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.

Not long ago, I would walk into a room and negative feelings would burst into my heart – “That guy took my Job!” “That person insulted me.” “That person disrespected me!” “That person rejected my offering to teach!” I walked in calm – and walked out with sour feelings.

Certain things helped me to change my attitude. Now, when I walk into a room I feel neutral. I am still trying to build my attitude to feel positive to even the people who hurt me. It takes time. I have to take one step at a time.

When hate, animosity and grudges drives one’s life – their life is full of bad feelings and darkness. G-d wants people to live a life of happiness and light through people following the Torah’s pleasant and peaceful ways.

Choose Happiness over Being Right

I used to hold grudges against people – I would keep a mental scorecard of the bad people did until I heard something that the Tzemach Tzedek said. He mentioned that Children are different from adults – adults tend to hold grudges and bad feelings towards others. Children forgive and forget. One minute they are angry with someone the next minute they are best friends. The Tzemach Tzedek remarks the difference between children and adults is that adults would rather be right than happy in their personal relations – while a child would rather be happy than to be right.

Stand Strong but Forgive

I don’t condone that a person should be like a wet rag or a carpet that everyone tramples. One must stand up for their values and not let others do bad to them. If a person is an unrepentant bad doer – you don’t have to forgive. I am advocating that one releases negative feelings for their own sake and sanity. We gain little by hatred of our fellow Jew. Actually the Torah says “You shall love your fellow like yourself” – so it is forbidden to hate a fellow Jew in your heart.

Hear No Evil – Speak No Evil

The question is how can we let go of these – grudges and animosity for others. One way is to not speak badly of others. If we refrain from speaking and hearing bad (regardless of it being true) about our fellow Jew – we will be able to overcome a great part of the negative feelings for others.

Understanding People – recognizing We are all Human

People are people. We all make mistakes. Say a strong word that you regret two minutes later. Eat some grapes from at the supermarket. Take someone’s parking space. Or it could be jealousy – why does he have what I don’t? OK. It is not right – but it happens. You say – What does G-d want from me? I make mistakes, I am only human.

If we can accept our failures – can’t we understand other people’s misdeeds toward us as well?

Clarifying the bad to the perpetrator

We fall at times into the waves of life. We lower our guard in action, speech and thought. It’s true – we can avoid these faults, but our ego and desires work to pull us down, while our soul brings us up.

We have three choices – ignore the improper deed, thought or action – and chalk up our errors to human frailty or think everybody does it; Justify our action and make it the standard of action; or Admit the fault and ask for forgiveness and make restitution or a new resolution to improve to G-d and man.

If one asks for forgiveness, normally that should quell bad feelings. If they ignore the bad done that is what hurts. The Torah’s remedy is to go up to the person who did hurt you privately and ask gently “You did this and this. Can you please explain why you did that.” Getting the feelings out in the open – for them to be discussed and dealt with – also helps to calm animosity. People can stay with grudges towards another person for many years – and the other person may not even know that he or she hurt the victim. When you explain you were hurt – they will probably apologize or at least tell their part of the story.

Loss to the Haters of the World / Choosing Life over Hatred

One of the Torah’s explanations of Anti-semitism is that people want to be free from morality. The Jews represent morality of G-d and the Torah. So it is easier to disrespect Jews – because they represent G-d – than to come to terms that they must redress their ways to follow the 7 laws of the Torah for gentiles or 613 laws for Jews. If they did follow Torah they would ultimately live a happier life.

A happier existence is in our own hands. Our inner animosity is not other people’s fault. We choose to hate. We choose to love. We can choose life over hatred. Why not start today?

I was driving recently when I heard a siren and saw flashing blue and red lights in my rear view mirror. I suspected that it was my inspection sticker. I said “Good Morning Officer.” “License and registration.” “Sorry I forgot my license at home.” “Your inspection sticker is expired – give me the registration.” I explained “The day before I called the mechanic to ask if I could bring in my car for an inspection. He said to wait till Tommorow – the person who does the inspections is on Jury Duty.”

