Rosh Chodesh Av

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Emuna Daily

I remember hearing in a shiur from R’ Pesach Krohn that the gemara in Taanis on 29a (quoting the mishna) states, “Meshenichnas Av, m’maatin b’simcha”, when Av arrives, we reduce  the level of happiness. Note that it does not state that we shall eliminate happiness altogether and become sad, but rather that we just reduce our level of happiness.  As Jews with emuna, even when things seem to be going wrong, we must always remain happy.

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The Happiest People

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Emuna Daily

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.

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Surrounded

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Emuna Daily

One who trusts in God is surrounded by loving-kindness. ~ Psalms 32:10

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No Worries

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Emuna Daily

The first level is that I believe in God so much that I know that everything is good. Then there is a higher level: that I really don’t care.  I do care, yet I don’t, because if there is one God, what else do I need? ~ R’ Shlomo Carlebach zt”l

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The Obligation to Share Torah

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Emuna Daily

A person is granted wisdom not only for his own benefit, but also for the benefit of others. One is obligated to share his Torah knowledge with others.  Hence, if he is a reliable transmitter of this wisdom to others, the Almighty will bestow even greater wisdom upon him, in order that he may continue to share it with others. ~ R’ Shimon Shkop zt”l as quoted in Torah Tavlin

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Improving

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Emuna Daily

Improving oneself does not mean that one has to be 100 percent better in one specific area. It means that he has to be one percent better in 100 areas. ~ Torah Tavlin

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Discussing Old Friends

Posted on July 31, 2016 by Emuna Daily

Be very careful when you bump into old friends.  Rehashing old times and asking him or her how so and so is doing, often leads to lashon hara.

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Rav Elyashiv reciting Tachanun

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Emuna Daily

I remember that if there was a Monday or Thursday without Rav Elyashiv being honored as sandak (at a bris), which was very rare, we would say the longer form of Tachanun beginning with V’Hu Rachum.  This tefillah must be said while standing and with intense kavanah.  I never once saw the Rav sit for this tefillah.  Even at the age of 101, he stood like a servant before his Master.  This, it is known, is a very powerful prayer.  We beg Hashem for compassion and illustrate our helplessness by comparing ourselves to sheep that are totally dependent upon the guidance and protection of their shepherd.  During this tefillah, the atmosphere was very intense, with everyone present crying out for Heavenly mercy.  As soon as someone finished, he would take his seat and began saying Tachanun.  Within minutes everyone was sitting – except for one person, who was still standing swaying softly as he poured out his heart, asking for mercy for all of Klal Yisrael.  This was none other than Rav Elyashiv.  ~ The Gadol Hador

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Broken Heart

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Emuna Daily

Depression is like anger and rage.  It is like a complaint against G-d for not fulfilling one’s wishes.  But one with a broken heart is like a child pleading before his father.  He is like a baby crying and complaining because his father is far away.  ~ R’ Nachman of Breslov zt”l

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Don’t Forget Your Purpose

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Emuna Daily

The greatest challenge a person faces is that he not be overwhelmed with the concerns of this world so that he forgets his purpose.  Therefore, he should trust in God that he will supply his needs and sustain him, and that he will have time available to turn his heart to God. ~ Orchot Tzaddikim

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The answer to yesterday’s “Identify That Prayer” is Vehu Rachum which is recited on Mondays and Thursdays.   For more on Vehu Rachum, read the story I will IYH post this motzei Shabbos.

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