Emuna Daily

All significant change in human behavior takes place at the microcosmic, not the macrocosmic level. It belongs not to social forces or trends, but to the here-and-now of single individuals. ~ R’ Lord Jonathan Sacks

Lashon hara and other forms of forbidden speech contaminate the air and are the root of diseases, rachmana litzlan. ~ The Trisker Maggid zt’l

It states in Devarim 1:3,5,”It was in the fortieth year, on the eleventh month, on the first of the month (Rosh Chodesh Shevat)… Moshe began explaining the Torah…” Tzaddikim said that this teaches us that on Rosh Chodesh Shevat, new bounties of Torah come down, to help people understand Torah. Moshe’s explaining the Torah, brought clarity in Torah for all generations.

The Chidushei HaRim zt’l would say that on Rosh Chodesh Shevat, the wellsprings of Torah open. The chiddushei Torah of the entire year – for every Torah student – comes from Rosh Chodesh Shevat. The Avnei Nezer zt’l (and some say the Chidushei HaRim zt’l) said he can tell the difference between his chiddushei Torah before Rosh Chodesh Shevat and the chiddushei Torah learned after Rosh Chodesh Shevat.

Rosh Chodesh Shevat is therefore an ideal time to make a new commitment towards
studying and growing in Torah. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita

Always seek the truth no matter what. Be willing to ask others for information you lack and do not be concerned if they think less of you for it. ~ R’ Yechezkel Levenstein zt”l

The root word of bitachon is betach/certain, for bitachon isn’t only a belief in G-d’s ability, but a sense of certainty that everything will be good in a revealed manner, until it envelops one with tranquility.

Within bitachon is the word tach/plaster, since plaster is a connecting agent, holding together all that it covers, like a friendship bringing people together and forging a natural connection. Good friends naturally trust each other, greater the friendship, greater the bond, greater certainty that each will only do what is in the other’s best interest.

Our bond with G-d so strong, we’re plastered together. ~ Lubavitcher Rebbe

A great percentage of many people’s suffering is based on illusions. People feel they have problems and difficulties when in reality the problem exists solely in their minds.

When you have a problem, ask yourself, “how would I view this problem if someone else were in this situation? Would I consider this a valid problem or not?”

This can help you gain a more objective perspective. – R’ Zelig Pliskin based on Michtav MaiEliyahu

If you see someone who has achieved a prominent position but whose behavior is inappropriate, do not say, “if I were in his place, I wouldn’t do as he does.” You do not know what tomorrow will bring, and you are no different from him or anyone else. Perhaps that prestigious position would sway you as it has swayed him. Only when you reach his place and his position and overcome your own tendencies will you have the right to question his conduct. ~ Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerondi (D. 1263)

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must be felt with the heart. ~ The Kotzker Rebbe

Before you become friends with someone, observe him when he gets angry. – Orchos Tzadikim

Who is a righteous man and who is an evil man? Many people think a righteous man is one who does not transgress, and the evil person is one who constantly transgresses. But even the very righteous also transgress and even the very wicked perform good deeds.

The essential difference between the two is that a righteous person tries to overcome his desires to do wrong and the evil person does not. – R’ Yeruchem Levovitz zt”l