tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62710854997028657112024-02-19T11:00:05.530+02:00LivingPerspectives BlogPersonal Perspectives on Life in Israel and more....ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-5080941421838105182014-11-16T21:25:00.002+02:002014-11-16T21:25:23.970+02:00Praying on the Temple Mount<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May A Jew enter the Temple Mount? Listen to what Rav Ovadia Yosef zt'l had to say about the matter.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_R2CIv9ZBmw" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Thanks to Rav Lazer Brody of <a href="http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2014/11/may-a-jew-enter-the-temple-mount.html" target="_blank">Lazer Beams</a> for posting this)</span>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-44330192690392847492014-08-11T15:31:00.000+03:002014-08-11T15:44:36.692+03:00The Geula has begun!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h8ZkMFOCHVSEKoggajj4gH8KRgY1cj7tc4S85osUHbNbcuGvSwLarjhvAufNmh7JxxVQCyxN_AHCFl4ldmzTIPWxe-ROT7pV_sn6nz9HwYpCcYjBxKcxOsh8dVPFW172BSPoPJnTnGI/s1600/Tel+Aviv+sun+glistening+on+the+beach+Aug+11++2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h8ZkMFOCHVSEKoggajj4gH8KRgY1cj7tc4S85osUHbNbcuGvSwLarjhvAufNmh7JxxVQCyxN_AHCFl4ldmzTIPWxe-ROT7pV_sn6nz9HwYpCcYjBxKcxOsh8dVPFW172BSPoPJnTnGI/s1600/Tel+Aviv+sun+glistening+on+the+beach+Aug+11++2.JPG" height="141" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Message from a Kabbalist, Rav Chaim Cohen, in bible codes - Rabbi M. Glazerson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"The full process of Redemption started". </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rabbi Lazer Brody also related in a recent </span><a href="http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2014/08/gaza-2014-war-of-emuna.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">shiur</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that all of our Sages concur with this. We must take it seriously. Doing</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> teshuva</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, repentance, is urgent now.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/m4XOZtmc-J8" width="560"></iframe>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-71241484774624573872014-06-19T13:19:00.001+03:002014-06-19T15:18:44.473+03:00Finding Our Sons<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So many blog posts and articles have already been written about three teenagers who were snatched off the street on their way home from school in Israel last week. </span><br />
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My goal isn't to repeat what has already been said but to enlighten those who are in the dark. For some reason, International Media has chosen to keep quiet about this atrocious act, as if it didn't happen at all. Is it because it wasn't in their own backyard or perhaps because we are of a different religion, nationality, and thousands of miles away? The truth is, they could be anyone of your sons, brothers or friends. They are just regular kids minding their own business who were suddenly, unwittingly and savagely thrust into a world of terror, with their family and friends suffering right along with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems like every man, woman and child in Israel is concerned about these boys to the point of obsession. It would be nice if others cared. We are all human beings, are we not?</span><br />
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Here is a bit about each of these kids who are now political pawns at the mercy of ruthless terrorists. If they remind you of your own kids, or of the boy next door, that is because they are just the same. <b>Just kids! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nJsYba4SPHEl7A8U5r7AELeaJJiBIlI3WAi4j80TuXWK3mI2nSWqN0BNmOIcdDB2ZrtpqNNi6PQvZa3adwcZZOql0FRztA2o5Ur3Q2tqGjarnhR1-zbq63kL_KNKDeFHPLIDkI0Tq_g/s1600/Naftali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nJsYba4SPHEl7A8U5r7AELeaJJiBIlI3WAi4j80TuXWK3mI2nSWqN0BNmOIcdDB2ZrtpqNNi6PQvZa3adwcZZOql0FRztA2o5Ur3Q2tqGjarnhR1-zbq63kL_KNKDeFHPLIDkI0Tq_g/s1600/Naftali.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfbCEWbaur7RJu7Cd-MpF3ruVSN9TFpxQ0yHqgl8ulzkdxRzD-Bi6wxh2BHPCaSuLJiN-0cjfpQ2xE1n8gLMqJQmXzQphaAhlTJJVdFvcukk6Vx2Rg7MRPAzCRQta0ik6WcSfUdHlxS0/s1600/Naftali1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfbCEWbaur7RJu7Cd-MpF3ruVSN9TFpxQ0yHqgl8ulzkdxRzD-Bi6wxh2BHPCaSuLJiN-0cjfpQ2xE1n8gLMqJQmXzQphaAhlTJJVdFvcukk6Vx2Rg7MRPAzCRQta0ik6WcSfUdHlxS0/s1600/Naftali1.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=790034284352777">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/idfonline">Israel Defense Forces</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to help bring these young men back to their family and friends,<b> please contact your government to take action. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Help them to be able to sleep in a warm, soft bed tonight instead of in a cold and dark <b>dungeon.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last but not least, please <b>pray </b>for their safe return and for the safety of all the soldiers trying to free them and rid the world of evil. They may be far away, but the evil lurks in every corridor of the world. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #17375e; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yakov Naftali ben Rachel Devorah, Gilad Michael ben
Bat-Galim and Iyal ben Iris Tshura</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Together we can make a difference!</b></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-70643252314853913752013-08-09T10:37:00.000+03:002016-08-07T16:27:16.903+03:00Not Even Your Socks<div style="text-align: right;">
בס"ד</div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Parsha for this week - Ki Teitzei</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">From</span> </span><a href="http://70faces.blogspot.co.il/2013/08/dvar-Torah-Portion-Shoftim-2013.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">http://70faces.blogspot.co.il/2013/08/dvar-Torah-Portion-Shoftim-2013.html</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;"> This World, The Next World, and Your Socks</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE9yJyQcNHJe57xMk0oyHj9kzCCk7eytG9l-gjW9SfEqq2i8rGxzyNB2JgPItoxfk0WGzvPTEGmxYJD-iPwkFh8w6sENTOyKSB9-n-yXYALQl4b3iNHWsVirCTKDmWfqBMf8OpmHKOo0/s1600/Aaron+Sebbag+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE9yJyQcNHJe57xMk0oyHj9kzCCk7eytG9l-gjW9SfEqq2i8rGxzyNB2JgPItoxfk0WGzvPTEGmxYJD-iPwkFh8w6sENTOyKSB9-n-yXYALQl4b3iNHWsVirCTKDmWfqBMf8OpmHKOo0/s200/Aaron+Sebbag+for+blog.jpg" width="118" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>The end was drawing
near. Mr Wolf Lazerson, one </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">of the richest Jews </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">in the country was on
his death bed</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">with all his children surrounding him. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">"I have two last </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>requests to make," he said in a weak voice. "The first is </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>that you do not read my
will until the <i>shloshim, </i>and the </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">second<i> </i>is
that </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">you bury me with my
socks on"</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>"But Dad," his
son protested "<i>halacha</i> doesn't allow </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>such a thing." "I don't care," Wolf said "that's what I want." </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">No amount
of convincing </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">was going to change his
mind. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">He insisted on keeping the socks on, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">and that was that. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>His
children were disturbed knowing that their </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>father insisted on doing
something that he himself knew was contrary <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>to <i>halacha</i>.<br />
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A few days later, the father was<i> niftar</i> and the children
consulted a <i>poseik</i> </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">who told them that </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">their father's wish must
be ignored and so he was buried </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">without his socks. At the shloshim, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">they opened his will.
"My dear Children," </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">they read, "I left you a lot of money and a
large estate.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">I wanted you to realize </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>before dividing it up that in the end you can't take any of it with you </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">- not even your socks. love, Dad." </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">and as</span><a href="http://www.jewish-e-books.com/jewish-e-books-2/stories-anthologies-jewish-e-books/lasting-impact.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> Rabbi Dovid Kaplan</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"> concluded, </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><b>a story like this can really knock your socks off.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>In this weeks sedra, it
says <i>"VeLo takim lecha matzeva asher saneh </i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Hashem
Elokecha"</i> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">"and you shall not
make for yourselves a pillar..."</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>It is brought down in
Pirkei Avot, this world is compared to a corridor leading </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">up to the world </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">to come. Fix yourselves
in the corridor so you can enter the </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Banquet Hall. A person needs </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">to be constantly aware
that this world is fleeting </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">and temporal. One must utilize all his worldly </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">dealings and all his
physical </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">necessities </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">as a preparation for the service of G-d, for the
world </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">to come. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Chazal
often refer to </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">"worldly pleasures" as "lecha" (literally
"for yourselves")</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b><br />
Kedushas HaLevi teaches us that the Torah is saying "VeLo takim lecha
matzeva..." </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">you shall not make the
"Lecha" a pillar. In other words, you shall not make </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">your
worldly </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">pleasures into a pillar,
i.e., into that which is strong, sturdy and </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">everlasting, but rather, only </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">as preparation for the
world to come.</span></span></b></div>
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May we merit to utilize all that Hashem gives us leTova.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b><br />
Credit:<br />
The short story at the top was taken from Rabbi Dovid Kaplan's<a href="http://www.jewish-e-books.com/jewish-e-books-2/stories-anthologies-jewish-e-books/lasting-impact.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b><a href="http://www.jewish-e-books.com/jewish-e-books-2/stories-anthologies-jewish-e-books/lasting-impact.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Lasting Impact - Short Stories
with an Immediate Message</span></i></a> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>- Awesome for the
Shabbos Table!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-17415351726887255642013-07-17T18:29:00.000+03:002013-07-17T20:56:20.377+03:00The Depth of Tragedy<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: right;"> בס"ד</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a very difficult post to write because there are so many raw emotions and opposing views on the subject that I know it may not be a very popular piece. Yet, I feel that if we look at the big picture, it will help us through what at first glance appears to be a nightmare scenario, one which makes us wonder, "What is going on?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have just completed the 'Three Weeks' which, in the Jewish calendar, has been known to be a time fraught with many calamities for the Jewish People. On a national level it is a time of the destruction of the first and second Temples, the foundation of Jewish spiritual life. So many horrible things happened to our people during this period that we have been instructed to be very careful throughout these days. The last nine days leading up to Tisha B'Av, the 9th of the Jewish month of Av, we treat as a time of mourning, holding by many of the traditions attached to that sad event. So real is the danger, that we are forbidden from swimming as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, while thank G-d, there was no major catastrophe affecting the Land of Israel, several terrible events permeated our beings. One is the ever-increasing contempt and misplaced criticism between our brothers. There is so much infighting involving different sectors of society that it is hurtful to watch. We are supposed to be as one and yet we treat each other like our own worst enemy. I heard a very true statement that is quite ironic - our enemies don't differentiate between us. They are anxious and willing to annihilate all of our people; national religious, haredi, reform, secular and chassidic Jews. To them, we are one unit. And that is what we are meant to be. The commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) obviously lost its meaning even to some who claim to have a fear of Heaven. Sadly, this internal strife reached a pinnacle over the past three weeks. At a time when we should strive for peace and guarding our tongues from<i> loshon hara </i>(evil talk and tale-bearing) instead we bring shame upon ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then something less public and more dreadful brought us all into different corners of the ring. As if bickering over our different views would somehow bring back the three precious souls who lost their lives through parental misjudgments. Yes, three young babies in the course of two weeks left this world through pain and suffering, being left alone in the back seat of their parent's hot car. One can say the parents were negligent and failed in their responsibilities, but it is really irrelevant because the torment they will endure the rest of their lives will more than make up for any lack of civil punishment. It's difficult to imagine how one can go on after such a catastrophe. In Israel, despite the squabbling, we are as one family in agony and therefore we are all grieving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If we view these instances through spiritual eyes, we may still not be able to comprehend it, but we can come to an acceptance on a different level.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As much as it hurts, <i>Hashem </i>(G-d) decided that those infants were meant to leave this world. Each detail was predetermined so that even the amount of suffering they experienced was somehow beneficial to their <i>neshamas </i>(souls). We will never know or understand the reasons, but this was decreed in <i>Shomayim</i> (Heaven). Even the poor parents, regardless of the turn of events which led to the disaster, are destined to suffer for the remainder of their existence on earth. This too, though it is humanly impossible to fathom why, is somehow the way it was intended to be and for their ultimate good. When someone passes away, we say "<i>Baruch Dayan HaEmet"</i> which means, Blessed is the True Judge". We accept G-d's decision, as painful as it is. When we pass these tests in our material lives knowing that everything He does is for the best, that is basis of <i>emuna</i>. <span style="line-height: 115%;">Acknowledging this can, with </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">Hashem’s</i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> help, give
the families the strength to go on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friend, Jessie, told a related story which may help clarify this concept. There was a great <i>Tzaddik</i> (righteous man) who was <i>niftar</i> (passed away) and when he went to the next world, he was judged as righteous. Just as he was about to enter <i>Gan Eden</i>, an accusing angel told the Heavenly Courts that he had nursed from a non-Jewish mother for two months because his own mother was ill. Therefore, he was sent back to earth and was born to a Jewish mother who nursed him for two months. Immediately, a <i>bat kol</i> (Divine 'voice' proclaiming G-d's Will) came from <i>Shomayim</i> (Heaven) and welcomed the <i>Tzaddik</i> to his rightful place in <i>Gan Eden</i>. But to the new parents of the two month old baby, they were faced with an aching loss. We have no clue. <i>Hashem</i> runs the world in every aspect down to the next meal of the smallest ant on a blade of grass and everything He does is for the good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By all estimations, we are living the birth pangs of <i>Moshiach</i>. We are told it will be a rough ride but we must hang on with all our spiritual might. It is no coincidence that recently we have lost many holy <i>Tzaddikim</i>.... Torah Giants, Scholars, sinless babies plus other upright men and women who have died simply for being Jews. These excruciating sacrifices are the price we pay to bring us closer to our final Redemption. May it be G-d's will that there will soon be an end to all this heartbreak and struggle, bringing us together in song and joy to the newly rebuild <i>Beit Hamikdash</i>!</span><br />
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-48576698656531084742013-07-17T18:15:00.003+03:002013-07-17T18:37:15.238+03:00Forbidden Fruit<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">בס"ד</span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“.. of the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it” (Genesis 2:17)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">From the
beginning of creation man’s freedom of choice has been tested. Adam was told
directly by G-d Himself not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, but with a
little friendly persuasion, he chose to disobey <i>Hashem’s</i> Will. At first
glance it appears that Adam’s choice was based solely on lack of
self-discipline, but how could anyone in his right mind purposely disobey the
Master of the Universe? Our Sages tell us that his motives were not as
dishonorable as they appear. All he wanted was to get closer to <i>Hashem</i>
and to understand the difference between good and evil so he would be better
able to live his life as G-d intended. Unfortunately for future generations, it
was the wrong decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One mistake,
one bite of one little ‘apple’, and humankind is banished from the Garden of
Eden. One erroneous judgment and man was condemned to toil by the “sweat of his
face” for his daily bread, woman was decreed to endure pain with childbirth and to all human beings death now became a
reality. Such a seemingly innocent action held the power to generate
such guilt and caused the evil inclination to reside within mankind.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Someone
pointed out a very interesting idea to me the other day. We all have access to
a seemingly innocuous device, namely the computer with internet access, which
also has the ability to destroy one’s whole future. <i>Hashem</i> gave man the
intelligence to construct it but it takes a<i>Tzaddik </i>(righteous
individual) to be able to back away and refuse the dangerous enticement it
holds. It is no coincidence that the first mainstream personal computer, and
now a major icon worldwide, was made by a company with the name, none other
than: Apple. The company logo portrays the fruit of temptation with a bite out
of it! This is the same fruit the world recognizes as the fruit that Adam and
Eve ate. (We know from our Sages it was not actually an apple they ate,
nonetheless, this is the fruit that the general public accepts). All leading
Rabbis of our generation have openly declared these electronic devices to be
hazardous. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Overflowing
with knowledge, both beneficial and harmful, it lures us into believing that it
is safe and useful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes, it can
be. Yet, I too, diminish its danger. I am only using it for work, to earn <i>parnassa</i>
(income) and to spread <i>emuna</i>, to share Torah and do <i>kiruv </i>(Jewish
Outreach). I set limits and try not to get carried away. I tell myself that a
little news story and a short scrabble game can’t hurt. I rationalize that it
keeps me in touch with what’s happening in the world and allows my ever aging
mind the mental exercise it needs to stay sharp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If it would
end at that, there would be no problem. But who can truthfully say that they
don’t spend a minute extra doing wasteful and pointless things. This in itself
is “<i>Bitul Torah</i>” (neglect of <i>Torah</i> study). Couldn’t this time
also be better spent working on interpersonal relationships rather than
ignoring those we care about? Once we plunk ourselves down on the chair by the
computer, the <i>yetzer hara</i> (evil inclination) plays havoc with our
desires. Just a minute more on this site and a second more reading that and
before we know it, we have wasted precious hours on this hypnotic invention.
