Retzeih

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Emuna Daily

The Zohar says that Retzeih, which is inserted into the bentching on Shabbos, should be said with deep concentration, since this brings about great rectification in the heavenly realm. ~ Yesod Veshoresh Haavodah

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Yerei Shamayim

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Emuna Daily

R’ Chaim of Volozhin asks why a person who is careful not to sin is call a “Yerei Shamayim” – someone who fears Heaven?

Such a person fears the awesome damage that sins cause to the spiritual worlds “above” ours.  Of course, sins adversely affect the physical world directly, but greater damage is done in Heaven – the spiritual realms, and everything that happens there redounds “downwards.”  He who is careful not to sin fears for Heaven. ~ Seifer Taleli Oros

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In the Face of Controversy

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Emuna Daily

“He hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7).  Rabbi Iylah said, “The world exists only in the merit of people who make themselves nothing in the face of controversy.” ~ Chulin 99a

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It Must Be Done

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Emuna Daily

I never thought about whether I could do something, but only about whether I had to do it.  And if something must be done, then G-d will give the means of doing it.  ~ R’ Yosef Yozel Hurwitz zt”l

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Past Learning

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Emuna Daily

The mitzvah of Torah study is incumbent every moment.  Past learning does not exempt a person from learning now.  A person who wastes several hours violates the mitzvah of Torah study with every single moment. ~ The Chofetz Chaim zt”l

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Holy Words

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Emuna Daily

If a person lets an evil word leave his lips, spirits of impurity seize that word and use it to defile any words of holiness he may later speak. He thereby loses the merit of his holy words. ~ Chafetz Chaim zt”l

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Dorothy Thompson’s “Interview” with the Chofetz Chaim

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Emuna Daily

Dorothy Thompson, the celebrated American journalist, had wanted to include the Chofetz Chaim in her series of interviews with key European leaders between the wars.

“Sorry, the Chofetz Chaim does not have time for interviews,” she was told.

“Then let me at least see him,” she begged.

This was arranged – through an open window that revealed the diminutive frame of the saint and sage of Radin seated on a simple chair, bent over a yellow text resting on a simple wooden table, in a sparely furnished room.  She peered through the window and watched…and watched…for fifteen minutes.

When Miss Thompson finally turned to leave, a companion asked her what had caught her fancy for so long.

She replied, “I have just seen the Jewish G-d.” ~ The Torah Personality

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Measure for Measure

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Emuna Daily

The more you show compassion for others, the more Hashem will have compassion on you. ~ R’ Lazer Brody

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Is it wrong to seek Hashem’s reward?

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Emuna Daily

People are misled by the Mishnah that says, “Don’t be like servants who serve their master for the sake of receiving a reward” (Pirkei Avos). That really means the reward should not be the only motivation.  Certainly a person should hope for a reward. When he puts a mezuzah on his door he should desire a reward for it. When he says Krias Shema or Shemoneh Esrei, he should desire a reward for his actions. ~ R’ Avigdor MillerZt”l

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Shalom Bayis Tip

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Emuna Daily

It is wise to keep focusing on the virtues of the person to whom you are married.  This simple idea can easily save people much heartache and strife in their marriage.  When you see the good in someone, it is much easier to tolerate the traits you find negative.  ~ R’ Zelig Pliskin

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