Workaholics

If one obtains his livelihood by one of the various means that he has employed, he should not grow to rely on that source, becoming enamored and obsessed with it, and yield his heart to it; for then his reliance on God will be weakened.  He should not think that it can be of more use to him than had already been determined by the Creator.  Instead of exulting in one’s devotion to his profession and in the efforts he has invested in it, one should thank the Creator Who gave him sustenance after he had exerted himself and did not allow his toil and trouble to be in vain, as it is written “You will eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you will be happy and it will be well with you.” (Tehillim 128:2). ~ Chovos Halevovos

Posted in Emuna, Parnasah | Leave a comment

How we deal

“Happiness is not an absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Posted in Happiness | Leave a comment

Connection

We are here on a holy mission. “You shall be to Me a kingdom of ministers and a holy nation.” We received mitzvos so that we can connect to Hashem. It is all about connection. When there is no immediate mitzvah available – we attach through thought. If we need a break or need to relax a bit – that too can be motivated by the ultimate goal. Vacations, talking with friends, eating something enjoyable are all positive, if they are done with connection. ~ R’ Menachem Azolai as translated by Dov Elias

Posted in Spirituality | Leave a comment

Nothing is greater than Peace

Nothing is greater than peace. Even when you are 100% right, and you know your spouse is 100% wrong, you can still give in for the sake of peace.

Better a difficult peace than an easy quarrel. ~ R’ Tzvi Freeman

Posted in Shalom Bayis | Leave a comment

They are happy

Ainam dacht zich az bei yenem lacht zich – One always thinks that others are happy.

Posted in Yiddish | Leave a comment

Reb Elimelech of Lishensk

The Chidushe HaRim, known to not get involved in miracles, passed through the town where the Holy Reb Elimelech of Lishensk had once resided. He was searching for anyone in the town who once saw the holy tzaddik.  After a long search he picked a random resident of the town that he had not know previously and said, “You!  You have seen the holy tzaddik, Reb Elimelech! The yid responded in the affirmative. The Chidushe HaRim then said, “Don’t think I did anything special. It is well known that once a person had laid eyes on the holy tzaddik, Reb Elimelech, they no longer look like a regular person.”

Posted in Stories of Tzaddikim | Leave a comment

From Scratch

“To make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe.”

Posted in Spirituality | Leave a comment

Are you using all your strength

A small boy was struggling to move a heavy wooden cupboard, but it would not budge.  He pushed and shoved with every muscle in his body, but couldn’t manage to move it even an inch!  His father, passing by, stopped to watch his son’s futile efforts.  Finally, the father asked “Son, are you using all your strength?”

“Yes, I am!” the boy cried, exasperated.

“No,” the father said calmly, “you’re not.  You have not asked me to help you.” ~ Chicken soup to Warm the Neshama

—-

Also, I received the following from Divrei Chizuk and thought it was worth sharing:

“The final day of Chanukah, which is called זאת חנוכה, is an especially auspicious day.  The Maharil writes that this day marks our final opportunity to have Hashem repeal harsh decrees issued the past Rosh Hashanah.”

Let’s make the most of it.  Happy Chanukah!

Posted in Prayer, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Connected Above

When one is connected above, one does not fall down below. ~ R’ Meir of Premishlan zt”l

 

Posted in Spirituality | Leave a comment

Things you Can do

Don’t let the things you can’t do get in the way of the things you can.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment