs – take a step back – say to yourself – what is the best way to remedy this situation without anger? Act accordingly.

Obviously, Discipline is in order at times. But the Torah teaches that “the left hand pushes and the right hand draws close.” The left is the weaker hand – it is used to push the child in such a way that he will learn from his or her mistake. The right hand – the stronger hand – is to send out a hand to the child and pull him closer – that although you discipline, do it because of love, not out of anger. The child understands this and the rebuke is effective.

Once a rabbi’s son did an improper deed. The rabbi was upset. He waited three weeks to calm down completely in order to give reprove to the child with love – and for the sake of the child’s good – not out of anger.

A Noted Psychologist – Dr. David Pelcovitz – explained the concept of correcting a child with “the left hand pushes and the right hand draws close” teaching a unique message. If a child is physically facing away from the parent – ie, doing things against the parent’s will. If you will push his left shoulder with your left hand and pull his right shoulder with your right hand – you end up turning the child towards yourself.

Some may have the attitude of – just accept whatever child does with love. This can be a formula for inculcating decadence. A child needs values and guidelines – otherwise they grow up confused. Is A right or is B right? Torah guidelines are effective in giving a child a sense of self-worth and morality.

Giving a child all their fancies is not what G-d or the child wants. G-d wants you to bring up the child to be a mench – a gentleman (or woman). If a child does things against Torah – accepting his or her behavior is not the nice or right thing to do. It is to try to turn him around to follow the right path with love. Love, Not anger. Kindness, not pain. Understanding, not tyranny.

Having a child is one of the greatest blessings. Our job as parents is to bring them up to be the best individual they can be. And the Torah is the best guide one can have.