And that’s not to mention the lewd and sinful options available to those who
show no restraint! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With the
advent of <i>Moshiach,</i> prophecies tell of a fight between good and evil. It
will be a spiritual war between belief in <i>Hashem</i>, our steadfastness of <i>emuna</i>
on one side versus those diametrically opposed to this principle on the other.
Like the snake in <i>Gan Eden </i>(Garden of Eden), the computer, internet and
all the technology of this modern world are deadly temptations feeding the
venomous enemy. Snakes symbolize so many negative traits such as immorality and
deceit (by way of its forked tongue). We see this clearly as the internet is
full of deception with people hiding behind aliases and false intentions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Since nothing
in the world is coincidence, I will leave you with something else to think
about. The Tree of Knowledge contained good and evil. We humans are constantly
confronted with the choice between the two. Everything that has a negative side
also has a positive aspect. That is what free will is all about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The <i>gematria</i>
(numerical equivalent) of the word snake, <i>nachash</i>, (<span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">נחש</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span lang="HE" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span dir="LTR"></span>)</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>is
358.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
<i>gematria</i> of <i>Moshiach</i> (<span dir="RTL" lang="HE">משיח</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>) is also 358.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Chet</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> is Hebrew for sin and the gematria of
the letter <i>chet</i> is 8.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
we take the chet<b> (<span dir="RTL" lang="HE">ח</span></b><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>) out of <i>nachash</i>, we will have the gematria 350, which is
also the gematria for keren, <span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="background: white;">קרן</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="background: white; color: #000033;"><span dir="LTR"></span>,
the ram’s horn which will one day be blown to herald the arrival of <i>Moshiach</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #000033; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So if we work together to remove the sin, the <i>chet</i>,
from our lives by making an effort to stay off the computer and internet as
much as possible, we will help bring <i>Moshiach</i> and the rebuilding of the <i>Beit
Hamikdash</i>, speedily, in the coming days, amen! </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-87441237569882922172013-01-07T11:25:00.000+02:002016-08-07T16:32:36.031+03:00Emuna Cats<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDuZ3ksjiAyrXfgKFD08wE2uxBnUv66rNhwtjg0LXpIuqf6aYeCc4hcbQdBAoBaCBhhMbsThrQkL3VzprJL5m-jGP5JX5PezmkZvlDXGj-TXxpiPQB_fkbha35d9if4-qZxEeuLvD6t4/s1600/Reggie+on+the+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDuZ3ksjiAyrXfgKFD08wE2uxBnUv66rNhwtjg0LXpIuqf6aYeCc4hcbQdBAoBaCBhhMbsThrQkL3VzprJL5m-jGP5JX5PezmkZvlDXGj-TXxpiPQB_fkbha35d9if4-qZxEeuLvD6t4/s320/Reggie+on+the+fence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span dir="RTL" lang="HE"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">בס"ד<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m not really a
cat lover. I do have a soft spot for animals but until we took in Reggie eight
years ago, I would have never thought I would adopt a cat. I grew up with a dog
and after I was married we looked after a variety of living creatures; birds,
fish, hamsters, dogs and even a rabbit (against my better judgment). Then one
day, I saw an ad from a friend who was trying to find homes for a litter of
kittens that had been abandoned by the garbage bin. After a couple of weeks,
her plea to rescue these fluffy felines finally got to me. I decided to bring
home a live Chanukah gift for our kids. In fact, Reggie chose us rather than
the other way around as he would not let us leave without him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Since learning
over the years, it seems that having a pet is really not so simple in terms of <i>halachot</i>,
purity and holiness. Many owners are not aware of the numerous problems that
can arise with these furry mammals, but that is a whole different discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reggie is an
indoor-outdoor cat. He enjoys the benefits of life in the warmth of our home
including regular meals, yet he is free to run in the outdoors to his little
heart’s content. He has it pretty good.
By contrast, our neighborhood is overrun with street cats. They mostly live out
of the garbage bins and literally fend for themselves. Three brothers recently
found a nice little hideout in the entrance of our apartment. When they aren't out searching for food, they can be found snuggling up together or playing.
Despite their hard lives, these cats seem happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Reggie knows he
will be fed and doesn't worry where his next meal is coming from. When he is
hungry, he comes in and there is food and water waiting for him. If, for some
reason, the bowls are empty, a few meows or a different method of grabbing my
attention is all that is needed to have them refilled. If cats possessed human
qualities, it would seem that Reggie should have much stronger <i>emuna</i>
than all those street cats. After all, he trusts in us, his guardians, to
ensure he has all he needs met. He never does without. He knows there is
nothing to worry about and for him, life is good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEJvn50Dh6K6iYmnhWao0Vlbd4XRGcDpFEW3N3hI-0rZ5aThL6Q9LsOJ7GzlOleFFfLXw5G4sMB0Jmi3V3BPXgCPXn2k138s7HxGvupYat3lF3VmwvuKCQlFDMqY0dg3_bXt5RtH5nEw/s1600/Oliver2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEJvn50Dh6K6iYmnhWao0Vlbd4XRGcDpFEW3N3hI-0rZ5aThL6Q9LsOJ7GzlOleFFfLXw5G4sMB0Jmi3V3BPXgCPXn2k138s7HxGvupYat3lF3VmwvuKCQlFDMqY0dg3_bXt5RtH5nEw/s200/Oliver2.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Upon deeper
examination, though, it is really the homeless variety that has a much higher
level of <i>emuna</i>. Despite their difficulties in life, they forge on daily
in their struggle for survival. They are always scavenging for food and they
somehow manage to find their sustenance, yet at the end of the day, they are
happy and content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although cats are
selfish by nature, whenever we occasionally to throw a few scraps their way (yes,
we’re guilty) they are so thankful, they purr with gratitude. Reggie, on the
other hand, takes it all for granted. I know he appreciates it in his own
animal way, but the trio outside really makes me feel like they are grateful for
anything they receive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is something
we should be striving for as well. By being complacent and assuming it is all
coming to us, we are not showing <i>HaShem</i> our gratitude. He doesn't <i>have</i>
to give us anything and we shouldn't be presumptuous about all our blessings.
