Emuna Daily

Some people say they’ve seen the Ushpizin.

I don’t see them, but I believe they are in my sukkah. 

And believing is greater than seeing!

The Kotzker Rebbe zt”l

When one approaches a mitzvah, he must feel the greatest joy at the opportunity that he is offered with this mitzvah.

When completing the mitzvah, he should feel happiness at having achieved his goal.

But while he is actually doing the mitzvah, he must feel the awe that is to be experienced by a mortal while he is standing before a King. He must recognize that any wrong word or move could result in a tragedy indeed!

~ R’ Shloime Kluger zt”l

When one works on himself in spiritual matters, he will find that he has ups and downs.  It is easy to feel discouraged when one finds himself on a lower level than previously. 

However, R’ Tzadok HaKohen said, “It is impossible for a person to have a major elevation without a prior descending.”

The disguise in most blessings in disguise is not over the blessing, but over our eyes.

~ R’ Shraga Silverstein

He who trusts in Hashem will be surrounded by kindness (Tehilim 32:10)

On this passuk, the Vilna Gaon explains that even a rasha who has bitachon (relies and trusts in Hashem) will be surrounded by kindness [and all his needs will be answered]. The fact that his heart is reliant on Hashem, that will be the reason he will certainly get what he is relying for.

This is the foundation of all foundations of the Torah. The fact that you are relying (have bitachon), you can change what Hashem’s will was for you.

This Yom Kippur, daven as if your life depends on it, because it does.  

Daven as if everything that will happen to you this year, both the good and the bad, depends on it, because, once again, it actually does.  

Emuna is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing WHO holds the future.

Reb Moshe Chaim of Slonim zt’l would say to those who were excessively afraid of the Yomim Norai’m:

“It isn’t a band of thieves who are seated in the Court, up in Heaven. It is our Father in Heaven, and we can trust that He will save His children.”  

Sadness is a great obstacle to serving the Almighty. A person who has transgressed should not become excessively sad since this will prevent him from further spiritual growth. 

One should feel deep regret for the wrong he has done and then continue to feel joy in his relationship with the Almighty since he has sincere regret and is resolved not to repeat his transgression. 

~ Baal Shem Tov

The Sfas Emes advised people who were excessively disturbed about their failures to daven or learn properly, to not focus on the past, but to keep trying in the present. 

~ Siach Sarfai Kodesh