The Alter of Kelm, Z’tl, taught that anything most needed to live in this physical world is most available to us, and is also easy to obtain. The classic examples are, of course, air and water. The same is true for spiritual matters, the Alter taught. Emunah is the most necessary element of spiritual life, for it is the foundation of everything. This is why the basic principals of Emunah are so accessible and attainable by us all. One need only read the Pesukim of Bitachon which we have previously distributed, or reflect upon the Thirteen Ani Maamin’s of the Rambam, or study the miracles around him, or note the incredible Hashgacha Pratis which he, each member of his family, and all of his friends are blessed with every day. Each of these connects us swiftly and directly to Emunah in Hashem.
If we take the analogy of the Alter of Kelm to its conclusion, there are times when even items typically abundant in this physical world are difficult to come by. On a mountaintop or in the sea, air is in short supply or nonexistent, so one’s breathing may be a bit more difficult or need assistance. Similarly, in the desert or in land-locked areas, water may be scarce. What does one do to help himself in these situations? Where air is limited, he brings along oxygen tanks. In the desert, he will bring along sufficient containers of water to get him through the desert trek.
In these times, when we are faced with personal and communal tribulations of such great and diverse magnitude, we owe it to ourselves to begin an Emunah-strengthening process now--to build our Emunah to optimum levels so that it is readily available when needed. What a beautiful goal it would be to study and complete the Sha’ar HaBitachon of the Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart) between now and Rosh Hashana. The Chovos HaLevavos is available with an English translation (even in pocket-size) by Feldheim Publishers. At the very least, one should attempt to reflect more deeply upon at least one of the thirteen Ani Maamin’s every day. It is safe to say that the amount of Emunah and Bitachon that one really has is directly proportionate to the amount of time and effort one puts into what the Alter of Kelm calls the “Yesod Hakol--the basis of everything!”
Lesson 1: When we are close friends with someone, we often have expectations that can cause us frustration if they are not met. If a friend fails to act toward you in a manner you would wish, word your requests in a positive manner otherwise it can put a strain on your relationship and cause onaas devarim. I.e "why didn’t you call me in over a month? this shows you really didn’t care...". Instead "I really enjoy talking to you you must have been very busy lately...".
Lesson 2: We should be careful not to disparate the Torah thoughts of other people. You dont have to agree with them, but hear them out, learn... and be polite.
Parents should educate their children about shmirat halashon. Habit is one of the main reasons why people are so careless in speaking lashon hora. If a parent would train their kids in this from early on, it would be easier for them to avoid speaking lashon hora when they grow up.
Lesson 2
The laws of onaas devorim (verbal abuse) are based on the subjective response of the person you are talking to. Even if many others wouldn’t care, if the person you say it to will be distressed, upset, angry or offended, don’t say it.
One of the most important spiritual concepts of the Torah is Devakis, the state of connecting one’s thought to HaShem, i.e., being consciously aware of HaShem. Devakis is achieved through actively contemplating on HaShem and faithfully remembering Him as per the verse (Devarim 11:22): "Attach to HaShem."
Our Patriarchs were masters of Devakis, i.e., they were consciously aware of HaShem in all situations of life. Even when they were engaged in a physical activity they never lost the perception that they were in the Presence of HaShem. In fact, their greatest fear was the notion of being disconnected from HaShem, even for a second! The foundation of their Divine service was making every effort to be always Devuk to Hashem. In this light, Abraham prayed to HaShem, "Please do not leave Your servant."
Yet, how is possible forma human being to be always Devuk to HaShem, regardless of situation or location?
King David said (Tehillim 104:24): "How great are you Your works HaShem, You have made all of them in Wisdom." Accordingly, every entity contains the Highest Wisdom. In addition, the prophet Isaiah states, "Everything that is called by My Name, and that I have formed for My glory." Therefore, the solitary purpose of each creation is to reflect the Honor of HaShem.
