More Tzaddik than Gaon?

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Emuna Daily

When the Chofetz Chaim’s classic halacha masterpiece, Mishna Berurah, was published, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk said of its author, “His greatness as a tzaddik obscures his even greater stature as a Torah genius.” ~ The Torah Personality

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The Desire

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Emuna Daily

How is it possible that a portion of the Torah is named after a sinner as great as Korach? The Torah wants to emphasize that we can learn something constructive even from Korach’s bitter controversy. Just as Korach wanted to be a High Priest, every Jew should similarly desire to draw near to G-d. ~ Lubavitcher Rebbe

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The Heart

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Emuna Daily

Instead of instructing the stomach, it is preferable to instruct the heart. ~ The Kotzker Rebbe

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One People

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Emuna Daily

We are one people.  When a Jew gossips in Kovno, a Jew in Paris desecrates the Shabbos. ~ R’ Yisrael of Salant zt”l

Posted in Mussar, Spirituality | 2 Comments

The Essence of Emuna

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Emuna Daily

The essence of trust is the tranquility of the soul enjoyed by the one who trusts. ~ R’ Bachya Ibn Paquda zt”l

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GW’s Letter to the Jews – 1790

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Emuna Daily

George Washington’s Letter to the Jewish Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island is small in size, but its impact on American life is immense.  The Letter reassures those who had fled religious tyranny that life in their new nation would be different, that religious “toleration” would give way to religious liberty, and that the government would not interfere with individuals in matters of conscience and belief:

“For happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens…May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants, while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” ~ George Washington (August 18, 1790).

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George Washington’s Letter to the Jews

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Emuna Daily

George Washington’s Letter to the Jewish Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island is small in size, but its impact on American life is immense.  The Letter reassures those who had fled religious tyranny that life in their new nation would be different, that religious “toleration” would give way to religious liberty, and that the government would not interfere with individuals in matters of conscience and belief:

“For happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens…May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants, while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” ~ George Washington (August 18, 1790).

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No Harm no Foul?

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Emuna Daily

Even if no harm was caused by one’s lashon hara – such as if his audience did not believe it – he still transgressed a prohibition, and requires atonement. ~ Chofetz Chaim zt”l

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I’m so sorry that the previous email went out over shabbos. I thought I had it scheduled to go out after shabbos, but WordPress was having issues when I scheduled it.  Sorry again.

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Beracha for our Sons

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Emuna Daily

One of his Chasidim asked the Kotzker Rebbe for a beracha that he merit that his sons study Torah with devotion.  The Rebbe replied that the Chassid himself had the key to ensure that this blessing could materialize.  The Rebbe pointed out to this father that he should learn Torah with devotion, and then he could anticipate that his sons would follow his example. “For if not,” the Rebbe warned, “your sons will come with the same request – that their sons should study with devotion while they occupy themselves with other matters.”

Torah can only be fulfilled when we are willing to exert ourselves directly and personally in its ways.  We must demonstrate the importance of Torah learning by setting an example that others might follow.  By merely stating ideals, these goals will not be reached.  ~ Daf Digest

[Sorry, I thought I had this scheduled on go out after shabbos.]

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Source of Blessings for the Upcoming Week

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Emuna Daily

Shabbos is the wellspring of all blessings – both material and spiritual – for the upcoming week.  We must therefore accord much more honor to Shabbos than to the weekdays.  Since the mitzvah of Shabbos is the source of blessing for the upcoming week, we should sanctify it in the best possible manner with the most delectable food and drink. ~ Divrei Menachem

The way we preapre the special Shabbos dishes – from shopping to baking to tasting the food – is a clear indication of how we honor Shabbos. ~ R’ Dovid Meisels

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