We could very well be like the street cats, down and out, not knowing where our
next meal is coming from or how we are going to pay our rent or mortgage. We
must constantly pray for even the most basic mercies such as having a roof over
our heads. With <i>emuna</i>, when we realize that it is all for the best, the
Master of the World will provide for us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every living
creature has some unique qualities we can learn from. The Gemara in <i>Eruvin</i>
(100:43a line 46) says that we learn <i>tzniut</i>
(modesty) from a cat. A cat is very private in its personal hygiene among other
things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perek Shira also tells
of the wisdom we can gain through G-d’s creations. Unlike dogs, cats don’t try
to please others and are persistent in their goals. The cat says, in Psalm
18:38, “I will pursue my enemies and overtake them, and will not turn back
until they are destroyed.” While this probably refers to a cat hunting a mouse
for dinner, we can apply it to standing up for what we believe in or resolving to
defeat our adversaries. Yet don’t be fooled into assuming that our successes
come about through our own might.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the cat also observes,
“If you raise up to place your nest among the stars like an eagle, from there I
shall bring you down, says G-d (Ovadia 1:4). If we are too haughty, <i>HaShem</i>
can surely put us in our place. Physically and spiritually, it is only through
His guiding hand that we can soar to any heights at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In these days of turmoil,
when our enemies seek to destroy us and we have no one to turn to but our
Father in Heaven, we must pray that our leaders take heed of the lessons of the
cat as well. We must firm in our resolve to defend our right to exist in freedom
and holiness in the Land <i>HaShem</i> promised us. But only if we act with the
modesty and integrity fit for the children of the King, will we merit G-d’s
Divine protection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Blessed is the
man who trusts in <i>HaShem</i>, then <i>HaShem</i> will be his security. I was
young and also have aged, and I have not seen a righteous man forsaken with his
children begging for bread. <i>HaShem</i> will give might to His people. <i>HaShem</i>
will bless his people with peace”. (from Grace After Meals; Artscroll)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ken Yehi Ratzon – May
it be G-d’s Will!</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-53347751386115118482012-10-16T13:30:00.000+02:002012-10-16T17:38:08.480+02:00Bottom of the 9th<div style="text-align: right;">
בס"ד</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/articles/spirituality_and_faith/personal_growth/bottom_of_the_9th.aspx?id=19362&language=english" target="_blank">Bottom of the 9th </a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>I am dedicating this previously published article </i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">l’iluy neshmat Yoseph ben Yitchak Dovid z”l, my beloved Father who left this world one week ago</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Originally published on www.breslev.co.il 6/3/2011</td></tr>
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<tr style="margin: 0px;"><td id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_tdArea3" style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Baseball season is now upon us. The truth is, I am not a big sports fan and never really understood all the rules of the different games, but during high school, I enjoyed a baseball game now and then. My father on the other hand, may he be well and live a long life, can tell you anything you want to know about any sport and then some. However, when one becomes religiously observant, and advances in spiritual pursuits, sports and other similar forms of entertainment lose their appeal as they take us away from more lofty objectives. Since our sages, including Rebbe Nachman of Breslev <em style="margin: 0px;">zt’l (</em><span style="margin: 0px;">may the memory of </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;">the righteous be for blessing)</span><em style="margin: 0px;">, </em>say one can and should elevate all mundane matters into the realm of holiness, let’s give it a try.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;">When it came to sports, I was never much of an athlete. As a result, in high school, when our whole school participated in tryouts for the girls’ basketball team, I was shocked when I made it through to the second round. It made me step back and think, ‘hey, maybe I CAN do it’. If the coach had confidence in me, I must have some potential. The same holds true for all of us in this material world. G-d, our Master Coach, would never have brought us here with our individualized tasks, if He didn’t think we could achieve our goals. That awareness should give each of us some encouragement.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;">During a baseball game, there are always players sitting in the dugout, but they don’t have to remain there. In order to get a turn on the field, a team member first must prove himself. By hard work and making an effort to progress, anyone can be in the first lineup (allegorically, gain entry to the World to Come). But one won’t get a chance to play in the major leagues if he doesn’t even get up to bat. He must first take the initiative to improve and when he finally gets his break, he shouldn’t waste a second of this prime opportunity. Similar to a batter who spends several minutes in the batter’s cage warming up before his turn up at bat, we ought to also prepare ourselves as a prelude to our prayers and other sacred undertakings. If we don’t strengthen ourselves in <em style="margin: 0px;">emuna </em>and holiness, we will surely strike out. Even if this happens, don’t despair. Rebbe Nachman says “There is no despair in the World”. If we get knocked down, we must pick ourselves up and try again. In baseball, we are given only 3 chances… three strikes and you’re out. In life, we have as many new opportunities as we desire. Contrary to the rules of baseball, Rabbi Lazer Brody teaches that if <em style="margin: 0px;">HaShem</em> does something three times, we can assume He will do it again. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;">The catcher, just like our <em style="margin: 0px;">yetzer hara</em> (evil inclination), is anxiously waiting to cash in on our failures. One blunder can make the difference between sending the ball high into left field or right into the catcher’s mitt. If we hit a foul ball, we simply need to adjust our strategy slightly and accept helpful tips from the coach. In baseball, once the hitter is already at the plate it’s too late to review the rules, but in the game of life, constantly strengthening our knowledge of <em style="margin: 0px;">Torah</em> is primary. “Torah study has the power to direct a person with the proper and correct advice in all of his endeavors. It is vitally important to have faith in the Tzadikkim. Then, by studying their words, the Torah will guide man to his proper course in life” (Likutey Moharan 1, 61:1).</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us when we’re least expecting it. Understanding that it is all from <em style="margin: 0px;">Hashem</em> and for the very best, we can overcome the difficulties with a clear and tranquil mind. Occasionally, we are presented with situations in order to be united with others, even those with whom we don’t always see eye to eye. One rule of thumb in sports is to know your opponent which is also beneficial in making peace with a family member, neighbor or friend. Rebbe Nachman tells us to seek out the good points in both ourselves and others to bring about happiness. Sometimes, a well-placed bunt into the infield is all you need to get on base and bring your teammates home.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;">Despite all his hard work, occasionally a batter may be replaced by a pinch hitter. <span style="margin: 0px;">Unfortunately, in baseball, the substituted player is never allowed back into that game. </span></span>Rabbi Brody explains in his lesson ‘<a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/vod/torah_lessons/rabbi_lazer_brody_lessons/unconditional_love.aspx?id=248&language=english" style="color: red; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Unconditional Love’</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai <em style="margin: 0px;">zt’l </em>states in the <em style="margin: 0px;">Zohar</em>, when someone gets angry, they lose their <em style="margin: 0px;">Neshama</em> and <em style="margin: 0px;">Ruach</em>, (parts of the soul), the <em style="margin: 0px;">Nefesh</em> (basic soul) takes a walk and sends a pinch hitter (from the dark side) to fill in. If this happens, the Jewish <em style="margin: 0px;">Neshama</em> (soul) is lost, a far worse penalty than losing out on one baseball match.</span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;">Once the pitcher warms up, he situates himself on the pitcher’s mound, intent on striking the batter out. He is on the ‘other side’, the same team as the catcher, so a staunch performance is paramount in foiling their plans. If the batter is prepared and has trained sufficiently, he will be able to outmaneuver them. Sure enough, a fast-ball makes its way to the plate and with one crack it flies into the air, but alas, it is caught before it hits the ground. With 2 out and bases loaded at the bottom of the 9<sup style="margin: 0px;">th</sup>, nothing short of a miracle will win the game. The batter says a prayer as he knows he cannot win the game alone. He hits the ball so perfectly that he can’t believe his eyes. But wait…..the outfielder tries to grab the ball and it instantly disappears! Poof!</span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">"All of the desires of this world are like rays of light. - You try to catch them in your hand only to find there is nothing in your grasp." (<em style="margin: 0px;">Rebbe Nachman's Wisdom</em></span></span> <span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">#6)</span></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;">The batter wakes up to find that it was all just a dream. We too will wake up one day and realize that our existence was more fleeting than we understood. Only <em style="margin: 0px;">Torah</em> and <em style="margin: 0px;">Mitzvot</em> (good deeds and following the commandments) are eternal and worthy of our time and efforts. </span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">The world in which we live today can be compared to the bottom of the 9<sup style="margin: 0px;">th</sup> inning. It is only with <em style="margin: 0px;">HaShem’s</em> help that we will merit to triumph, and only if we do our utmost to prove our commitment to our Creator and His Manual (<em style="margin: 0px;">Torah</em>). With the World Series looming, isn’t it time to step up to the plate and give it all we’ve got? And one more thing ~ it’s still not too late to slide Home!</span></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-71530040520415627152012-08-08T21:54:00.000+03:002012-08-08T21:54:11.344+03:0023rd of September, 2012 ~ Worldwide Prayer for Moshiach<a href="http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2012/08/september-23-2012-worldwide-prayer-for-moshiach.html">Rabbi Lazer Brody wrote:</a><br />
The Chafetz Chaim said: "If only thousands and millions of sincere Jews would show to Hashem how they truly desire Mashiach, he would surely come immediately." Let's follow the advice of the Tzaddik and pray all together, giving tsedaka right before. The moment will be on September 23, 2012 at 18:00 Israel time, 8:00 AM Los Angeles, 11:00 AM New York, 10:00 AM Peru, 12:00 Noon Buenos Aires,17:00 Paris, 19:00 Moscow, 23:00 HongKong, 1:00 AM Sept 24 Sydney...<br />
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<b>This is on the 7th of Tishrei, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur!!</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aIpoVzuDwVQ" width="560"></iframe>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-63862213930420557142012-06-24T09:07:00.000+03:002016-08-07T16:44:26.913+03:00Beyond Logic<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/articles/spirituality_and_faith/personal_stories/beyond_logic.aspx?id=19309&language=english" target="_blank">Breslev Israel</a></td></tr>
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<em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">This post is in memory of my Cherished Mother, Shayndle Toba bas Yoseph Aron v’Leah on her 22nd Yartzeit ~ 4th of Tammuz 5772 – 2012. May she have a <span dir="rtl" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">לעילוי נשמה</span></span><span style="margin: 0px;">, (elevation of the soul). </span></span></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">On Shabbat eve, G-d imparts an additional soul to the person and at Shabbat's end, He takes it away</span></strong></span></span><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="margin: 0px;">-- Talmud, Beitza 16a</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I know that I am not the first person in the world to lose a mother. It is one of the most sorrowful yet inevitable realities of life, but not everyone goes through a whole personal metamorphosis in the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="margin: 0px;">The 4<sup style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">th</span></sup></span>of <em style="margin: 0px;">Tammuz</em> (this year June 24<sup style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">th</span></sup></span><span style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">) is my mother's 22nd <em style="margin: 0px;">Yartzeit</em>, the anniversary of her death. It is hard to believe that 22 years have passed, yet it seems like much more than 22 years since I last spoke with my mother. It actually has been more than 23 and a half years since we had any sort of normal conversation. Neither ripe old age nor some disabling disease caused her death. It was the tragic result of a horrible road accident.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Driving with my mother on an intercity freeway, my father fell asleep at the wheel and as a result the car flipped over several times before landing in a rocky ditch at the side of the road. The fact that both of my parents weren't killed instantly was in itself a miracle. The car was a total write-off. A valuable lesson to be learned from this would appear to be; never drive while very tired. But that isn't why I chose to write this in my mother's memory. There is a much more urgent message I feel compelled to pass along: In times of greatest despair, have faith <em style="margin: 0px;">(emuna)</em> in G-d and believe in miracles. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of prayer! These may not be new or unique concepts for those of you who are <em style="margin: 0px;">frum</em> (religious) from birth. They are fundamental principles which should be ingrained into the core of one's intellect from day one. But for those of us who are <em style="margin: 0px;">chozer b'tshuva (penitent)</em>, who made the conscious decision to redirect our lives, we often require a boost to reinforce this major leap of faith.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The whole incident occurred as my husband and I were just beginning our journey down the road of religious observance. It had been less than a year since we began to keep </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Shabbat </em><span style="text-align: justify;">and </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Kashrut</em><span style="text-align: justify;">. My first test in this ordeal fell on me like a load of bricks just a half hour before the onset of </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Shabbat</em><span style="text-align: justify;">. As if it wasn't shock enough to receive a phone call with the unthinkable news of the crash, I was faced with the most difficult decision of my life. Yet, there was really no choice to make. Despite the doctors' pleas for us to hurry to the hospital and be at my mother's side for what they claimed would be her last hours in this world, we could not desecrate the laws of </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Shabbat by </em><span style="text-align: justify;">driving. There was no case of </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">pikuach nefesh </em><span style="text-align: justify;">here. There was nothing I could physically do to help save her life. The doctors were doing all they could for her severe head trauma and other multiple injuries. So I chose the only thing that was available to me and the one thing in which I had placed all my hope....I prayed to </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">HaShem</em><span style="text-align: justify;"> to save my mother. (My father sustained multiple fractures and external injuries, but nothing life-threatening, thank G-d)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The fact that my mother survived over </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Shabbat</em><span style="text-align: justify;"> was the first sampling of the numerous miracles that encompassed me over the course of the next year and a half. The initial diagnosis of her impending death was followed by an unequivocal prognosis that if she did survive at all, she would be a 'vegetable'. Ultimately, she proved the doctors totally wrong and far surpassed the expectations of all involved. These medical practitioners were forced to admit that they had been mistaken, calling her progress nothing other than miraculous. With limited space in this article, I will refrain from all the grueling and cumbersome details of all that transpired until her final departure from this world, when she finally succumbed to a heart attack. Suffice to say, all that occurred was beyond the realm of earthly reason and logic. Our fervent prayers were answered with chillingly unexpected results beyond any of my wildest expectations. It was a humbling experience which brought into my being a conviction so unwavering that there was no longer any doubt in my mind of the existence of G-d. In addition to that profound understanding was the underlying essence of something much more cliché; learn to value all of </span><em style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">HaShem’s</em><span style="text-align: justify;"> blessings and never take them for granted since one never knows when they will be gone. As the old saying goes, appreciate each day as if it were your last.