As a result, the entire universe is a great "class room," i.e., a place to discover the wisdom and glory of HaShem. The Patriarchs focused on discovering - and taking pleasure - in the wisdom, goodness, and kindness of HaShem that is manifest in all of the creations.
May we follow the holy path of our Patriarchs, setting our focus on perceiving the wonders of HaShem in all of life that surrounds us. Then we will be Devuk to HaShem - continuously attached to his loving-kindness, holiness, and splendor. (Based on Da’as Torah of Rav Yerucham HaLevi)
TODAY: Close your eyes and attach to HaShem’s kindness for thirty seconds.
The psalmist speaks of the need for self-control."I restrain my feet from every evil way, so that I may keep Your word (Psalm 119:101)."Our human inclination is to be attracted to the path of self-gratification, which in turn leads us away from G-D.If we are entirely self-absorbed, the path we tread will ultimately prove evil.In order to keep to the path of Torah, we must forcibly restrain our feet.The word of Hashem not only provides us with a focus, but it also directs our steps.Torah, learned and followed, provides us with the road map to a life of goodness.The verse may also be understood as referring to a fence erected around the Torah.In order to keep from violating G-D’s word, His Torah, we broaden the distance around His precepts.This allows us to walk freely without fear of compromising our spiritual stance.
When someone has made a mistake because they didn’t listen to your advice, you may be tempted to rub it in... "i told you so". When someone suffers because of an error, avoid making comments about what s/he should have done. People can not go backward in time.
Lesson 2
Pessimistic statements needlessly causes people to worry about things that never happen. Even if something will go wrong in a year or two, if at present you cant do anything to change the situation, why bring it up? Examples include telling someone who just got engaged "don’t think that marriage is so easy. a lot of people suffer even more after being married... you don’t know what your in for".
Rav Soloveitchik speaks of the extraordinary attraction between man and G-D. He characterizes the relationship as magnetic; Hashem pulls man to Him as though He were a giant magnet. It is a fact of man’s humanity to feel that pull, the force that compels him in the direction of his Creator. "My soul thirsts for the Lord, for the living G-D (Psalm 42:3)." Thirst is quenched by drinking water. Hashem is described as a wellspring of water: "They have forsaken me, a spring of living water, to hew cisterns, broken cisterns that will hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13)." The "living G-D" of the verse is a "spring of living water" which continuously flows. Man is ever thirsty for the crystal clear waters of Hashem. This is true love for Hashem who fascinates and draws us toward Him.
G-D is described as the one who provides us with shelter: "G-D is my [sela], my rock (Psalm 18:3)."Rav Soloveitchik explains this verse from the perspective of the Bedouin shepherd, who clings to the rock for shade.In the intense heat of the desert, the rock casts a shadow offering shelter from the burning sun."G-D is the shade in which one finds shelter and peace."The word "rock" does allude to Hashem’s hardness and toughness for that would denigrate Him.Instead, the reference is to the constancy of Hashem’s protection. The rock, because it does not move, offers us a "touchstone"; we are able to connect to Hashem at all times and in all circumstances.This security comforts us as we navigate the difficult days of our exile.
Statements that contain associations which are painful for a particular person can be considered onaas devorim (verbal abuse). If the person you are speaking to would suffer, even if the same thing wouldn't mean anything to someone else, you should not bring it up. For example, if someones friend or relative overdosed, don't bring up that word in front of them, even if you are speaking about someone else.
Lesson 2
If someone tries to share their problems with you and you say to them "I don't care, that's your problem" You can be causing them a lot of pain. Feeling that no one cares about your difficulties in life makes those difficulties harder to cope with.
