בס”ד The 49 Days of “the Omer” and what Noahides can learn from them Introduction During the weeks after their Exodus from Egypt the Jewish people counted the days, in eager anticipation of receiving the Torah from G-d at Mount Sinai. They counted 49 days before the day of the… Read More »WHAT CAN NOAHIDES LEARN FROM “THE OMER”?
בס”ד PARSHAT TAZRIA 5784 Introduction In this discussion, we delve into the essence of gossip and explore strategies for transforming it into positive communication. Join us on a journey from negative chatter to uplifting dialogue. Gossip Tsara’at is often misunderstood as leprosy, but it is actually a white rash or… Read More »PARSHAT TAZRIA 5784 – GOSSIP CYCLE BREAK
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability Introduction In Mesillat Yesarim, it is noted that laughter is a factor that leads to a decrease in vigilance, which is striking because laughter initially seems healthy. This raises questions about the relationship between laughter and vigilance. Let’s delve into the… Read More »EXPLORING THE DUAL NATURE OF LAUGHTER: ITS BENEFITS AND PITFALLS IN SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability In the Netherlands, we have a proverb that goes, “The best helmsmen are ashore.” This is often used when people who are outside a situation offer criticism and commentary. For example, spectators at a football match always seem to know better… Read More »NAVIGATING LIFE’S SEAS; INSIGHTS FROM ‘THE BEST HELMSMEN ASHORE’
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability G-d provided manna, heavenly food, to nourish the Israelites during their desert travels. According the the Midrash Tanchuma, the manna tasted like whatever food you were thinking of. A student once asked the Chafetz Chaim what the manna would taste like… Read More »THE TAST OF…MINDFULNESS
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability A Jewish Bite at McDonald’s A day unlike any other, Sam decided to break the routine and treat himself to a juicy McDonald’s hamburger, complete with all the toppings, even including bacon. The craving for that crispy bacon was too strong… Read More »A JEWISH BITE AT MCDONAL’S – CONNECTED WITH “MY” CHINESE RESTAURANT
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability Psalm 119 Open my eyes, that I may perceivethe wonders of Your teaching. גַּל־עֵינַ֥י וְאַבִּ֑יטָה נִ֜פְלָא֗וֹת מִתּֽוֹרָתֶֽךָ Yeshayahu (Isaiah) – Chapter 50:5 My Sovereign GOD opened my ears,And I did not disobey,I did not run away. אֲדֹנָ֚י ד’ פָּֽתַח־לִ֣י… Read More »TORAH AS A GUIDE TO SELF-REFLECCTION AND ACTION
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability Sometimes, we chatter away unconsciously, unaware of the impact our words may have on others. It often seems like talking is merely a form of social interaction, a way to connect without delving deeper into the significance of our words. However,… Read More »GUARDING THE TONGUE: NAVIGATING CONSEQUENCES IN SPEECH
בס”ד Develop yourself to the best of your ability Mindful Choices and Elevated Values “Those seeking mastery over their Yezer should declare, ‘Come, let us take stock of our spiritual life; let us weigh the loss incurred by the performance of a Mitzvah against its gain, and the gain of… Read More »LIFE LESSONS FROM THE GROCERY STORE
בס”ד Cultivating Wholeness Through Mussar Practice Day 1-3: Choosing a Character Trait (Middah): Select one character trait (middah) from the provided list that you wish to work on over the next 20 days. Reflect on why you chose this trait and how it relates to your journey toward wholeness. Day… Read More »PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
