Sometimes things don't work out exactly the way we plan it. Even when it comes to certain mitzvot, sometimes no matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to get it right. A few examples might be lighting Shabbat candles on time, praying without distracting thoughts, getting the Sukkah ready or setting the seder table in time for Pesach. Most of us feel disappointment or even anger and frustration when things like this happen. Let's try to understand why.
I once heard a lesson from Rav Shalom Arush, may Hashem bless him, on this idea, and the Rav explained it as follows. The reason we get upset in the above circumstances is because we were never serving Hashem to begin with. That's right, we were actually busy serving ourselves or at least our concept of how we felt Hashem wanted to be served. This is a very big flaw in the service of Hashem and it exists because we think we know it all and we think that we have control of everything. In truth, we must understand that we know nothing and we control nothing as well.
Now that we have the right attitude, we can properly begin to serve Hashem according to His terms and the way He desires to be served. If He wants me to sweat right until the last second on erev Shabbos, fine! If He wants me to have a half decorated Sukkah on the first day of the Chag, that's OK too! If He doesn't want me to start my seder until a half hour before midnight, I'm prepared to do that as well!
Now we can all just take a deep breath and relax. Hashem runs the world and not us. I have nothing to worry about or feel anxious about. I just have to try my best, and then see whatever it is that Hashem sends my way. This is the true definition of avodat Hashem, to give Hashem the control and just do His will happily. By the way, it may be that the very thing we feel we messed up on, is actually the most desirable avodah to Hashem, and is giving Him the greatest pleasure. Let's do it with a smile!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Have you been for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico lately?
BS"D
If you watch the news (which I do NOT reccomend) I am sure you will hear nothing about this. However, if you have been wondering what ever happened to that big oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 7 months ago, then you might be interested in taking a look at these links. Many say it was caused by man's own greed, some have the nerve to say that it's all over and done with, but I say... Maybe it's GOD!
Time to start thinking and asking yourself some questions my dear friends. As Jews we do not belive in happenstance. Remember, G-d also broke down the world as we knew it before the exodus from Egypt. Our Rabbis tell us that Egypt represents the constriction of G-d consciousness, the 'slavery' is also a slavery of our minds, a concealment of the awareness that G-d is the one who truly runs the world. Looks like some of that illusion is quickly starting to peel away.
Are we ready to follow Moshe out into the wilderness? It takes faith! There is no food, water or shelter out in the wilderness, we have to rely completely on G-d to sustain us, nothing else. Are we ready? If not, than I suggest we prepare. Stocking up food and water and building underground shelters is not the answer, we need to stock up on Emunah and Tefillah!
Rebbe Nachman tells us that Eretz Yisrael is the land of emunah, prayer and miracles!
With Blessings,
Yehoshua Goldstein
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Has anyone been noticing the 'strange' weather lately?
BS"D
Have a look at these two links for information on some huge parts of the world freezing over this winter.
I know that there are many different explinations to it all, but I had a thought on the subject... maybe it's being
caused by God!
Interesting to note that in Egypt (which we are reading about in the Torah portions over the next few weeks) there was also a breakdown of everything considered 'normal' in nature as well... Hmmm, maybe there is more than just happenstance in all of this? Time to start thinking and asking ourselves some questions.
One thing is for sure, Hashem promised the land of Israel to Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov and all their decendents, the same cannot be said about any other parts of the world.
Yehoshua Goldstein.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Insights on Parashat Shemot
BS"D
The Lesson of The Staff and The Snake
Moshe answered and said, "They will not believe me. They will not listen to my voice. They will say, 'Hashem did not appear to you.'" Hashem said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A staff". Hashem said "Throw it on the ground." He threw it on the ground and it turned into a snake. Moshe ran away from it. Hashem said to Moshe, "Reach out your hand and grasp its tail." He reached out his hand and took hold of it, and it became a staff in his hand (Chapter 4:1-4).
Initially when Hashem revealed Himself to Moshe at the burning bush, He instructed him to throw the staff down, etc. This is because Moshe was refusing his mission, because he felt that he was unable to redeem Bnei Yisrael and enlighten them with the necessary Daat since he knew that they were full of sin. Therefore, Hashem told him to throw the staff to the ground and it is explained that the staff of Moshe was the Angel Mem Tet, from whom came the source of free will, which is also hinted to in the word mateh (staff / to lean), that a person has the ability to lean this way or that way. Hashem was teaching Moshe through this wonder (of the staff) to understand the greatness of choice. (That is, that even though Bnei Yisrael was deeply involved in sin right now, they still had the ability to choose to fix themselves. Therefore, a person must know that there is no situation cannot be fixed and a person must never despair.)