In Psalm 126, we have two parallel verses, "Then they said among the nations: "The Lord did great things for these."The Lord did great things for us.We were glad (v. 3-4)."The news of the great things G-D did for us spread to the nations, who proclaimed "the Lord did great things for the children of Zion."The Da’at Mikra understands "the Lord did great things for these" as an expression of contempt.The nations are shocked by the fact that Hashem did great things for the Jewish nation, a nation seen as contemptible.The children of Israel then respond: "The Lord did great things for us."We repeat the same words as if to say, "You have indeed spoken the truth.Hashem has and does great things for us."The latter half of the verse, "we were glad", parallels the words-"we were like those who dream" at the beginning of the psalm.Initially we were like dreamers, but after hearing the words of the nations we realized that this was not a dream but a reality.We have been validated by hearing confirmation by our enemies who have no reason to distort the truth in our favor.If they can see Hashem’s goodness on our behalf, then we are surely glad.
The psalmist requests of Hashem, "Bring back our return, O Lord, like the streams in the south (Psalm 126:4)."This verse parallels the first verse, "when the Lord brought back the return of Zion."The double expression "bringing back the return" alludes to the restoration of a formerly good situation.The psalmist asks that just as G-D has done good deeds for us in the past, may He continue doing great things for us in the future.Alternatively, the psalmist is affirming that G-D has begun the return, and asking that He complete the redemption, finishing what He has begun.The streams in the south are dry for most of the year, becoming suddenly full from powerful downpours and storms.In similar fashion, we ask that Hashem bring the good upon us suddenly.We, who are experiencing the dryness of our exile, seek the sudden good that Hashem can bring.Sudden and unexpected good restores faith and bolsters our commitment to serving Hashem and keeping His Torah.
Please Say/Whisper The Words Out Loud Lesson 1 Everyone
needs privacy to different degrees.. If someone has a high level of
curiosity and is very persistent in asking you personal questions, be
polite in your refusal. Instead of "mind your own business" try
something like "I really would appreciate if you refrain from asking
these types of questions".
Lesson 2 At times, another person would
prefer for you not to be aware of some personal information about them.
You may be tempted to mention that you know it. Without a constructive
purpose, this would be considered verbal abuse. Needlessly telling that
person that you know will cause pain. For example, bringing up someone
elses medical condition, financial difficulties, a fight someone was
in...
HaRav Yechezkel Levenstein, Z’tl, compared the arrival
of Moshiach to a great, but local, wedding to be held in a small town.
All those who live in town are naturally invited, because they all know
the Choson and Kallah. However, those coming from out of town would
only be relatives or close friends-and they would come only by
invitation.
Many of us today do, and must, empathize with the plight of our
brethren in Eretz Yisroel during these turbulent times. We must
remember, though, that they are already currently “in town” and when
the great wedding day comes soon, we will have to be invited, and they
will not!
So what can we do to get ourselves invited? Chazal (Yoma 57A), relate
that a non-believer remarked to Rebbe Chanina that, after the
destruction of the Bais HaMikdash, all Jews are certainly tamei
(impure), as the posuk in Eicha (1:9) states “Tumasa bishuleha”--her
impurity is on her hems. Rebbe Chanina responded to him that even with
this impurity, the Shechina, Hashem’s Divine Presence, is with us, as
the Posuk (Vayikra 16:16) states that Hashem is “Hashochen
Itam”--dwells with them” amid their contamination. It is interesting
that the word “shachen,” neighbor or one who resides close by, is
closely related to the word Shechina, for it symbolizes how close we
should feel to the Shechina. Indeed, Chazal (Yoma 53B) teach, and the
Halacha records that, at the end of Shemone Esrei, one should bow while
taking three steps back, then additionally bow to his left, bow to his
right and then bow to the center, as he recognizes that he is taking
leave of the Shechina in front of him. The Gemara comments there that
Hashem will destroy a thousand of his enemies to the left and ten
thousand to his right (see Tehillim Chapter 91), as he recognizes and
takes proper leave of the Divine Presence.
We all know that the Shechina has never left the Kosel HaMaaravi. We
also all know that there is a special, different level of Shechina in
our shuls. It is imperative for us to also realize that the Shechina
is always with us--even in our current status of Tuma--whoever we are,
and wherever we may go.
