Emuna Daily

You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be before it’s too late. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am I and you are you, but if you try to be like me, there is no you, and if I try to be like you, there is no me.  ~ The Kotzker Rebbe zt”L

On chol hamoed sukkos Twenty Two years ago there was a women in an a coma in a hospital in Toronto. The doctors called in the family and said she had just hours left. Her daughter who lives in Lakewood told this to her husband who then called the Skulener Rebbe. The Rebbetzin answered and the situation was relayed to the Rebbe, who was in the Sukkah. The Rebbetzin returned to the phone and said the Rebbe’s reply was that the woman should shake lulav and esrog that Yom tov. The reply was perplexing as she was in a coma but the family left a left a lulav and esrog by her bed. The woman came out of her coma up on Hoshana Raba and shook Lulav & Esrog.

This woman passed away on Monday, hours after the Rebbe was Niftrar. 22 year later.

Before you speak, you are the master of your words.  After you speak, your words become your master. ~ Orchos Tzadikim ch. 21

Every man can attain the highest level.  It depends on nothing but your own free choice. ~ R’ Nachman of Breslov zt”l

When the Chason Ish, the leader of his generation was told of bad news or faced a troubling situation, he would often comment, “Nu, Hashem must be eager for us to daven!”

Prayer is for everyone.  You do not need to know Hebrew.  You do not need a Siddur.  All you need to do is open your mouth, and talk to Hashem.  He understands all languages.  A person could have many blessings in Heaven waiting to come down, all he needs to do to access them is to open his mouth and ask. ~ @Toraharoundtheclock

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