He let me off for the registration but gave me a ticket for the missing license. He said to send a copy of it in and they will nullify the ticket. He looked Jewish and had a Jewish last name – I couldn’t resist to ask “Are you Jewish?” He said “No. But way back I do have some Jewish blood.” So I asked “who in your family was Jewish? Was it someone on your mother’s side?” He said “Yes. One of my ancestors on my mother’s side.” I told him – “Try & find out, because if your mother, or her mother, or your mother’s grandmother was Jewish – you are 100% Jewish.”

Judaism is matrilineal – Meaning being Jewish is passed down by the mother. So if one’s mother, or mother’s mother, or mother’s grand mother and so one was Jewish – that child is Jewish.

I met people that didn’t know they were Jewish and told them that because their mother was Jewish they are 100% Jewish. Some were surprised. Some became emotional and needed time to digest it.

I gave them some information on how to follow Judaism and were usually receptive.

It is unfortunate to go through life without a person knowing who they really are. According to Torah, If one is Jewish they have a set of laws to follow – the Shulchan Aruch / Code of Jewish Law. If one is a non-Jew / a Gentile – they have another set of laws to follow according to Torah – the 7 Noahide laws – given to Noah for all humanity to follow.

G-d gave one law to the world – the Torah. G-d knows well there are differences in people – so some laws apply for Jews, some apply to non-Jews. Some apply to women and some apply to men. Some apply to adults – some apply to children. Some apply to adults.

But it is a bit deeper than that. I heard from my friend Avraham that – it is not that G-d created men and women and then decided that these laws should apply to men and these to women. G-d looked into the Torah and created the world. So basically he made his laws and then said – because of these laws – it is appropriate to create a man. Because of other laws – it is appropriate to create a woman.

The laws are fundamental that allow a person to truely be what he or she can be.

I like policemen. I don’t know if this is a relic from the feelings that I had from childhood or it is because their job is to uphold order, protect and serve. I feel Jews have a similar objective – through Torah observance of the Jews, the people of the world understand that there is a G-d that runs the world and thus this creates a certain order in the world. The Mitzvot / commandments and Torah they learn serves to protect the world and bring good to the world. My Rebbi – Rabbi Zecharia Mines – used to say – if the gentiles would understand the great goodness that comes to the world because the Jews observe the Mitzvot of the Torah – they would stand over the Jews with a Gun and tell them “You better Observe the Mitzvot!” It is interesting to note that G-d, chose Abraham – the proponent of Monotheism – and his children – the Jews – to be a light to the nations. Through their observance of Torah they bring light to the world. Their main goal is to serve Hash-m / G-d. Thus apparently we share a common goal with law enforcement officials – to preserve order, protect and Serve (G-d).

I was driving today and saw a yellow sign with the word “SET” right side up and upside-down with a big black arrow. I was going in that direction anyway, so I figured I might as well go and find out what they are filming. Maybe I can meet a Movie Star, maybe I can become an extra. I went to a person catering the filming production. I asked what’s going on. He told me “They are filming a commercial.” “Oh yeah? Are there any movie stars in it?” I Asked – he said “No. It’s for a Hyundai Commercial. The Star is the Car.”

I remember many years ago, when I overheard a woman speaking with her mother. She mentioned that a friend of hers dresses provocatively. She, herself, didn’t dress as such, she said. These people – touched upon a secret that the Torah teaches. It is not the external that will make you appreciated. The cars, the fancy clothes or drawing attention to one’s physical appearance that will make one appreciated. This will cause others to look. But in half a second they will forget you forever.

To be appreciated for yourself, be yourself! What makes one appreciated is being good. Being good brings out our true selves – because we are basically our souls and our souls want to do good.

Listening to Torah Lectures regardless of the subject – helps us get in touch with ourselves. The true self is the soul. The Soul wants to do what’s right. The soul is the essence of the person. Satisfy it and you will be satisfied. There are two other components to the person. The Ego – which wants to do what lifts up its ego. And the body – that wants to follow after pleasure (As Dr. Dovid Leiberman explains). When one feeds the soul one attains satisfaction. When one just feeds the body or the ego’s wants – one rarely attains lasting happiness. Thus a Jew can attain happiness through – following after Jewish law / Halacha – because that is what pleases a person and helps him or her to reach their true selves. A gentile would learn their laws – the Torah’s 7 Noahide laws to reach lasting happiness. Two Excellent Lectures I recently heard that talk about reaching ones potential are entitled Maximize Your Potential by Dr. Dovid Leiberman and one by Rabbi Chanan Gordon – called Spiritual Time Management.