Every day, three times a day in Shemone Esrei we state that Hashem is a
“Melech Ozer, U’mosheia, U’mogen.” This means that even though Hashem
is King of the entire world, He is still an ‘Ozer’--He helps each and
every individual with his needs, a ‘Mosheia’--He saves each and every
person from tzara, and a ‘Mogen’--He even shields a person before a
tzara comes. This is an intense appreciation of the Shechina relating
to us directly, which should charge us at least until we recite our
next Shemone Esrei.
Over the next seven weeks, until Rosh Hashanah, we should work on
feeling Hashem’s Presence with us throughout the day, once again,
whoever we are and wherever we may be. We should especially sense that
we are standing in front of Hashem during Shemone Esrei, and remind
ourselves of His presence, as a Shachen, in front of us, throughout the
day. If we feel a strong relationship, a closeness to Hashem, then
even we--as “out of towners” will also be invited to that great Chasuna
to take place--as the Shechina once again, resides in its full and
permanent glory in the third and final Bais HaMikdosh, may it be built
speedily and in our days.
Please Say/Whisper The Words Out Loud Lesson 1 When
we ask a storekeeper for the price of an item they are selling
needlessly, we are building up their hopes that they will make a sale.
If we have no intention of buying anything and are just asking out of
curiosity, we have an obligation to notify the owner that we are just
curious. Same goes for asking a real estate agent to show you homes.
Lesson 2 One
of the main reasons people insult others is because they lack the
assertiveness to approach someone directly with honesty and respect
when the are displeased. People who lack assertiveness are likely to
remain silent when others take advantage or annoy them. They then hold
it in till they explode and insult.
HaRav Yaakov Emden, Z’tl, in his Siddur Bais Yaakov,
writes that the misfortunes, calamities, death and destruction over all
these generations in our bitter exile arise from our failure to
properly mourn over Yerushalayim--and this is because we feel too
comfortable in Galus. HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita, in commenting
on this, notes that the worst part of our Galus is when Hashem is
“Haster Astir” (Devorim 31:18)--completely hides Himself from us.
Indeed, what greater tragedy can there be than to be removed from the
Source of all life and goodness--Hashem? And this occurs when we feel
comfortable and complacent with Galus life.
Paradoxically, then the most extreme Galus is reflected by our comfort
and satisfaction. As an example, HaRav Salomon states that during the
time of the Cantonists, when Jewish boys were forcibly abducted into
the Czar’s army for 25 years, everyone acknowledged and agreed this was
a terrible gezaira--decree--of Galus. On the other hand, with the
current “kids-at-risk” situation all over the world, there are those
who simply attribute it to community, local or family problems, to
issues of a lack of communication or, sometimes, even too much
affluence, but many fail to recognize it for what it truly is--the same
Gezeiras Galus as the Czar’s Cantonists.
Similarly, HaRav Salomon notes, we are beset by most severe and serious
illnesses in a manner disproportionate to the rest of the population.
This is not happenstance, it does not **ultimately** have to do “with
the water”, or “with the family”, or because of other hazardous
factors--it is, rather, a stark gezaira of Galus which we all share in
and suffer from together. It is not someone else’s issue or
problem--it is OUR tragic situation together...
Harav Salomon has other examples, but the point is clear. What we must
do, and what we must do now, is rid ourselves of the notion, and
certainly of the feeling, that we are currently content with the notion
of a two-car garage, the latest technology, the most Glatt Kosher of
international cuisine--and even the freedom to privately and publicly
study, observe and practice the Torah.
We all know the lessons from our past history as to getting too
comfortable in exile. Hashem, as our loving Father, jolts us back into
a recognition that we must strive for the Geulah. Many note that the
name for this month, Av, means Father. For only a father would “potch”
us in the way Hashem has in order to lead us on the proper path.
Chazal, with their Ruach HaKodesh, recognized that we needed to focus
on removing ourselves from a complacency, and even satisfaction, with
Galus. Accordingly when they instituted the final text of Shemone
Esrei, they included six brachos in a row (!), commencing with “Tika
B’Shofar” and continuing through “Es Tzemach” by which we in various
ways pray for, and thus stay connected to, the Geulah.
Over the next three weeks (in contrast to the previous “Three Weeks”),
until Rosh Chodesh Elul, let us make it our job to concentrate at least
on the first of these Brachos, “Tika B’Shofar” in each of our daily
Shemone Esreis. As we recite the Brocha, we should picture the
personal and communal tzaros and tragedies around us, feel for a loving
Father who is forced to leave His home together with His child--and the
unbounded everlasting joy and ecstasy it will bring to the Father and
His child alike when our sincere prayers are answered--with the
ingathering of our exiles, the coming of the Moshiach and the building
of the Bais HaMikdash!
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Hakhel MIS
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Lesson 1. If you knew that by speaking impulsively you would lose a large sum of money, you would be very careful to avoid saying anything impulsively. The cure for impulsive speech is taking two or three seconds to think about whether or not you should say what you are about to say.
Lesson 2 Deprecatory statements that would normally be permitted under certain circumstances (i.e. you have a beneficial and constructive intentions, are forbidden to be said if the listener will mistakenly think that you are speaking lashon hora. That would be considered avak lashon hora (a tinge of lashon hora).
Please Say/Whisper The Words Out Loud Lesson 1 If
someone shows you something they have just bought, don’t comment
negatively on its quality, durability, price, limitations, or anything
else (unless its for a constructive purpose). Think about whether or
not its returnable. Try to find and comment on the positive qualities
of the item.
Lesson 2 Sharing successes with someone who
will appreciate them is great. Boasting however, can cause distress.
Especially when you boast about something you can do that they cant.
I.e. Boasting to someone who is having difficulty getting married about
how wonderful you find it to be married.
(Note. this doesn’t mean to keep your successes private, just
means to be sensitive and try to feel what the other person might feel
by your comments. Everyone responds differently)
Moses
was denied entry into the Land of Israel because of a small error. At
the end of his life, he prayed for forgiveness - hoping that HaShem
would allow him to go into the Holy Land. The prayer of Moses
illuminates the foundational principle that is the genesis of
successful repentance.
He prayed: HaShem, You have begun to
show Your servant Your greatness and Your strength. The two aspects of
Divine Compassion are revealed in this verse. The phrase "Your
greatness" refers to the very essence of HaShem - His unbounded
compassion that He shows to all of His creations. Whereas "Your
strength" refers to the attribute of compassion, in which HaShem
mercifully overthrows the attribute of accountability.
In
addition, Moses said "You have begun to Your servant Your great
compassion." That is, the great vistas of compassion that HaShem
revealed to Moses were just the beginning of HaShem’s infinite
dimensions of mercy!
Moses’ beautiful prayer divulges the
foundation of repentance. Namely, the performance of repentance is
predicated on our deep awareness that HaShem is truly Merciful. The
more we comprehend and internalize that the essence of HaShem is
compassion, the more confident - and successful - we will be in
"returning to HaShem."
May the entire People of Israel open
their hearts to understand the great compassion of HaShem and perform
repentance. Additionally, the more that we conduct ourselves with
mercy; the more mercy will be awaked in Heaven. In turn, He will
forgive us and we will see the great joy and light of the Redemption. [Based on Da’as Torah of Rav Yerucham Levovitz]
TODAY: Think of one instance where you can show mercy to another person.
Please Say/Whisper The Words Out Loud Lesson 1 - Approval seeking cont’d.
Even if you find someones drive for approval irritating, be careful how you speak to them. A negative approach would be "you have no mind of your own. You do things only so others will like you. you are a robot and puppet. you have no sense of self... everyone hates when you act like that"/. This manner of speaking to such a person is destructive and will have negative consequences.
