Plagues?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“Why did miracles happen in Egypt? Because we believed they would. Those who didn’t believe in miracles saw only plagues.” ~ R’ Tzvi Freeman

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Dishes and Unity

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“If dishes are packed well and tight, one next to the other, the box can be moved about and none of the dishes will break.  If they are packed loosely, even the slightest jar is liable to break them.  So it is with Bnei Yisrael.  If they live in friendship and peace, making room for one another, they cannot be harmed.  If there are arguments, each demanding his own space, they cannot withstand the smallest turbulence.” ~ R’ Yechezkel of Kuzmir zt”l

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Are you really serving G-d?

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“The Bal Shem Tov says if you want to know whether you are really serving G-d, it is simple:  If my heart is filled with joy each time I put on tefillin, and each time I do something good my heart is filled with joy, then I am serving G-d.  If I am not on that level, then I am just doing mechanical things.  Though even that is very holy, and I’ll be rewarded in Heaven for doing it, but it is heartbreaking.” ~ R’ Shlomo Carlebach zt”l

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It gets easier

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“It is a proven fact that the longer one persists in guarding his tongue, the easier it becomes.” ~ The Chofetz Chaim

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Fear and Reverence

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Emuna Daily

R’ Asher of Stolin assumed the mantle of Chassidic leadership at a very young age.  One young man, a close personal friend of R’ Asher’s, was thrust into an uncomfortable situation – his friend was now his leader and Rebbe.  How should he relate to him?

R’ Asher asked him “Are you afraid of me?”  The young man did not answer.  R’ Asher persisted: “Are you afraid of me?”  Again, the chassid didn’t know how to react.  Finally, after the new Rebbe repeated the question, the chassid blurted out, “I’m afraid to do something that will spoil the love between us.”

Angrily, R’ Asher said “Scoundrel, how dare you define our relationship in those terms?  That is what true fear of Heaven is about.” ~ The Pirkei Avos Treasury

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The Reliable Caretaker

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“Torah, like money, is entrusted to a person by Hashem.  If a person proves himself a reliable caretaker, he is entrusted with even more wealth.  Thus, one who gives charity is rewarded with greater monetary wealth, while one who teaches Torah is rewarded with greater knowledge.” ~ R’ Shimon Shkop zt”l as quoted in Torah Tavlin

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Life’s Difficulties

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“We can’t hide from life’s difficulties; no one asks us whether we’re prepared to undergo trials and tribulations – they appear in our lives whether we want them or not.  But, we do have the free choice of how we’ll cope with difficult situations.  Happy is the person that accepts life’s trying times with emuna, that they are all for the best; such a positive outlook assures that the tough situation will soon reverse itself.  Without emuna, a person is bitter, broken in spirit, disgruntled, and virtually defeated.  Bitterness and dark moods are a magnet for additional troubles, Heaven forbid.” ~ The Garden of Emuna

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Put it into Practice

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Emuna Daily

Be sure that your Torah study does not remain academic; it must become a firmly established element of your personality.  Don’t simply pay lip service to what you study – act upon it (Avodas Yisrael). ~ The Pirkei Avos Treasury

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Entering the Gates of Holiness

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“Know that all these falls and descents, all the confusions and destructions, are an inevitable preliminary to entering the gates of holiness.  All the true Tsadikim and all the truly God-fearing have endured all this.” ~ R’ Nachman of Breslev zt”l

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Forget the Past

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Emuna Daily

“Know that what you did a moment ago is irrelevant.
All that matters is what you will do right now.” ~ R’ Tzvi Freeman

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