Emuna Daily

From the Shabbos candles, one can know what will happen during the week, and from the Chanukah candles, one can know what will happen during the year. ~ R’ Pinchas of Koritz zt’l

There are two ways to awaken someone: either with a loud sound or by turning on the lights. On Rosh Hashanah, we are awakened by the loud call of the shofar. On Chanukah, we are awakened by the bright lights of emunah that shine from the Chanukah menorah. We awaken to the light of emunah. ~ R’Shlomo Eiger of Lublin hy’d zt’l as cited by R’ Biderman

The Rambam (Hilchos Chanukah 4:12) writes, “The mitzvah of lighting Chanukah lecht is an extremely cherished/beloved mitzvah and a person must be cautious with it…”

Why is specifically Chanukah lecht called, beloved and cherished?

It is because by this mitzvah Hashem comes down to us, and thereby, He demonstrates His love to us. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita

How can a person become a giver, rather than a taker?

Only by giving.

Find opportunities and start with something small.  Open the door and look if anyone else is waiting to come through, then hold the door for them too.

Look around for people to compliment.  Tell the chazzan, “I enjoyed your tefillah,” and tell the pilot, “That was a great flight.”

It’s a small steps, but if you do this constantly, train yourself to find ways to be kind to others, I guarantee you will become a happier person, because you’re not always thinking about yourself! And a person who see past himself is happy. ~ R’ Yissocher Frand

With the small candle of Chanukah, we can illuminate and see all of the miracles and wonders in  our lives – not just those that occurred historically –  now, literally.  And offer thanks. ~ R’ Menachem Azolai as translated by Dov Elias

In judging yourself use your mind, in judging others, use your heart. ~ Chicken soup to warm the Neshama

The most important thing is not to give up.

Don’t ever give up on the world.  Don’t ever give up on any human being.  We are all created in God’s image, every one of us is so very holy.  Every one of us has the capacity to be so good.  We just need good friends to remind us.

The difference between young and old is: Those who still believe are young.  Those who gave up are old.  ~ R’ Shlomo Carlebach zt”l

What is something so unique that it has never existed in the past and will never be here again?

The answer is: Today!

Let’s make the most of it!

When we try to deceive others, usually the only person we succeed in deceiving is ourselves. ~ R’ Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l

How many relationships do we have in which we know that one conversation can change everything?

One conversation.

It means calling a parent and saying, “I know that I don’t say it often enough, but I owe you everything.  You did a great job.”

It means calling your child and saying, “I know you don’t think you turned out exactly how I wanted you to, but I want you to know that I love you for you and you’re amazing.”

One conversation. A sentence or two.

There are so many fractured relationships, so much tension in families, between siblings, in-laws, parents.  Go change it.  With one conversation. ~ Charlie Harary