Lesson 2 It is wise to keep a distance from groups that are discussing the merits of others. It is almost inevitable that some faults will be mentioned. This applies even if the subject of the conversation is a great Torah scholar. Peoples different opinions can cause lashon hora to be spoken.
The Navi (Yeshaya 1:3, which we read as part of this week’s Haftora for Shabbos Chazon) teaches “Ami Lo Hisbonan--My nation did not consider.”
Rashi adds that the people knew they were acting improperly but “tread with their heels” on this knowledge, and simply “did not take it to heart.”
We all know too well the desperate straits we are in at this time, in which we deal with the Churban of Eretz Yisroel and Yerushalayim--the defiling of a land and of a people on the one hand; and the turmoil, death and destruction in Eretz Yisroel today--upon which the nations of the world have heaped additional disgrace and scorn, on the other.
Haven’t we yet reached a point where we will, as the Navi asks, at least “consider”? It is not, it cannot, and should not, be beyond us to go off into a room--our bedroom, dining room, study, or even the floor somewhere, to sit down and cry: “Oh, what has befallen us! A nation in ruins, the holiest people on Earth berated by the lowest nations on Earth. What makes us better today than the captives of Judea taken by the Romans 1930 years ago? Is it that we have some stained hardwood floors, custom wall coverings, a relatively new Japanese car or kosher tacos? We cannot allow ourselves to be fooled by the amenities, luxuries, or even just the relative comfort in which we live. We have been in exile far too long, and the longer we are here, the worse off we are. Exile does not get better with age like a fine wine; it becomes rancid like a container of open milk on a hot summer day.
L’Maaseh, living with reality and practically speaking, we are walking about badly wounded in this bitter exile. Even in Eretz Yisroel itself, terrorists and murderers abound—Hashem Yatzileinu Miyadam.
We cannot be ashamed to cry. Ashamed?!--Why, and from whom?! Why can we not pour out our hearts to Hashem, as Yirmiyahu HaNavi cries out (Eicha 2:19) “Shifchi Kamayim Libeich--my heart pours out to You like water.”
At least today, as our preparations for Tisha B’Av reach a climax and before our preparations for Shabbos begin, we must take the time out to feel pain over the Chilul Hashem that exists in the world today, over Hashem’s pain which is infinitely greater than ours, over a world that has been lowered to the bottom of the bottom-most depths, over all the individual and communal pain and anguish, over these and much more, and we must cry real, very real, tears.
Yirmiyahu HaNavi further teaches (31:14), “A voice is heard on high, lamentation, bitter weeping, Rochel weeping for her children, she refuses to be comforted for her children, for they are not.” On this Pasuk, the Mahari Kara (in the Mikraos Gedolos) writes that Rochel Imeinu represents K’lal Yisroel, and that our weeping in exile is heard by Hashem’s ears.
So, as much as we would not like to, we must cry--really cry. We must realize that we are in the nadir of our exile. The Tay-Sachs test, when originally developed, required a person to shed a tear, which was then tested. One had to think of something sad to shed that tear. Is it such a great challenge to cry unabashedly over an unfulfilled world, over the world’s most precious possessions disgraced and derided, over all the unnecessary anguish, unnecessary suffering, destruction, and death that we are currently experiencing?
If, for some reason you cannot cry--at least cry out--as our forefathers did in Mitzrayim. Remember, the gates of tears--and the gates of ruchniyus--are never closed. If we have to sit on the floor for a few hours on Tisha B’Av , it should do more than cause us some temporary physical pain. Plead to Hashem as Dovid HaMelech does: “El Dimosi Al Techerash--Do not be silent to my tears!” (Tehillim 39:13) Hashem, I will not find comfort with the few pleasures I have when the Heavens and the Earth writhe in pain!
Please join with your brothers, as our sincere tears and cries reach the Heavens.
May these tears and cries turn into overflowing sounds of salvation for each and every one of us, as we join together to witness the comforting of our people and the ultimate final and glee-filled redemption--speedily and in our days.
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Important Numbers
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