Everything is by Divine Providence. If a leaf is turned over by a breeze, it is only because this has been specifically ordained by G-d to serve a particular function within the purpose of creation. ~ The Baal Shem Tov
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The tefillah I quoted yesterday is from Psalm 27, LeDovid Hashem Ori, which we started saying each day on Rosh Chodesh Elul.
This is just an excerpt:
“One thing I’ve asked from Hashem, that shall I seek: that I dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life…”
Each of us carries a great responsibility, for the fate of the world may hinge on one single mitzvah we perform. ~ Kuntres Chiddushei Torah
My son, do not sit in the company of those who speak badly about their friends, for when their words ascend, they are recorded, and all those who were part of the group [who heard what was said] are recorded as being members of an evil group and as baalei lashon hara. ~ Pirkei D’Rebbi Eliezer
On one Rosh Chodesh Elul, Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitz happened to overhear an old peasant exhorting his colleagues. “Listen, fellows, harvesting time has started. If you’ll work hard now, you’ll be able to eat all year long. But if you’re lazy and goof off, you’ll go hungry all year.”
Turning to his chassidim, the Rebbe excitedly called out, “Dear brothers! The month of Elul is the source of blessing for serving Hashem for the entire year. Whoever applies himself in this month will experience joy all year long. Serving Hashem will come easily to him. But being lazy in Elul will cause sadness, making it difficult to serve Hashem with heartfelt prayer. ~ R’ Dovid Meisels
By gazing at the Shabbos lights one sets right and sanctifies one’s eyes and one shuts out Satan’s seeing power. ~ Zera Kodesh
No lightheadedness e.g., jests, frivolity, idle conversation, should be seen in a synagogue ~ Rambam
Before every tefillah, I daven…that I will daven during the davening. ~ The Divrei Chaim of Sanz
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So geshmak! Anyway, yesterday’s quote was a bit more difficult. It was the Yehi Ratzon found after “brachos” in Birchos Hashachar. This personal prayer was recited by R’ Yehudah Hanassi every day after Shacharis (Berachos 16a). It is a prayer for protection in day-to-day dealings with one’s fellow men. During the recitation, one may add personal requests for Hashem’s help during the day (Tur).
May it be Your will, Hashem, my God, and the God of my forefathers, that You rescue me today and every day from brazen men and from brazenness, from an evil man, an evil companion, an evil neighbor, an evil mishap, the destructive spiritual impediment, a harsh trial and a harsh opponent, whether he is a member of the covenant or whether he is not a member of the covenant.
Worrying about making a living ruins a person’s livelihood. ~ R’ Lazer Brody
Emuna Daily 