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">On this day, I look back with love and gratitude for the gifts that I was blessed to have received. When my mother passed away I was entering my eighth month of pregnancy. The unborn child I was carrying gave me unparalleled strength. Instead of being left with a huge void in my life, I looked forward to bearing a new life. The sharp pains of mourning were replaced with the sharp pains of labor. He came into the world quickly on </span><em style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Shabbat</em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">, twelve days before Rosh Hashana.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">Within two years of my mother's death our decision to make <em style="margin: 0px;">aliya</em> to Israel became a reality. Six months following our arrival we were blessed with a baby girl, our fifth child, whom we lovingly named after my mother <em style="margin: 0px;">a’h</em>. One desire my mother had was to visit <em style="margin: 0px;">Eretz Yisrael, </em>the Land of Israel. That longing never materialized but I feel that now she is somehow fulfilling her dream through us. All the knowledge of emuna and trust in G-d that I acquired through her suffering, I brought with me to secure our new life in the Holy Land. </span></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">Only with the comprehension that there is a Greater Power than man, the Holy One, Blessed be He, Creator of the Universe, can one make any sense of what is going on in the world today. It is not for us to question why things happen as they do, but to grab onto them and discover ways to improve ourselves. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to do more to elevate our actions, to become better people and grow closer to G-d. We will thereby not only bring peace into our own lives, but to the world itself via 'spiritual osmosis'.<br style="margin: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px;" />The Torah reading for the week of the 4th of Tammuz 22 years ago was <em style="margin: 0px;">Chukat</em>. This <em style="margin: 0px;">Parasha</em> tells the story of the time when the Jewish people were crossing the desert on their way to Israel and found themselves in desperate in need of water. G-d spoke to Moses and told him 'speak ye unto the rock before their eyes, that it will give forth its water' (Bamidbar 20:8) With the entire congregation assembled before Moses and his brother, Aaron, it was the prime opportunity to sanctify G-d's Name and give witness to this undeniable miracle. But, instead of trying to produce water from the rock by speaking to it as he had been commanded, Moses struck it twice with his rod. One interpretation of this episode explains that his show of anger appeared to the people as if he did not have faith in G-d. For this he was punished and not allowed to enter the Land of Israel. How relevant this lesson is today. We must trust in <em style="margin: 0px;">HaShem</em> and abide by His Laws, in order to deserve the right to keep our Land and the privilege to dwell there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="margin: 0px;">I share this with you in memory of my beloved mother. As time fades the vision in my mind's eye of this once-vibrant and beautiful woman, her strength and courage is indelibly etched in my memory. As I groped through the fog of anguish to find meaning in adversity, her pain and suffering was the catalyst through which I confirmed the true meaning of life. This testimonial is but a taste of the full depth of that revelation. It is my hope that I have succeeded in imparting at least some of that enlightenment as an inspiration to others. </span></span>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">This article was first published on </span><a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/articles/spirituality_and_faith/personal_stories/beyond_logic.aspx?id=19309&language=english" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Breslev Israel</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"> on my mother's 21st Yarzeit: </span></span>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-24337573473095053352012-02-11T18:00:00.012+02:002016-08-07T16:49:22.241+03:00Pop<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems like only yesterday that my parents, my brother and I would frequently enjoy Sunday afternoons with my adored maternal grandparents, Leah and Yosef Aron, of blessed memory, affectionately known as Nanny and Pop. They lived about an hour’s drive through a tree-lined country road and we looked forward to the love and attention they showered on us. They were quiet, modest people who exuded a feeling of warmth and family devotion. During the week, Nanny would help her husband in their women’s clothing store for which Pop was the dressmaker. He could be found sitting in the back of the store diligently working with needle and thread to satisfy his customers’ requests. Nanny endearingly called him ‘Boss’ as she fulfilled her multifaceted roles of co-worker, wife, mother and grandmother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My most cherished memories are of getting together with the whole family, including aunt, uncle and cousins, for holidays such as <i>Pesach</i> (Passover) or <i>Chanukah</i>. Before any family gathering, Nanny would be busy in the kitchen preparing the festive meal. I watched with fascination, as she mixed together all the ingredients needed for the cake. Her method of baking was very simple but the desserts always tasted delicious. These special times are eternally engraved in my mind and I am thankful to <i>HaShem</i> for being given the opportunity to have known my grandparents. Due to the tragedy of the Holocaust, many were not blessed with this privilege. <i>Baruch HaShem</i>, thank G-d, all four of my grandparents left Europe long before the war broke out, but their stay in Canada was merely a temporary stepping stone for our survival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite his small physical stature and calm demeanor, Pop’s heart and soul were larger than life. I can still see his kind, sweet smile and hear his cheerful laugh. He was the Patriarch of our family, seated respectfully at the head of the table as we participated in the traditional meals. While none of us were religiously observant during that period, we nevertheless followed his lead, as he read the <i>Pesach Haggada</i> and sang the customary songs. He would always hide the <i>ofikomen</i> (matza piece) in the same place, yet finding it still brought delight to young and old alike. He imbued us with a fondness for our heritage which will remain with us always, and for that I am grateful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite societal pressures, Pop endeavored to remain true to his beliefs and would never compromise his devotion to Judaism. Living in small-town Canada in the early 1920s, keeping <i>kosher</i> wasn’t nearly as easy as it is today. Before I was born, my grandparents raised chickens in their yard so they were ensured a <i>kosher</i> chicken for <i>Shabbat</i>. (As a child, my mother a’h took pleasure in watching the chickens run around, but found it difficult knowing they would soon be <i>shechted</i> [ritually slaughtered]). I was told that although Pop would accompany other family members for a meal in a restaurant occasionally, he would only order fish, as he couldn’t bring himself to eat <i>treif</i> (non-kosher). He did what he had to do, and so my grandparents attempted to set an example, despite the fact that everyone around them was giving in to the lure of the modern world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee; font-size: 12pt;">The course of recent generations has been anything but smooth. We are all victims of the ‘enlightened’ culture which made our journey all the more challenging. The number of Jewish <i>Neshamot</i> (souls) who have lost their spiritual direction is staggering. Those families who have not been touched by intermarriage are few and far between. Yet, thank G-d, the numbers of returnees to their roots, to true Torah Judaism is increasing by leaps and bounds. This overwhelming <i>teshuva</i> movement was a prophecy of the days leading up to <i>Moshiach</i>, the days which are presently upon us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee; font-size: 12pt;">The path to any admirable goal is never straight and rarely effortless. There can be pitfalls and roadblocks, stumbling blocks and icy patches, but the incentive to succeed comes from the desire to attain the lofty objective. Once we finally reach the pinnacle, the awesome view on the other side takes our breath away and we don’t know how we ever lived without it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the article, </span><a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/articles/family/children_and_education/illuminating_our_children.aspx?id=16170&language=english"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Illuminating our Children</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, Rabbi Lazer Brody writes “Tradition tells us that a person’s favorable judgment in the Heavenly Court after he finishes his term of service in this world is conditional; one doesn’t earn his or her permanent place in Gan Eden until the Heavenly Court sees how the subsequent three generations turn out. In other words, once your great-grandchildren are living lives of emuna, you get your permanent penthouse in Paradise.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: #eeeeee; font-size: 12pt;">After all our ups and downs, our return to a Torah lifestyle and our aliya to the Holy Land of Israel, I pray that my dear, beloved Pop, may finally be able to settle down right next to the Heavenly Throne and the King of Kings Himself, along with all our righteous ancestors. And may we all merit to greet our departed loved ones once again with the fulfillment of the thirteenth principle of faith, <i>techiyat hameitim</i> (resurrection of the dead) as stated in the Mishnah, Sanhedrin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This post is dedicated </span></i><span class="mark"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">li'iluy</span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span class="mark">nishmat</span> (elevation of the soul) of </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yosef Aron ben Meyer v’Chaya Gittel for his 33<sup>rd</sup> yahrtzeit (anniversary of death) 19<sup>th</sup> of Shevat</span></i></span></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-54635754753561669612012-01-04T17:08:00.016+02:002012-01-05T00:28:18.554+02:00Damage Control<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4loyFZp0nxO891Dmc53fzFN59HGIRqSlBGdRSSjirj_QQfPhTmvaQ6lbE9KQpQmfr9Q12dgZO_TTahlDGsVfIa9HMjdTNpXjrATThZBWnQ4xsF-Z6JPg8NSl36llBNdTo2fjVvt7z-kY/s1600/Tel+Aviv+sun+glistening+on+the+beach+Aug+11++2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4loyFZp0nxO891Dmc53fzFN59HGIRqSlBGdRSSjirj_QQfPhTmvaQ6lbE9KQpQmfr9Q12dgZO_TTahlDGsVfIa9HMjdTNpXjrATThZBWnQ4xsF-Z6JPg8NSl36llBNdTo2fjVvt7z-kY/s200/Tel+Aviv+sun+glistening+on+the+beach+Aug+11++2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tel Aviv - Photo credit: Uri Ovadia</td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realize I am a bit late in writing this. It seems like it should be old news, after all. The truth is, sadly, I fear it is just the beginning. Like a snowball full of dirt and hard stones, this whole episode has become quite an unpleasant and dangerous game. I am referring to the recent occurrences of intolerance and distasteful (to put it mildly) actions within our own people. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The list of intramural hatred in Israel is endless and I know it won't go down well with many when I say that we should all be held accountable. The frightening thought is that if we don't do something to rectify it soon, the consequences may be devastating. G-d promised to protect our land and our people if we obey His laws but did we forget that also includes <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;">“</span><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-style: normal;">Love your neighbor as yourself</span></em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;">.”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>(Leviticus 19:18)</i></span>? With thousands of missiles aimed at our heads, we must ask ourselves the ultimate question; Do we deserve<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>HaShem's</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Divine protection?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Talmud (Tractate Yoma)</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>tells us that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Sinat Chinam,</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>baseless hatred destroyed the Second Temple. According to the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Gemora, Tractate Yevamos (62b)</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>it was also the cause of the loss of Rabbi Akiva's<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>talmidim (</i>students), twenty four THOUSAND, to be exact. Their fatal failure was the lack of respect towards one another. This is no small matter.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2012/01/jaccuse.html">media</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is the worst culprit of all as it feeds the evil inclination's need for gossip and the cultivation of distortion and lies. We are subjected to so much misinformation; truth is ne'er to be found. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The facts are shameful and embarrassing to write. Men who call themselves G-d fearing, who outwardly reflect the look of righteous individuals, physically and emotionally attack young girls and soldiers, all in the name of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Torah</i>. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their actions are counterproductive and reek of hypocrisy with a misplaced belief that what they are doing is <i>'l'shem shamayim'</i> (for the sake of Heaven).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know of any<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jewish Holy writings<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that condone this type of behavior. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a youngster in the formative stage of life, it is not a nurturing message to send. We are not livestock that can be kept in line with the sting of a whip or a cattle prod. Those who have no understanding of the sanctity of religious life will only be pushed farther away. Plus, it creates a whole slew of further sins including</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">loshon hora</i><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(slander), taking revenge and holding a grudge, to name a few. Just yesterday I read about a secular man who spit on an ultra-orthodox girl. Other accounts say he allegedly kicked her. Tit for tat? What is going on here? I think it's time to tell people to grow up! This is not child's play.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It hurts. It really hurts to see the dissension and the name-calling. I can only imagine how our Father in Heaven feels watching His beloved children at each other's throats like vultures over their prey. Do we really want to end up as the satan's lunch?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is even more painful is when I hear about our brothers and sisters being brutally dragged out of their homes by our own 'protective' armed forces, our own sons. What happened to the pride of developing our land, when being a settler was something we longed for, not something to detest? It is bad enough that it is against G-d's Will to remove anyone from their dwellings in this Land, but to do so in the middle of the night without warning and with such venom? It happened in Gush Katif and now it is happening at other outposts. Where is our humanity? Where is our sense of compassion, if nothing else? We treat our enemies with more respect. We have totally lost our perspective. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We each have to take responsibility for the improper actions of the few because we are all one. It is not 'him' or 'her' or 'them', it is US! Since everything that happens is for a reason, we must look within ourselves and find something to change, something to improve. Like a spoken word, the damage caused by hurtful conduct is next to impossible to repair, but we have to try. A smile, a kind comment, a helpful deed - there are so many redeeming ways to erase the darkness.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We must stop this cycle of madness. If our enemies choose to act like barbarians they will simply self-destruct. Do we want to be on that level? They would probably like nothing better than to witness a civil war within Israel. But that is not the endgame of the Jewish People. Our purpose is to be a source of G-dliness, a Light unto the Nations. Through love and unity we can surely accomplish that goal. Once we master that tenuous and challenging task,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>HaShem</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>will gladly be our strength and our shield, as He has been always. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we say in our morning prayers, “Enlighten our eyes in Your Torah, attach our hearts to Your commandments and <b>unify our hearts</b> to love and fear Your Name….may we exult and rejoice in Your salvation”. Please, may it be soon. Amen. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-75190743700628724442011-09-09T12:21:00.000+03:002011-09-09T12:21:54.642+03:00David's Shield - A Call for Unity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Article_texts Article_link" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblArticle" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from Breslev.co.il</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(This article first appeared on Breslev.co.il)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">If you are a Jewish male, you either wear a <i>kippa (yarmulke</i>, skull cap) or you don’t. If you do wear a <i>kippa</i>, it may be crocheted, suede, colorful or just plain black or white. Or maybe you just wear one for that special occasion; your son’s Bar Mitzvah or your nephew’s <i>Brit Mila</i> (circumcision), or possibly not at all. If you’re a married Jewish woman, you either cover your head or you don’t. It may be that you wear a hat, a headscarf, a ‘<i>sheitle</i>’ (wig), or a ‘snood’ but it could be that you only cover your head when going to ‘<i>shul</i>’ (synagogue) or maybe not at all. Your head coverings and clothing styles may classify you by what you have taken upon yourself, and the path you have chosen, but by definition, we are all Jews. Whether Chassidic, Charedi, National Religious or non-observant, we are all one big family. And like any family, it requires a lot of tolerance, understanding and emuna to keep peace in the home. If we want HaShem’s blessings and protection, we must make peace amongst ourselves a top priority.