Torah law enables a person to be appreciated for themselves. The Torah puts a person on the goodness track rather than the keeping up with the Jones track. On the goodness track – one tries to do as much good as possible. There are people who were outstanding in Kindness – going to incredible lengths to do Kindness / Chesed with others. Rabbi Meir Schuster – used to stand at the entrance to the Kotel / Western Wall to invite people for Shabbat at various peoples homes and find provide them with lodging at his youth hostel – Heritage House. People I know – have over 30 guests every Shabbat for meals. A woman, Henny Machlis, would have hundreds of guests over her house in Jerusalem. We can learn from all of these people.

Jewish Modesty
One of the main Mitzvahs of a man is Torah study. One of the great Mitzvahs of a woman is Jewish Modesty / Tzniut. Just like Torah study brings a special light of beauty on a man’s face – so does Tzniut.

A Jewish woman dresses in a certain manner – like sleeves that cover elbows, skirts that cover knees, shirts that cover neck line – in order keep her guarded like a precious diamond from the looks of others. A married woman covers her hair with a beautiful scarf. In essence a woman that does such is ultimately appreciated for her internal beauty rather than her external appearance. She focuses on her inner qualities / middot which eventually reflect on her external beauty. Some women have external beauty but lack internal beauty – which exhibits a sense of dissonance – because of the contrast.

Her beauty is internal. Thus people appreciate her for this beauty in her speaking nicely, and doing of kindness and not talking badly of others – all this contributes to the big picture and ultimately this kindness makes her appreciated all the more so.

This is what is meant from the verse talking about Sarah our matriarch That says “And the Days of Sarah were one hundred and twenty and seven.” The commentators ask “why not say simply she was one-hundred twenty seven years. Why did the verse have to specify each period of seven, twenty and one-hundred” Rashi explains – when she was 20 she was as beautiful as when she was seven. The beauty the verse is talking about is the child’s beauty. Children are beautiful because they are pure and sinless.

Being Proactive in Doing Good

The Rambam lists level of Giving Charity. One is giving grudgingly. A higher level is giving when one is Asked. Another is actively seeking fellow Jews to give to. Charity begins at home. If one has a relative that is in need and a friend that is in need his family member takes precedence. A person who is serious about giving may consult a reputable Torah authority to find out what are priorities.

I know someone who actively seeks on starting Kollels – places where married Jewish men study and are paid for a small stipend for the opportunity cost of their time learning Torah. He has changed the face of many cities by starting a Kollel in each city – assimilation decreased and observance in Torah increased. Working men start to learn weekly or daily with kollel members – that eventually changes their outlook and entire family for the better.

Being proactive allows a person to bring out his potential energy – for doing good and change it into real goodness throughout the world. When one does such – he or she is much appreciated by the poeple of the world and by Hash-m / G-d.

I remember the blossoming of the Computer industry. Hot home computers included the Radio Shack TRS-80, the Commodore PET and 64, and the Apple II plus. Instead of disk drives – they had tape players that would load and save programs and files. My friend had the latest video game player – the Atari ST. “Adventure” was one of his favorite games. The objective was to escape from the dungeon, while avoiding the dragons – that, to me looked more like a ducks, than dragons. My friend was a pro. He knew how to get the keys; Which rooms to enter and avoid. He knew the secret passageways.

In life we encounter dragons – physical and mental opponents. Our Job is to avoid them to find the key to unlock our personal success. What we view as behind the Closed doors – may be an opportunity or a trap. The key to life is to find the secret passageway that will unleash your potential.

Every Day G-d gives us an opportunity to unlock our potential. If Our ears are attuned, we will hear the call of Hash-m / G-d to the secret passageway. It may be an invitation to someone’s home for Shabbat. It may be an opportunity to listen to a Torah lecture online. It may be a chance meeting with a Torah Jew – that you could ask your Jewish questions.

