Emuna Daily

A person lives in unbearable poverty his entire life. He never has enough food. He can’t pay his bills. He could not help others in need. Everyone tells him that there is a treasure buried under the floorboards of his house, but he doesn’t believe it. He gives the floor a half-hearted kick every so often, thinking maybe he’ll hear the jingle of coins, but he only hears the thunk of his heel against the wood.

Then, on the last day of this man’s life, someone walks in, lifts up a plank and reveals an iron chest filled with gems and gold. All the wealth the dying man could ever have needed is in that chest. His whole lifetime of miserable struggle plays out before his dimming eyes; the stab of what could have been is the last sensation he ever feels.

That piercing remorse is the lot of one who does not believe in and utilize the power of prayer. ~ Praying with Fire

Let’s not wait until we get to the World to Come to see what could have been, if only we prayed for it.

Rabbi Shmelke and Rabbi Pinchos asked the Magid of Mezeritch, “How is it possible to fulfill the Talmudic obligation of blessing Hashem for misfortunes with the same joy as when one blesses Him for good fortune?”

The Magid advised them to put the question before R’ Zushe who was extremely poor and frequently lacked the basic necessities.  Thought he had many difficulties in life, he was always happy.  They went to the study hall where they found R’ Zushe, and told him that the Magid said he would explain how it is possible to bless the Almighty with joy over misfortune.

“I’m surprised that our Rabbi sent you to me about this,” replied R’ Zushe.  “You should rather ask someone who suffered some misfortune in his life.  I have never experienced anything bad in my life.  Only good things have happened to me.” ~ Midor Dor

One who has confidence in himself gains the confidence of others. ~ Old Jewish Saying

People who habitually feel unhappy would be better off not spending a lot of time contemplating how they feel…. Do not increase your sadness by feeling sad that you feel sad….  View your sadness as a challenge.  Anyone can behave in a positive manner when they are in a state of joy.  It is a sign of courage and strength to behave in a positive manner even though you feel sad. ~ R’ Zelig Pliskin Shlita

One whose faith in God is firm and perfect, so that he trusts in God, automatically possesses ease of mind, and a happy life both here and in the hereafter. ~ R’ Eliyahu Lopian zt”l

You will rise and fall hundreds and thousands of times before you merit to serve God perfectly.  The greatest tzadikim have also endured all this.  The most important thing is your determination.  Let nothing in the world distract you.  Never go slack.  Only serve God, whatever happens.  The main thing is never to despair.

You should always make a fresh beginning as if you have never begun before in your life.  Start serving God now as if this is the very first time. Even in the course of a single day, you may have to start all over again from the beginning any number of times. ~ R’ Nachman of Breslov zt”l

There are times when God hides His face.  But then there are times when God hides His face and we don’t even realize that His face is hidden; we dwell in darkness, and think it is light.  This is a double galut, a concealment within concealment. ~The Baal Shem Tov

Purim is a very great day. It is greater than Shavuos, because they were forced to accept the Torah on Shavuos.  Har Sinai was raised above their heads, thus requiring them and forcing them to receive the Torah. On Purim, the Jewish nation accepted the Torah from love (see Shabbos 88.). So in that aspect Purim is greater than Shavuos.

Purim is also greater than Pesach, because Pesach we celebrate liberation from slavery to freedom, while on Purim we celebrate salvation from death to life. Thus, Purim is greater and holier than Pesach and Shavuos. ~ The Chasam Sofer zt’l (Drushim p.156:) as quoted by R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita

I received from Reb Mendele Lilig zt’l the Rav of Frankfort who received the tradition from the Shev Yaakov that whoever studies Torah between the megillah reading at night and the megillah of the morning, it is certain that he will merit Olam haBa. ~ Chasam Sofer (Drushim p.245)

Happy Purim!

For this day [Taanis Esther] is very auspicious for our prayers to be heard in the name of Mordechai and Esther. Whoever is in need of mercy regarding any matter requiring prayer should set aside time for it on the day of the Fast of Esther. Let him begin by reciting Tehillim 22, “To the Chief Musician, upon ayeles hashachar.” The Sages interpret the words Ayeles HaShachar as a reference to Esther (Yoma 29a; Shocher Tov, Tehillim 22). Afterwards let him pour out his heart before Hashem and make his request. And let him invoke the names of Mordechai and Esther, in whose merit he is beseeching the Holy One Blessed is He. Then Hashem will open for him the Gates of Mercy and his prayer will be accepted with favor. ~ Kav Hayashar 97, Yesod Veshoresh Ho’avodah Sha’ar Hamifkad pg. 263

Here is the text of Tehillim 22:

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