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">The Jewish People is somewhat like mushroom, bean and barley soup. All the ingredients are very unique, special and necessary. Together they incorporate the proper flavor, texture and nutrients, maximizing the end result. Without each and every item, it just wouldn’t be mushroom, bean and barley soup. Similarly, without every element of the Jewish People, we would not be able to complete the task at hand, that of being a “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). Everyone, despite their background or present level, has something invaluable to contribute. It is therefore incumbent upon each of us to look for the good in others and appreciate our differences.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Regardless of one’s religious or political affiliations, there is one sign which is universally accepted as a Jewish symbol ~ the <i>Magen David</i>, Star (or Shield) of David. Jews the world over, wear this emblem on a chain close to their hearts. As well, many Jewish items proudly display this logo of old. On the surface, this symbol is simply a representation of the shield that King David used in battle. But when one delves deeper into its significance, the results are very profound.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">The <i>Magen David</i> is made up of two triangles, one over the other with six points. If one compares these conjoined triangles to the Jewish People, it illustrates how we are melded together as one, yet with each sector maintaining its own ‘point’. Our views and interpretations may extend in different directions, but the center, The Torah, is where we unite. The Star of David is representative of the number seven by counting 6 points plus the center. The number seven is very important in Judaism, one central reason being the commandment to observe the Sabbath (<i>Shabbat)</i>: six days of Creation followed by the seventh day of rest.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">The Magen David is often blue in color, as on the Israeli Flag. While the blue of the flag was chosen by man, blue is essential to the Biblical directive for the <i>tzitzit</i> (fringes) that men wear, one thread of each corner to be dipped into the extraordinary and rare blue<i> techelet</i> dye. “<i>And they shall place upon the tzitzit of each corner a thread of techelet. And you shall look upon it and remember all of the commandments of Hashem and you shall do them," (Bamidbar 15:38, 39). </i>As well, the design of the Israeli flag with two blue stripes on either side of the star was inspired by the “<i>Tallit</i>” (prayer shawl) which Jewish men of all persuasions wear during prayer. And when the time comes, in preparation for burial, this same <i>Tallit</i>, if it fits the specifications, may be used to wrap his purified body.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">G-d Himself has been referred to as David’s Shield as seen <span>from the Blessings of the <i>Haftarah</i> recited on Shabbat and Festivals ‘<i>Blessed are You, HaShem, Shield of David’. </i>When</span> HaShem shielded David in battle and during his flight from Saul, King David was inspired to write these verses of <i>Tehillim</i> (Psalms) <span>‘<i>Thou hast also given me Thy shield of salvation’ (</i><i>18:36) </i>and <i>“He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in Him” (18:31)</i> </span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">It is no coincidence that the connection between our People and David’s Shield, the Star of David, is one of vast proportions. It is through <i>David HaMelech’s</i> progeny that <i>Moshiach</i> will arise and save us. Today, when the need for G-d’s protection and salvation is immeasurable, we must unite together in a mosaic of sweet harmony. As Rebbe Nachman, of blessed memory, said, “Every single Jew has in him a portion of God above” (Likutei Moharan 35:1). If we can just put our differences aside and gather all those sparks of holiness, the results will be astounding!</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">We each believe our way is the right way, which is acceptable as long as our goals are for the sake of Heaven. But if each one of us will commit to reaching out to someone with a differing view, and internalize that we are all brothers and sisters, we will merit altering the universe. In the end, when Moshiach comes to redeem us, he will bring with him all the answers we so desperately crave and we will finally unify in a world of Peace, Truth and HaShem’s Eternal Light. G-d willing, may it be soon in our days, amen!</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-88008455998242477212011-08-07T11:47:00.000+03:002017-08-07T13:12:35.770+03:00A Mouse in the House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There must be some spiritual reason I have yet to understand to explain why the strangest things happen to our family on <i>Shabbat </i>(the Sabbath). One instance I’m referring to is unwelcome intruders from nature. There is no doubt that the fact we live in a ground floor apartment with direct access to grass, trees and bushes facilitates their entry, but why do they always seek our attention on the holiest day of the week? Specifically when we are not allowed to </span><a href="http://www.ou.org/chagim/shabbat/thirtynine.htm"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">capture or kill bugs</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> or any living creature, they honor us with their presence. I can only attribute it to being a test from <i>HaShem </i>(G-d). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The knowledge that everything is for a reason became apparent Friday night two weeks ago when our daughter came home long after I had fallen asleep. Like most mothers who have some kind of built-in antennae when it comes to their children, I awoke when she arrived. Had I not gotten up to check on things soon thereafter, no one would have seen the humongous tarantula racing across the bathroom floor. I reflexively let out a shriek which launched my husband and daughter quickly from their beds. Thank G-d, the striped, furry creature crawled onto our washing machine which was less than a meter from the side door. A few strategic sweeps and several tense moments later, the arachnid was back in his own habitat. Instead of complaining that my sleep had been interrupted, I was able to sincerely thank <i>HaShem</i> for the disturbance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The following week I was looking forward to a rejuvenating, early <i>Shabbat</i> sleep once again, but it was delayed as one of our sons spotted an unusual visitor in the living room. “Mom, there’s a mouse!” was all I needed to hear to get me to spring into action. The tiny grey mammal ran here and there until he scurried down the hall to the boys’ room. Instead of screaming and jumping onto a chair to evade the critter, I tried to get a closer look at him. He was actually quite cute. If rodents didn’t spread disease and leave droppings everywhere, I would have even invited him to stay awhile, but sadly it was the mouse which seemed distressed. He explored every possible exit route and found a dead end at each corner, all the while trying to avoid the ‘giants’ in the room. We wanted him out and he wanted out, but how? Finally, our son brought in a box to use but we were unsuccessful in luring him inside. It wasn’t until he escaped into a small bathroom that we were able to shut the door with the mouse and our son inside. Before long, our son came out proudly holding the box rattling with its live contents. He quickly rushed outside to release the frightened little mouse back into the wild. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since each occurrence in our lives, no matter how seemingly insignificant or minute, has a purpose, I tried to think of what <i>HaShem</i> was trying to teach me with yet another Friday night <i>Shabbat</i> incident. I read that Rav Chaim Kanievsky, may he be blessed, instructed with regards </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">to </span><a href="http://matzav.com/rav-chaim-kanievsky-give-maaser-and-the-mice-will-go"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">getting rid of mice</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, one must be stringent in giving <i>maaser</i> money (tithe – 10% of one’s earnings) to the poor. This was a valuable lesson, but we already got rid of the mouse so it didn’t really apply here. Also, the quandary involved not only a mouse, but all pint-sized creations which enter our home in error. While trying to decipher Divinely sent messages, I try to draw on my intuition but I realize we can never discount anything. Occasionally my perception is crystal clear and at other times, it’s as clear as mud.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this case, several thoughts came to mind, but one which flashed in my head like a neon sign had significance for others as well. Both the tarantula and the mouse could slip through any teeny opening but the message they brought was larger than life. When they first crossed the threshold between their world and ours, they were filled with fear. Both were out of their element despite the fact that they could have certainly built their homes within ours. Had we left them alone, they may have easily created a comfortable living area, setting up an unobtrusive corner somewhere and live it up so to speak. Over time, there would have been families of both species creating generations of mice and tarantulas under our roof. Soon they would lose sight of where they came from and how they got there. Both should have been burrowing down in their natural dwelling places out in the field but somehow lost their way. For reasons known to G-d alone, they were sent into ‘exile’, to foreign territory just like all of our people who are scattered to the ‘four corners’ of the earth. <i>Baruch HaShem, </i>(thank G-d) humans are on a higher level than the rodents and spiders. Man does not act on instinct alone but through freedom of choice. Man can choose to make his home anywhere he desires, so doesn’t it make sense to live amongst his own people, in the land G-d gave to us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, it is a difficult decision to leave the comfortable corner we have set up for ourselves in someone else’s house, but it CAN be done. To quote from Sichot HaRan #11 (Rabbi Nachman’s Wisdom) “The Rebbe said he had great joy of being worthy to have been in the Land of Israel. He endured many obstacles, doubts, delays and disturbances in order to make his journey to the Land of Israel. Money was also an obstacle. But he overcame everything and finished the job completely—he made it to the Land of Israel! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He said, “I believe—and I know a lot about this subject—.every motion, every thought, everything that one does attempting to do something holy is not wasted. When one breaks through all the obstacles and achieves his holy goal, his every move and all the uncertainties and confusion that he faced when he was still in the throes of doubt and bewilderment—‘Can I do this or not?’—with hurdles facing him at every turn; when one finally overcomes them, those very obstacles, doubts, etc., every last one of them, are all made into exalted and sacred things, marked for good.” (from </span><a href="http://breslov.org/question-answer/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask A Breslover</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, by Ozer Bergman<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first week after we made <i>aliya</i> to Israel, our daughter got terribly sick with what turned out to be a common case of strep throat. A friend told me that everything in the Land is bigger and much more intense; the illnesses, the bugs, the plants, the weather but also the <i>Kedusha</i> (holiness). I found that to be true as I have witnessed extremes in all areas of life since coming ‘Home’. I have never seen such weird and gigantic insects nor as beautiful and unique birds as I have here. I can also report that nowhere in the world are the miracles as huge, frequent and obvious…. at least to anyone who chooses to see them. One phenomenon that is actually reduced in Israel is fear. With a strengthening of our <i>emuna</i> and a complete reliance on <i>HaShem</i>, Israel becomes the safest place in the world. As Rabbi Lazer Brody says “When you fear One, you fear no one”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">So don’t be stuck like a mouse in the house. Just as mice and tarantulas don’t belong in our homes, the Jewish people don’t belong in any other land but <i>Eretz Yisrael</i>, the Land of Israel. There’s no time like the present to cross back over the threshold. Your family is waiting to welcome you home! </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: x-small;">(first published on <u>Breslev.co.il)</u></span></span></div>
ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-62039652885724237392011-05-22T01:06:00.003+03:002016-08-07T17:02:59.492+03:00Dodging Disaster<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="hps"><b><span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="goog_1380891201"></span><span id="goog_1380891202"></span>הודו ליהוה כי טוב, כי לעולם חסדו</span></b></span> </o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="hps"><b><span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Give thanks to HaShem for He is good, for His kindness endures forever!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="hps"><span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oftentimes we are presented with terrible difficulties in life while occasionally we receive <i>HaShem’s</i> abundant mercies. When the latter occurs, especially in a miraculous manner, it can be overwhelming as one tries to comprehend the enormity of the gift. Saying that one would be thankful is an understatement as there are no words to adequately express the profound appreciation one feels. Our Rabbis teach the importance of publicizing a miracle as we see particularly from Chanukah when we are commanded to place our Chanukah Menorah in public view. Purim is another example of a spectacular event we expose openly. In light of this, I would like to relate one such personal occurrence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN">Our </span>son, Uri, and his friend, Noam, went <span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN">on</span><span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN"> </span>a post-army trip to work in Australia for a few months with a bit of touring planned for the route home ~ New Zealand, Hong Kong and Thailand. After being in Australia for 3 months, Noam left for New Zealand while Uri and a new friend, Itzik, planned to meet Noam there a few weeks later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;">It was Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011, <span dir="RTL" lang="HE">יח` אדר א</span></span><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: white;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</span><span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></span></span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN-CARRIBEAN" style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: #444444; color: #f3f3f3;">I don’t usually sleep late in the morning, but this particular day I wasn’t yet awake at 8 something when our oldest daughter called. I was able to say <i>Modeh Ani</i> while my husband brought me the phone which quickly jolted me out of my drowsiness. If the phone could vibrate emotions, it would be shaking with distress. The urgency in my daughter’s voice was palpable as she began speaking. She had just been in touch with Uri who was heading to New Zealand during the night, our time. After this short disclaimer, she asked if I had heard the news. There had been a major earthquake in New Zealand but <i>Baruch HaShem</i>, Uri was fine. As with every grave incident which is too close for comfort, I thought to myself, what were the chances of them being exactly where the earthquake struck anyway, so why all the anxiety? Little did I know that our daughter had also spoken to Uri the previous day during which he informed her of his plans; Uri and Itzik were to meet Noam in Chrixxchurch, the precise location of massive destruction. The death toll was already at 65 with more expected. (Sadly, the final tally of confirmed dead eventually rose to 182).</span></span> </span></span><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">All</span> </span>morning we were anxiously waiting to hear about Noam, praying for his safety, since he hadn’t contacted his family yet, probably due to problems with communications in general. B”H he contacted them a couple of hours later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The boys were all safe and sound, thank G-d, so we could breathe a sigh of relief. Why then did I spend the whole morning crying? I was not sobbing from sorrow, though my heart went out to the victims and their families. On the contrary; my emotions were enormously intense as I was engulfed with a deep sense of gratitude, the depth of which I had never experienced before. On the surface it appeared to be a personally uneventful day, give or take a couple hours of uneasiness. The facts tell a different story however, via a succession of events which could only have been orchestrated by G-d Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Uri and Itzik were scheduled to fly to New Zealand but their flight was significantly delayed for unknown reasons. They were finally aboard the plane headed for New Zealand, due to land shortly, when the earthquake occurred resulting in the airport closure. Despite the proximity to their destination, the plane was forced to turn around mid-air. They refueled in Tasmania and flew back to Australia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Noam’s sister-in-law called to tell us the good news that Noam was finally in touch with his family, the story he related to her brought me to tears. Noam, Uri and Itzik were supposed to meet in a specific building in the city center of Chrixxchurch. Noam was on a bus going to the meet them but the bus passed the building so Noam asked the bus driver to please let him out. The driver refused to stop because it wasn’t his designated stop. When Noam kept asking, the driver sympathized with Noam’s plight and went as far as to call his supervisor to ask if he could make an exception for this young tourist. He was told no. Noam finally got off the bus far from the city center when the earth suddenly shook. Traumatized from the quake, Noam began making his way back to the center of town when he saw a news report showing the exact building where the three were supposed to meet - totally collapsed! Horrified, not knowing the flight had been delayed, thinking his friends were already there, he was screaming that he had to get through to find them, but the authorities wouldn't let him pass. Needless to say, he was in a state of shock. He didn’t find out Uri and Itzik were ok until he spoke to his Mom. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Had they met as planned, they probably would have all been in that building when it went down. Thank G-d for His Great Mercy, Who spared them through so many miracles. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I pondered the significance of all that transpired, it also occurred to me that if <i>HaShem</i> can do anything, and in His infinite compassion He chose to save our boys from this calamity, He could have simply prevented the building from falling on them, saving them from injury even in the midst of all the destruction. Instead of several individual miracles, one collective miracle would have done the same job, so why all the extra ‘work’? It didn’t take much deliberation to conclude that like anything else G-d does for our benefit, it is not merely the end result which is His gift to us, but also the hidden messages within it. Yes, their survival was the ultimate reward, but <i>HaShem</i> was personally guiding the boys with His staff of life. These exclusive miracles were uniquely designed for each of the boys to grab hold of and to learn from, tailor made to lead them on their own path. With the snowball effect kicking in, it was also a lesson for each one of us who loves and cares about them, bringing us to introspection of our own. The whole episode strengthened my emuna and reconfirmed my confidence in <i>HaShem’s</i> active presence in our lives. To know that G-d is constantly with us can be difficult to internalize, but when one has the privilege of seeing His unbelievable wonders, it adds more credence to our beliefs. Recognizing that He was protecting my beloved son so many miles away, I was able to relax in the comfort of His loving arms, the serenity of which was consoling beyond compare. As the words of thanks poured from my lips to my Heavenly Father, I also understood that this miracle must be shared with others for encouragement and inspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following day, Uri and Itzik boarded the first available flight to New Zealand to meet their friend, Noam. Since there were no youth hostels or hotels open in Chrixxchurch after the quake and the Chabad House was severely damaged, they decided to head south to do some sightseeing. I had originally been against Uri’s trip but when I saw the beautiful pictures he took, I realized that not everything is black and white. While in essence, a carefree, aimless vacation appears to be a waste of precious time, it allowed him to witness many of G-d’s creations first hand. Observing the beauty of such magnificent landscape and wildlife was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I was genuinely happy that he had the opportunity to partake of it (all within the boundaries of <i>Halacha [Jewish Law]</i>, of course). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo Credit - col@col.org.il</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Noam had previously been in touch with the Chabad Rabbi, so they contacted him when they returned to Chrixxchurch a week later. The Rabbi wanted to go into the city center to collect some <i>seforim </i>(holy books) and the <i>Sefer Torahs</i> (Torah Scrolls) which were buried in the ruins, so Noam volunteered to go with him. Once again, they weren’t allowed to enter the area but were finally given permission with a police escort. Although Noam was ready and willing to go in alone to retrieve the holy items, considering the danger involved, he was forbidden. With a little coaxing, the police agreed to do it themselves. <i>Baruch HaShem</i>, two Torahs were brought out from the darkness of destruction. This was a bittersweet celebration as it soon became apparent that three young Israeli backpackers lost their lives in the earthquake (<i>Baruch Dayan HaEmet</i> – G-d is the True Judge).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is astounding to replay the succession of happenings which shadowed Uri’s trail. Whither he went, devastation followed as he seemed to dodge one disaster after another:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">January – While in Australia, the country was faced with unprecedented storms and flooding. People lost their homes and some lost their lives. Uri was in Melbourne most of the time, while the flooding occurred mainly on the other coast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">February – The New Zealand earthquake as stated above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">March 6<sup>th</sup> – Still in New Zealand they were in a town called Kaikoura. By 4 p.m. they left to head inland to Queenstown. At 4:43 p.m. a quake hit the area 20-kilometres east of Kaikoura. There were no reports of damage, but rocks fell onto State Highway One about 17 km north of Kaikoura.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">March 11<sup>th</sup>, a huge 9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan with a powerful tsunami resulting in thousands of deaths and bringing the nuclear power plants to the brink of total meltdown. Thank G-d he had no plans to visit Japan.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thursday, March 24<sup>th</sup> - Uri was in the air on his way from Hong Kong to Bangkok, Thailand when an earthquake shook Myanmar (Burma), just north of Thailand and was felt in Bangkok as well. T<span class="apple-style-span">he death toll rose to 74 people with at least 111 injured.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span">Sunday, March 27<sup>th</sup> – After spending <i>Shabbat</i> at a Chabad House in Bangkok, Uri and some new Israeli friends </span>took a bus to Phuket in the south of Thailand. When they arrived, they were unable to enjoy any sightseeing as a bad rainstorm had erupted. At a time of year when extreme heat was the rule, unheard of cold temperatures permeated the area. This added salt to the wounds of the terrible flooding and mudslides which claimed the lives of at least 53 people and stranded thousands of tourists in southern Thailand. <span style="color: #eeeeee;">Trains to the region were cancelled and three airports shut down. The Thai navy evacuated about 1,200 people from Koh Samui and Koh Tao, a remote island popular with backpackers. In the center of all this torrential weather and resulting damage, in the idyllic town of Phuket, Uri, his friends and Beit Chabad remained unscathed, B”H, under <i>HaShem’s</i> Protective Wing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday, April 3<sup>rd</sup> - The day Uri left Phuket for Bangkok, another earthquake hit the region, this time south of Thailand in Indonesia near Chrixxmas Island with a tsunami warning issued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">These miracles cannot just be swept under the rug as natural phenomena. As stated before, we each have an obligation to find the sublime meaning in all incidents affecting our lives. The righteous Baal Shem Tov zt’l once said, </span><span style="color: #333333;">“</span><span class="apple-style-span">Every single thing that a person sees or hears is an instruction to him in his conduct in the service of</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="glossaryitem">G-d”. Beyond that, </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">one can also see a definite trend in the movement of the world as a whole and the messages <i>HaShem </i>is trying to transmit to humanity… if we will only open our eyes and ears. We each have our role to play in the grand scheme of things. I can only pass on what I believe to be inspiring; what you do with that knowledge is up to you. What I do know is that the Master of the Universe does nothing without a reason and without His protection we are but dust beneath the rubble. </span><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="glossaryitem">Deuteronomy</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">11:26 states “See, I give you today a blessing and a curse". Life’s journey is a constant battle between good and evil, between our <i>yetzer tov</i> and our <i>yetzer hara</i>. If we use our experiences and awareness wisely to fulfill G-d’s Will, through complete and sincere emuna, we will have the power to turn all the bad of the world into a state of Divine perfection. When this challenge is finally met, our genuine, earnest thoughts and actions will enable Moshiach to finally proclaim his long-awaited arrival.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May we all merit to behold a world overflowing with continuous Wonders and Miracles, soon in the coming days, Amen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(this article first appeared on Breslev.co.il)</i></span></span></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-52408438063598823992011-03-24T14:38:00.019+02:002016-08-07T17:04:39.147+03:00Think Again!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Our enemy has done it again. They are trying to achieve their goals by using insane, inhuman, reprehensible and cowardly acts. The so-called relative calm has once again been shattered with yesterdays bombing in our Holy City of Jerusalem. One beloved soul has been returned to her Maker and many others are injured, some seriously. The truth is, there was never any quiet in the first place since terror has been constant within our Land for years. Countless attempts at violence occur on a daily basis but rarely make the news thanks to our amazing security (with G-d’s Help, of course) by foiling any attempts before they actually do damage. This may have been the first explosion in the heart of our Capital in several years, but we are not strangers to these nightmare occurrences. We are barely recovering from the shock and outrage over the </span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;">horrific murders of five members of the righteous Fogel family, leaving three precious orphans to fend for themselves. To call these executioners animals is far too kind as there are no words in the English language to adequately describe such monsters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;">As difficult as it is to say, despite all the pain, we can find some good in these events. Just knowing that HaShem is running the show and it is all for a purpose can give us resolve to push on and continue to live our lives without fear. The best part is knowing that our enemy is losing their battle. They think that by maiming us and planting panic into our hearts we will give up one of HaShem's sacred gifts that is so dear to us, our treasured Homeland. They think that by murdering us and causing our souls to ache with grief, we will be forced out of the Land that we are destined to settle. Well, they can think again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb6wG0I2zPstCupDswrr6aAmK932B7G0lWRpoUH0uvmBQx_MPMI7MCFyKEyGS37QPkzVo-Y3EJ1cNnAnjKBXv3u6RK7sZ3eQXFcW3QlcnAfCJ9zFWMhfvOBLm9cDdDp_6_GmugrKRBQE/s1600/red+flower+-+kalaniot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb6wG0I2zPstCupDswrr6aAmK932B7G0lWRpoUH0uvmBQx_MPMI7MCFyKEyGS37QPkzVo-Y3EJ1cNnAnjKBXv3u6RK7sZ3eQXFcW3QlcnAfCJ9zFWMhfvOBLm9cDdDp_6_GmugrKRBQE/s200/red+flower+-+kalaniot3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel, is our G-d-given Land, our Birthright and our life. Our bitter cousins, the offspring of Yishmael, are willing and even anxious to go down fighting in order to take it away from us, gladly destroying us in the process. While they eagerly sacrifice their own lives to satiate their need for revenge and bloodshed, we do anything in our power to preserve the sanctity of human life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Their seriously misguided tactics are like a sharp, metal boomerang ready to rebound and cut off their own heads. The more they push us, the stronger we become. They more they relentlessly strive to divide us, the more united we grow. Where we once bickered over trivial differences, we now devotedly care for one another with a re-born intensity. Sadly, it takes a crisis to bring us together. G-d willing, we will build, we will prosper and we will firmly defend our right to our Home. And most importantly, we will attain this objective as one loving family, united under G-d. Perhaps that is all HaShem really wants! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Be strong and courageous;</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> <b>for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I swore unto their fathers to give them.</b>(6)</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Be strong and courageous; be not frightened, neither be thou dismayed: for the L-RD thy G-d is with thee wherever thou goest.'</b>(9)</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b> </b>(Joshua 1:6 and 1:9)</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>(This blog post is dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their lives just for being Jews living in the Land of Israel)</i></span></div>
ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-40440931710764920242011-03-20T12:51:00.000+02:002011-03-20T12:51:03.884+02:00Strongest Thing in the World<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TLoc6Eu903M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-4181775220981898252011-03-03T09:06:00.000+02:002011-03-03T09:06:33.526+02:00It's all for the bestWords of wisdom. Read what Rabbi Lazer Brody <i>shlit'a</i> has to say about the situation today and what we can do about it:<br />
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<h2 class="date-header" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #181818; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: static; text-align: left;">Thursday, 03 March 2011</h2><div class="entry-category-encouragement entry-category-faith_and_spirituality entry-category-geula_and_redemption entry-category-hashkafa_jewish_outlook entry-author-lazerbeams entry-type-post entry" id="entry-6016391" style="clear: both; color: #262626; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: static; width: 420px;"><h3 class="entry-header" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1px; text-align: left;">It's All for the Best</h3><div class="entry-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; position: static;"><div class="entry-body" style="clear: both;"><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;">Political activism is worthless; it won't do a thing to save Judea, Samaria, or Jerusalem. Politicians can't stop Iran's nuclear ambitions or the Islamic Jihadi objectives. Torah, teshuva, and prayer can. If you don't believe in prayer, says my beloved teacher and spiritual guide Rav Shalom Arush, you don't believe in Hashem.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;">Let's not wait for more tribulations to bring us together in a new unity, rallying around emuna. The growing emuna alliance will flourish, G-d willing, and lead the way to the final redemption of our people, our homeland, and global peace. But, let's do it on our own initiative, without Hashem having to prod us like stubborn cows that won't move.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;">We don't yet have the entire picture. As humans, with flesh-and-blood eyes and brains, we don't understand everything that Hashem is doing right now in the Arab world and everywhere else around the globe. But we do know that he's doing everything for the very best.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;">Rav Elchonon Wasserman of saintly and martyred memory told the following parable:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>Once a man who knew nothing at all about agriculture came to a farmer and asked to be taught about farming. The farmer took him to his field and asked him what he saw. “I see a beautiful piece of land, lush with grass, and pleasing to the eye.” Then the visitor stood aghast while the farmer plowed under the grass and turned the beautiful green field into a mass of shallow brown ditches.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“Why did you ruin the field!” he demanded.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“Be patient. You will see,” said the farmer.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>The farmer then showed his guest a sackful of plump kernels of wheat and said, “Tell me what you see.” The visitor described the nutritious, inviting grain, and then, once more watched in shock as the farmer ruined something beautiful. This time, he walked up and down the furrows and dropped kernels into the open ground wherever he went. Then he covered the kernels with clods of soil.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“Are you insane?” the man demanded. “First you destroyed the field and then you ruined the grain!”</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“Be patient. You will see.”</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>Time went by, and once more the farmer took his guest out to the field. Now they saw endless, straight rows of green stalks sprouting up from all the furrows. The visitor smiled broadly.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“I apologize. Now I understand what you were doing. You made the field more beautiful than ever. The art of farming is truly marvelous.”</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“No,” said the farmer. “We are not done. You must still be patient.”</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>More time went by and the stalks were fully grown. The farmer came with a sickle and chopped them all down as his visitor watched open-mouthed, seeing how the orderly field became an ugly scene of destruction. The farmer bound the fallen stalks into bundles and decorated the field with them. Later, he took the bundles to another area where he beat and crushed them until they became a mass of</em><em>straw and loose kernels. Then he separated the kernels from the chaff and piled them up in a huge hill. Always he told his protesting visitor, “We are not done, you must be more patient.”