Listening to Torah Lectures regardless of the subject – helps us get in touch with ourselves. The true self is the soul. The Soul wants to do what’s right. The soul is the essence of the person. Satisfy it and you will be satisfied. There are two other components to the person. The Ego – which wants to do what lifts up its ego. And the body – that wants to follow after pleasure (As Dr. Dovid Leiberman explains). When one feeds the soul one attains satisfaction. When one just feeds the body or the ego’s wants – one rarely attains lasting happiness. Thus a Jew can attain happiness through – following after Jewish law / Halacha – because that is what pleases a person and helps him or her to reach their true selves. A gentile would learn their laws – the Torah’s 7 Noahide laws to reach lasting happiness. Two Excellent Lectures I recently heard that talk about reaching ones potential are entitled Maximize Your Potential by Dr. Dovid Leiberman and one by Rabbi Chanan Gordon – called Spiritual Time Management.

I heard G-d gives us each person an opportunity to become closer – daily. If we are attuned – we hear the message. If not – we just rack it up as coincidence.

There is a Joke: Once a guy was looking for a parking spot. He said “Oh, G-d please help me find a parking spot. If you do I will start observing the Shabbat.” He turns the corner – a car right in front of him pulls out of the spot right where he needed to go. He thinks to himself – “Oh great – What a coincidence!” and forgets all about the deal.

Many people are lost. They either feel it – spiritually or are so numbed that they don’t even recognize the lacking. So G-d gives them an opportunity to become closer to him. Me myself – I was cascading in life of swinging from one pleasure to another, one disco to another. G-d had different plans for me. He sent me a stop sign – a difficulty that stopped me in my tracks of following endlessly after purposeless pleasures. I did feel somewhat empty, but I was having a good time. The difficulty – got me to think. “Why Me?!” “G-d why are you doing this to me?” “I am basically a nice guy?!”

That was healthy thinking – Asking “Why G-d is doing this?” But I didn’t stop at that. I Knew G-d is Good and Just. I knew He doesn’t do things randomly. I knew He was in control. I just didn’t know why He was sending me a wake-up call? My advantage was that I figured out that G-d was sending me a message. So I did some introspection and found I had a lot to improve. So I started my investigation of Torah Judaism. In my state of suffering I wanted, pure unadulterated Judaism. Because I knew that that would be the way for me to overcome my suffering.

Thus I tried to assure that all the books and lectures I attended were in accordance with Torah Judaism (“Orthodox” Judaism in the popular vernacular. I don’t like those terms – Orthodox, Reform or Conservative – because there is one Torah – that has one set of laws and we are one Jewish people. Using the popular vernacular seems to imply that there are 3 branches of Judaism – when there is really only one. It seems to divide the Jewish people into groups – when we – the Jewish Nation – should be One Nation Under G-d and Indivisible.)

It took me time to change – but eventually I started eating Kosher. I went to libraries to find Jewish books in English according to Torah perspective. I liked the stories / Aggaddah. They helped me to cope with my difficulties. They put me in a new fascinating world of goodness. I Started observing the Shabbat. Started praying, going to an “Orthodox” Synagogue regularly. Saying the blessings. Eventually I ended up going to a Yeshiva to learn Torah in my mid 20s & got married. Learning Torah and attending Yeshiva taught me to expand my thinking to be able to contribute more good to the world.

Now I look back. If G-d didn’t send me these messages – I would likely be a different person – possibly lonely, single and looking for fulfillment in life.

Today I am satisfied. But am still trying to improve and still trying to capt the messages. G-d sends us the messages. G-d wants us to be closer. Being open-minded to his calling is what he wants. I figure Hash-m gives us life – shouldn’t I at least listen to the faint voice when He calls.

Shabbat is a day of rest from all creative work. We enjoy it with good food, family, songs and with words of Torah. It is a day where we wish each other a peaceful Shabbat. “Shabbat Shalom.” We rest and spend quality time with family and friends to enhance our relationship with our families and G-d, and ultimately find inner peace.

The Chief Rabbi of South Africa started a Program Called the Shabbos project. Now the project has spread its wings to include many other countries as well. The Idea is that a Jew – accepts upon themselves to observe one Shabbat in its entirety in the year. Last year people changed their lives. Many Jewish Celebrities worldwide also taking it upon themselves. This year it will take place on October 23/24.

In the Torah it says that if all the Jews observed Two Shabbat we would be redeemed.

For More info:

Theshabbosproject.org