</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>The farmer came with his wagon and piled it high with grain, which he took to a mill. There, the beautiful grain was ground into formless, choking dust. The visitor complained again. “You have taken grain and transformed it into dirt!” Again, he was told to be patient.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>The farmer put the dust into sacks and took it back home. He took some dust and mixed it with water while his guest marveled at the foolishness of making “whitish mud.” Then the farmer fashioned the “mud” into the shape of a loaf. The visitor saw the perfectly formed loaf and smiled broadly, but his happiness did not last. The farmer kindled a fire in an oven and put the loaf into it.</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>“Now I know you are insane. After all that work, you burn what you have made.”</em></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: justify;"><em>The farmer looked at him and laughed. “Have I not told you to be patient?” </em><span><em>Finally, the farmer opened the oven and took out a freshly baked bread, crisp and brown, with an aroma that made the visitor’s mouth water. </em></span><span><em>“Come,” the farmer said. He led his guest to the kitchen table where he cut the bread and offered his now-pleased visitor a liberally buttered slice. </em></span><span><em>“Now,” the farmer said, “now you understand.”</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span><em>***********</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span>Hashem is the Farmer and we are the uncomprehending visitors who do not begin to understand His ways or the outcome of His plan. Only when the process is complete and Redemption is a reality will the Jewish people know why all that transpired during this long and bitter exile had to happen. Until then, we must be patient and have faith that everything, even the destructive and painful, is a part of a Divine process that will produce ultimate goodness and beauty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div></div></div>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-69333840497875196632011-01-31T21:28:00.004+02:002016-08-07T17:06:07.117+03:00The Message in the Rain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I know I’m a bit of a fanatic but I decided to go out for my daily walk today, despite the pouring rain. I really love the rain (which we desperately need) and I needed the walk, so what could be better? It’s only water, after all. Yesterday I was caught in a downpour and came home drenched, but I had a great time in the process. Unusual things make me happy these days…. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I ventured out with my boots, coat, scarf and an umbrella in hand. As I started walking, the rain intensified and began coming down in torrents. Rather than return to the comfort of home, I kept plowing along, enjoying every second of it. I actually tried to begin some <i>hitbodedut</i> (personal prayer) but I couldn’t get past an idea which was taking form in my mind. The intense rain and the current news were so conjoined it was flashing before me like a beacon of light. To sum up the events of the past few days in a few sentences is not simple, but I will give my take on it in condensed form. Basically, Islamic radical groups, being egged on by Iran, have been stirring up trouble in all the Arab countries surrounding Israel. First, Lebanon was taken over by Hezbollah and now Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is being pushed from power by mobs of wild protesters, anxious to overthrow his government. As of today, he is still holding his own, but it’s only a matter of time. The same chaos it threatening Jordan, but so far it is just a taunt. From what I have read, there is a possibility that even Syria may be provoked by the same hooligans, controlled like puppets by Iran’s Ahmadinejad. Twitter, Facebook and Al Jazeera win prizes for spreading the word in record time to the maximum number of followers, all haters of Israel who pray for our destruction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And then there is the rain; beautiful, torrential and miraculous rain. It is said that rain is a blessing from <i>HaShem</i>. He will only provide rains for our land</span><strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><i><span style="color: #eeeeee;">“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give your rains in their season, and the land shall yield her produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. I will give peace in the land (Leviticus 26: 3-6)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">I know that a good majority of our People do not abide by what is written above, observing the commandments as we are required to do, but I also know that we do not understand the ways of <i>HaShem</i>, nor the balance of Justice in the Heavenly Courts. These rains that are saturating our parched land are a sure sign that G-d loves us. I believe that He is sending us this blessing as a message to those that can ‘see’ it. He is telling us not to worry. Our Father in Heaven will take care of us and provide for us, despite what is happening on all sides of our borders. No man, no nation nor any missile can hurt us as long as we trust in HaShem for He is our true Protector. The sooner everyone wakes up and sees this truth the better, for it’s only a matter of time..... </span></strong><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-81274354627075910182011-01-05T22:56:00.005+02:002011-01-06T09:32:22.958+02:00High School Poems<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is something a little different. I am going to write down some of my poems from high school. I have them on fading paper so this is a good way to save them (unless cyberspace crashes one day). Anyway, I am posting some of them, but please note that I was not as depressed as I sound in some of these poems. And especially now after so many years, thank G-d for emuna, Torah and HaShem! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">These poems no longer represent who I am.</span> Here we go:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sleep</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Relaxation,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> rest,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> thoughts swirling around.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A jumble of memories,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> the future,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> and now.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Tossing,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> turning,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> again and again,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sorting the "Where"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> the "Who" and</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> and the "When"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Darkness,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> stillness,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> muscles relax.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mind keeps on working,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> assembling</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> the facts.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Exhaustion,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> fatigue,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> drowsiness comes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Gliding, the mind slides,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> murmurs,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> hums.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Muscles,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> tendons,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> physically weak,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Brain always working,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> now records:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> "Sleep"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Depths of Darkness</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The sky is dark,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The moon is grey,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But through the mist</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I see the way.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A star beyond</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Is coming near,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It shines quite bright </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To stop all fear.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Now I can't see </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The dark of night,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For I'm blinded by</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The warming light.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who is to Blame?</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Once I had a little doll,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What was her name?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Amy? No. Sue? No.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Oh, what does it matter.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I was given her to look after.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She had no mind; </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I gave her mine.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She had no feelings or expressions;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mine were hers.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She was bad,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> I spanked her.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She was good,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> I was happy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I fed her,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But she never ate...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She grew up anyways,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Or at least </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> I did!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Now she knew right from wrong.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She always listened.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She was an obedient child,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Always listened.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Finally, I set her up on her shelf to live</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">for herself.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I checked in on her,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Never changing her habits.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then<b> I </b>changed.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I became more mature,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My wisdom grew with experience.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then I noticed when I checked again -</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She had not changed,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But she was</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> doing</div><div> wrong!</div><div>I had taught her.</div><div>She listened well.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Elastic</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>An elastic,</div><div>So flexible yet so brittle.</div><div>My mind,</div><div>Same as this rubbery band.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So many forces,</div><div> Stretching,</div><div> Pulling,</div><div> Exerting all their energy</div><div>Upon this mangled, jumble of life.</div><div>Opposing strengths</div><div> Tugging</div><div> Hopelessly</div><div> In all directions,</div><div>Desperate to put the protrusion on their side.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But force is inhuman,</div><div> How could it know,</div><div> Or be expected to see</div><div>That it surrounds </div><div> and strangles</div><div> its purpose?</div><div>How could it know....</div><div> Elastics break!</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tile</span></div><div> <i> </i></div><div><i>Ok, this next one was a project for school. We had to sit at our desks and look at something and write a poem about it. This is what I came up with:</i></div><div><br />
</div><div>A tile on the floor,</div><div>Lonely and alone,</div><div>Within, lie numerous,</div><div> multicolored,</div><div> multi-shapes.</div><div>All but one.... a three dimensional metal piece</div><div>of something!</div><div>A piece of what?</div><div> Me!</div><div> A representative of me;</div><div>Alone yet surrounded by everyone!</div><div> Not me you say?</div><div> You say there's a compatible shape beside</div><div> piece of something? </div><div> The piece of me?</div><div>Oh I see it!</div><div>It's right there next to me - I mean next to the piece of something.</div><div> Then when I reach out....</div><div> Why is it gone?</div><div>It was never really there.</div><div>Was it?</div><div><br />
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</div><div>There are more, but these are enough. I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. We all change... G-d willing for the better. Baruch HaShem!</div>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-78174525050526050692010-11-28T15:48:00.010+02:002016-08-07T17:07:38.260+03:00Giving it Over to Him<div style="text-align: right;">
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It isn't always easy trying to do something which is out of the ordinary. As the modern expression goes, I am acting 'out of the box' and am praying that I will gain strength and flourish along with it. After so many changes and periods of growth, this is yet another extreme test of my <i>emuna</i>. The difference is, this one was self-imposed. I trust in <i>HaShem</i> and I have no doubt that He exists and is ever-present in my life. I also believe with all my heart and soul in the teachings of Rebbe Nachman, of blessed memory, and all the beautiful lessons of life that have sprouted forth from him through Rav Shalom Arush, Shlita and Rabbi Lazer Brody, Shlita, may they be blessed always. Therefore, I am taking their advice (as I interpreted it) with regards to our <i>parnassa</i>, income. Rabbi Brody explains that our income is designated for us at Rosh Hashanah and whether we work 50 hours a week or 10 hours is irrelevant as <i>parnassa</i> is in the Hands of <i>HaShem</i>. As long as one’s time is spent in spiritual pursuits either by learning or practicing the laws of Torah, then the expression “G-d will provide” is a reality.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">They also teach that it is the husband’s responsibility to support his family and while I have tried to contribute my fair share, it has been very difficult for me as a working mother and wife. It’s all very nice to try to be superwoman, to work outside the home, look after the family’s needs and still have a grain of time left for myself. In reality though, it is impossible and something has to give. In my case, it is usually the home which suffers. Before we made <i>aliya </i>and when our older children were small, I made it my occupation to be a mother and would never think of going out to work. If the house was a mess, it was only because my energies were spent looking after my family and the physical home was secondary in importance. Now that our kids are no longer children, it’s a whole different story, complete with a new set of expectations and requirements.</span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">I tried to internalize my role as a wife and mother (as stated in <a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/storesearchresults.aspx?type=0&text=women%27s+wisdom&lid=1&minprice=0&maxprice=0&popular=0&new=0&pageid=1&language=english">Women’s Wisdom</a> and elsewhere) and came to the conclusion that I must spend more time doing what I am meant to do in my life and fulfill my true purpose in the world. I found that I was unable to do that in my present job. The organization in which I was employed was beneficial for the time being and fulfilled its purpose, but then things changed. About a year ago they reorganized the job descriptions and moved everyone around. There were so many internal changes and politics, I found it was no longer conducive to my personal or spiritual growth. On the contrary, it became a enormous effort to refrain from participating in loshon hara. Before the summer, I had a talk with my boss who felt there wasn’t much work for me unless I was willing to do work which was not my ‘cup of tea’. The choice was either doing work I didn’t enjoy or be laid off. So I conceded and pushed off the inevitable until after the Chaggim, Rosh Hashanah through Sukkot. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">At the same time, I began to have an urge to stay home more to be able to cook properly for Shabbat, invite more guests, bake challah and keep the house in order. As it was, I had no energy left by the end of the week. I wanted to leave my job but I felt if <i>HaShem</i> gave me this opportunity, who am I to quit and pass up much needed income? I also preferred to be fired than to quit so I could receive severance pay plus unemployment benefits which I have been paying into. I was going to ask my Rav what to do, but decided to go straight to my Boss for his opinion; That is <i>HaShem</i>. I told Him how I felt and explained that I was thankful for the job and did not want to sound unappreciative, G-d forbid, but I really want to be a full-time homemaker once again, and have more time for my writing and spreading His Light. I was giving the decision over to Him and asked that He should guide me in the right path. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">The next day my boss (employer) called me into her office. I knew things were very slow and wasn’t surprised when she said she was giving me 30 days notice. She felt very bad as she did not want to let me go but she had no choice. I told her it was fine but it was more than fine. I was overjoyed. I don’t think she understood how I had a smile on my face as she was firing me, but I couldn’t help myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">As usual, that wasn’t the end, as the <i>yetzer hara</i> (evil inclination) had to stick his head into the equation. The following day, after rethinking the situation, my boss called me into her office again. She told me that they really didn’t want me to leave and she offered me a different position in the organization. I considered it for about 10 seconds but then politely refused. That was 30 days ago. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">A bit of background on the beginnings of this job is also amazing and a clear-cut acknowledgment of G-d’s intervention. When I began working for this wonderful organization almost two years ago, my husband and I were just in the early stages of learning with Breslev and trying to get our marriage back on track. I wanted my husband to attend Rav Arush’s Yeshiva, but it was far and complicated to reach from where we live so he only went once. It was no coincidence that my place of employment was just around the corner from the <a href="http://www.breslev.co.il/html/%E2%80%9Cchut_shel_chessed%E2%80%9D_institutions.aspx?id=61&language=english">Chut Shel Chesed Yeshiva</a> so I made it my mission to convince him to join me each morning on the journey to work. It became a daily routine which gave us some quality time together and he is now committed to attending Gemara classes every day regardless of whether I accompany him or not. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: inherit;">So here I am feeling like I have repossessed my life. I am free to fulfill my true goals as I see them and with<i> HaShem’s</i> help, I pray that we will never want for anything despite my unemployment. May it be His Will that we merit to receive all we need to live our lives in abundance according to his Divine Plan. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-88652908276302818662010-11-10T22:09:00.009+02:002010-11-11T23:27:09.538+02:00On the Bus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know my blogging is very sporadic with blog posts few and far between, but G-d willing, that should be changing soon. As soon as I can, I will try to write a blog about what is going on in my life (some changes), but for now I just want to share a nice, little incident that happened on the bus today. If it wasn't so over-used, I would call this blog post "Only in Israel" since it surely wouldn't take place anywhere else in the world.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was on my way home from work, and I was sitting directly behind the seats with four grouped together; two seats opposite each other. An older man whose back was facing me was a very friendly man, talking to everyone who came and sat down in his section. He even gave a pen to a little boy sitting across the aisle with his <i>Abba</i> (Daddy), instructing him to use it for his <i>limudai kodesh</i> (religious studies) homework. When a young man in an army uniform came on the bus, there was an empty seat next to him, so the older man stopped him in the aisle and asked him to sit there. It seemed like he knew him already, but it's not certain as he treated everyone as a good friend. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy8akn2qyvMGAY32pglqsC51en00-_Eklf3_4NT7_PJUK2AEADgFetL5P-7mUdl8hj06xJTfj3EU7esud6V5r2TD6BjYPIsFM-sbwyylxPzth9iiLpC-A9mO_HW_4pcuk2aNuLZBiFCA/s1600/hadass+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy8akn2qyvMGAY32pglqsC51en00-_Eklf3_4NT7_PJUK2AEADgFetL5P-7mUdl8hj06xJTfj3EU7esud6V5r2TD6BjYPIsFM-sbwyylxPzth9iiLpC-A9mO_HW_4pcuk2aNuLZBiFCA/s200/hadass+003.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This sociable older man proceeded to take a bouquet of greenery out of his bag and gave a twig to each of the men sitting in his quartet. All of them were smiling and talking and smelling the little sprigs. I tried not to listen or watch too closely as my manners taught me, but I couldn't help feel the sense of camaraderie among these strangers on the bus. There was no way he could have seen me admiring this whole event, but he suddenly handed me a twig of my own without even turning around. I was barely able to say "thank you", when he was giving another to the girl beside me. Upon closer inspection, it was apparent that it was a small branch of <i>Hadass </i>(Myrtle), one of the four species we use on <i>Sukkot </i>as part of the <i>Lulav. </i>I said a <i>bracha</i> (blessing) and deeply inhaled the beautiful and natural fragrance.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After awhile, two of the passengers departed and left the two seats facing my direction unoccupied. Before long, a couple of high school boys got on the bus and as they began to pass by, our friendly 'Goodwill Ambassador' caught their attention and asked them to take the two seats across from him. Glad to have somewhere to sit, they happily took their places as directed. After a bit of chit chat, the nice older man handed them each their own piece of <i>Hadass. </i>They looked at their gift curiously and accepted it with a smile. Knowing that the boys were secular, the older man and the religious soldier were anxious to help them out with a <i>kippa </i>and a prayer. The soldier lent them his own <i>kippa </i>as they took turns being guided word by word in reciting the blessing over the greenery. It has been some time since I have seen such a beautiful sight. Here were so many worlds connecting - an older religious, Sephardic man, a young observant soldier and two secular young men, all joined in a <i>mitzvah, </i>on a bus no less. What an irony that the center of this unity was the Myrtle Branch, the same plant used in the <i>Lulav</i> which itself represents a coming together of our People. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually they each went their own way and I was left with a feeling of contentment and joy. I only wish I had asked the older man his name. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was <i>Moshiach</i>!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">May each one of us strive to accomplish in our lifetimes what that man did in a short bus trip home. May we soon merit to witness the true <i>Moshiach</i>, in our days, Amen.</span></div>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-46874001442443340232010-09-26T15:58:00.080+02:002010-09-28T14:44:37.928+02:00Seedlings of Sukkot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkot</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Despite all the work it entails, it is a Holiday I look forward to each year. A </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is literally a booth, a temporary structure we build adjacent to our home for the week-long Jewish Holiday of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkot</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It is one of the three biblically mandated Holidays on which Jews made pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It is a happy time for anyone who builds a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and enjoys the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mitzvot</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (good deeds) it earns. It is actually a commandment to be happy which makes it an even more joyful occasion. Why do we build a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">where we eat (and sleep) during this period? We are directed to embark on this undertaking to commemorate the time we spent in the desert in transit from Egyptian slavery. The Jewish People were miraculously freed from slavery only to find themselves en route to the Land of Israel through the uninhabitable desert. They built temporary, fragile huts along the way somewhat similar to those we create each year. So how did they survive the 40 years it took to reach the Promised Land with such inadequate provisions? Only by the Hand of</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> HaShem</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. He provided food daily in the form of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">manna</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> which sustained our people with all the nutrients needed and was as tasty as they chose. ‘Clouds of Glory’ accompanied them on their journey to guide them and protect them on their way. Our </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is a small offering of thanks and recognition of the Wondrous Miracles </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HaShem </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">performed in order to bring us to our Holy Land.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We utilize a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lulav</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Etrog </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to represent the unity of our People. We pray for the unification His Holy Name, uniting the letters in perfect harmony. There is so much to be said about </span><a href="http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/4126/jewish/Sukkot.htm"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkot</span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, but I want to share a personal aspect that came to mind this year.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7twVLQrQlZfaobZM2Uv98U-es2wOEbsUgvP_c352qWOmumC4jFYuPuE8udgBt5UgfL4HHRUGHD9jvWJA95KqbYmKRu-ty68xH-0m-pl80A27HjS8nk5xVd4SuHmFbOnODxLF7Yd3H0zs/s1600/Sukkah+5771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7twVLQrQlZfaobZM2Uv98U-es2wOEbsUgvP_c352qWOmumC4jFYuPuE8udgBt5UgfL4HHRUGHD9jvWJA95KqbYmKRu-ty68xH-0m-pl80A27HjS8nk5xVd4SuHmFbOnODxLF7Yd3H0zs/s200/Sukkah+5771.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> itself has many precise specifications but we are free to choose the basic design and materials on our own, within the framework of the rules. For the last several years, due to storage considerations and mobility, we have been constructing our </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with plastic walls. This year, in Israel at least, the weather has been extremely hot. During the evening meals, the flying bugs found the light bulb very enticing so it became a good test for us to keep them out of our food. By this hour though, the temperature was pleasant and aside from the insects, sitting in the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was a pleasure. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The daytime meals were a different story. We were sweltering in the heat, like plants in a hothouse. Our </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> contains two mesh windows but that only allowed for oxygen to enter. With no breeze, we had to concentrate on the amazing food which </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HaShem</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> provided and the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mitzvot</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> we were fulfilling to keep us from running into the comfort of our apartment. I couldn’t help but look for a explanation for this difficulty. Since everything is for a reason, this too must have some significance other than making us sweat. The more I felt like a plant being germinated in a greenhouse, the more I realized that was essentially what was happening. A greenhouse or hothouse is used to protect plants from the outside elements, to enable them to grow while storms or other undesirable situations brew on the other side of the walls. It creates the opportune conditions to enable their optimum development while they are still in the delicate stages of life. This is exactly what G-d is doing with us. By following His Laws, specifically the Festival of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkot</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, we protect ourselves from the negative exterior forces which may otherwise rule (and ruin) our lives. We are allowing ourselves to thrive within the boundaries our Father has set for us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with all occurrences in life, we must use each opportunity to grow and learn, putting our trust in no one other than The Creator. Once we understand and internalize that He, and only He, is our Protector, we ‘seedlings’ will flourish into grown ‘plants’. Through our actions we prove our sacred desire to accept and appreciate all </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HaShem</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has bestowed upon us, consequently He will remove the walls He has placed around us. Then, G-d willing, He will be able to transplant us from the 'hothouse' back into the Garden of Eden. Only there will we experience the true joy we have waited so long to merit, even greater than the joy of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sukkot.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> May that day arrive soon!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Post script: </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><strong><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All who are exempt from the succah [because of severe discomfort; e.g. heavy rain or extreme cold] and do not leave, do not receive reward for this and are merely simpletons </span></span></span></i></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><cite><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Ramah, 639:7)"</span></span></cite></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We considered going inside due to the </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">unbearable</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> heat, but it wasn't enough discomfort to give up sitting in the Sukkah. Had I gone inside, I wouldn't have been inspired to look for an explanation which to me was well worth the effort. </span></i></span>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-90546921949859938232010-09-20T20:05:00.000+02:002010-09-20T20:05:24.194+02:00Help Me Find My Way Home<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br />
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</div>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271085499702865711.post-50273419515058076422010-09-19T21:37:00.004+02:002010-09-20T19:29:31.350+02:00Center of the StormSomething has been bothering me for a very long time now. A 'very long time' is a relative term since a long time could be anywhere from thousands of years, several years to a few hours or minutes etc., depending on the context. But if you're a young soldier serving your mandatory army service and are violently taken hostage against your will, even one second is far too long. And for that boy's parents, family and friends, 'a very long time' becomes a never ending nightmare. It doesn't take much to guess that I am referring to Gilad Shalit and all of our missing soldiers; Ron Arad, Guy Hever, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz and Zachariya Baumol, may they all be well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzycHSi8_HtK9lcT5q1fX2b0XKMIarfY80sZp8N5LHDvbj0dJi8vahcK0WOSTSVdgieLV-1y2UKqYPfjcQ9GlR1gZkykYKokX1E4UG3qjd-qGRLfidIB9tDOevjS_qd8nMhF7ogA9osg/s1600/Gilad-Shalit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzycHSi8_HtK9lcT5q1fX2b0XKMIarfY80sZp8N5LHDvbj0dJi8vahcK0WOSTSVdgieLV-1y2UKqYPfjcQ9GlR1gZkykYKokX1E4UG3qjd-qGRLfidIB9tDOevjS_qd8nMhF7ogA9osg/s320/Gilad-Shalit.jpg" /></a>We have recently seen proof that Gilad ben Aviva is still alive, thank G-d. Anyone with a heart must feel as I do whenever I think of him languishing in some cold, dark, damp cement room, all alone with no one but his captors to revive his spirits. When I get chilly at night I think of him, and cry, and wonder if he has blankets to keep him warm. During <i>Yom Kippur</i> yesterday, our Day of Atonement, I contemplated whether or not he even realized what day it was. Would he be allowed to practice his own religious rituals? Surely not. As we are all aware, against International Law, he has been denied the basic human right of being allowed a humanitarian visit by the Red Cross, or any other neutral organization for that matter (not that the Red Cross is neutral). I know I am not alone as I pray daily for his spiritual, physical and emotional health and for his immediate return home.<br />
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As long as he remains imprisoned, it is incumbent upon us, those who are free to come and go as we please, free to speak our minds, to do everything in our power to ensure that he is released. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">hoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- </span><i>Babylonian Talmud</i>, Sanhedrin 4:8 (37a)</span><br />
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Something just doesn't make sense to me and it is time to put it on the table, so to speak. The Israeli Army has amazing intelligence. They pretty much know where many wanted terrorists are at any given moment. They are able to use precision strikes to blow up desired targets without hurting civilians. They can go to foreign countries and successfully put a 'hit' on dangerous enemies. But they don't know where one little, suffering, lone soldier is being held? I just don't buy that. It is impossible that no one knows where Gilad is being kept. So why aren't they getting him out? His parents must have asked this question more times than I. Are those who are at the helm of the army afraid of the consequences? That has never been a deterrent in the past. Which leaves me with just one conclusion; G-d has some major plan of His own. Since <i>HaShem</i> is in control of everything, He is obviously directing this as well. Nothing makes sense and everything is upside down. This is the world experiencing the birth pangs of <i>Moshiach <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">and I feel like Gilad Shalit is in the center of it. He could very well, G-d willing, soon be part of his own rebirth, as the head of the storm of Redemption crowns into a new dawn. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">In the meantime, as we wait with anticipation, we must all join together to beseech </span>HaShem<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> to protect Gilad, watch over him and guard him from harm. And may he, all the missing soldiers, Jonathan Pollard and all of our People soon be united in Peace and Joy in the service of </span>HaShem<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> at the newly rebuilt </span>Beit Hamikdosh<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">. </span></i>ChayaGoldahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832721357332559893noreply@blogger.com0