This power of choice also puts a person in great danger at all times. This is why Moshe was told to throw the staff to the ground because Moshe already made the right choices and stood up to his challenges and became completely good. (He grew up in Paroh's house, yet still chose Hashem. Just as Moshe could have chosen to go either way, so too, Bnei Yisrael can still choose good.) He was shown the power of choice of the nation and was commanded to throw the staff which is the aspect of the power of choice. "Throw it to the ground," throw it into the earthliness and physicality of the majority of the nation. "And it became a snake," that is, by the majority of the world, their staff, which is the power of choice, becomes a snake, because of the great provoking of their evil inclination, which is an aspect of the original snake. And immediately Hashem said to him, "Send out your hand and grab its tail... and it became a staff in his hand." This was to teach Moshe and to make known to him, that even though the evil inclination and the snake may overpower a person's power of choice, even so the good is always greater, and a person always has in his hand the ability to switch the snake back into a stick.
That is, Hashem was telling Moshe that he (Moshe) has the power to help even those who have fallen into the aspect of snake and to turn them around back into a staff by finding the good in them and revealing to them the holy Daat that Hashem is still with them. (Hashem was teaching Moshe the job of the tzadik, that he must find the good in even the worst sinners and turn them back to G-d, i.e. to not give up on them. When a person is trapped in sin, they forget that Hashem is still with them. The tzadik's job is to remind them that there is always hope and Hashem is always with them and they must never despair. Everything can be fixed and they can always come back to the good.) And this staff was eventually used to perform all the signs and wonders. (Not only can we come back to the good, but the very fall is for the purpose of going up. We see how the snake - our downfall - actually became used for performing Hashem's signs and wonders. Even our sins can turn into great merits.) The main redemption is through this, through the Tzadik who arouses those who have fallen very far, in order to bring them close to Hashem. (We must awaken this idea in ourselves, that no matter how far we have fallen, we can always come back to Hashem and there is never reason for despair.)
(Based on the Likkutei Halachot, Orach Chayim, Hilchot Betziot Hapat 1:43)
The Lesson of The Staff and The Snake
Moshe answered and said, "They will not believe me. They will not listen to my voice. They will say, 'Hashem did not appear to you.'" Hashem said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A staff". Hashem said "Throw it on the ground." He threw it on the ground and it turned into a snake. Moshe ran away from it. Hashem said to Moshe, "Reach out your hand and grasp its tail." He reached out his hand and took hold of it, and it became a staff in his hand (Chapter 4:1-4).
Initially when Hashem revealed Himself to Moshe at the burning bush, He instructed him to throw the staff down, etc. This is because Moshe was refusing his mission, because he felt that he was unable to redeem Bnei Yisrael and enlighten them with the necessary Daat since he knew that they were full of sin. Therefore, Hashem told him to throw the staff to the ground and it is explained that the staff of Moshe was the Angel Mem Tet, from whom came the source of free will, which is also hinted to in the word mateh (staff / to lean), that a person has the ability to lean this way or that way. Hashem was teaching Moshe through this wonder (of the staff) to understand the greatness of choice. (That is, that even though Bnei Yisrael was deeply involved in sin right now, they still had the ability to choose to fix themselves. Therefore, a person must know that there is no situation cannot be fixed and a person must never despair.)
This power of choice also puts a person in great danger at all times. This is why Moshe was told to throw the staff to the ground because Moshe already made the right choices and stood up to his challenges and became completely good. (He grew up in Paroh's house, yet still chose Hashem. Just as Moshe could have chosen to go either way, so too, Bnei Yisrael can still choose good.) He was shown the power of choice of the nation and was commanded to throw the staff which is the aspect of the power of choice. "Throw it to the ground," throw it into the earthliness and physicality of the majority of the nation. "And it became a snake," that is, by the majority of the world, their staff, which is the power of choice, becomes a snake, because of the great provoking of their evil inclination, which is an aspect of the original snake. And immediately Hashem said to him, "Send out your hand and grab its tail... and it became a staff in his hand." This was to teach Moshe and to make known to him, that even though the evil inclination and the snake may overpower a person's power of choice, even so the good is always greater, and a person always has in his hand the ability to switch the snake back into a stick.
That is, Hashem was telling Moshe that he (Moshe) has the power to help even those who have fallen into the aspect of snake and to turn them around back into a staff by finding the good in them and revealing to them the holy Daat that Hashem is still with them. (Hashem was teaching Moshe the job of the tzadik, that he must find the good in even the worst sinners and turn them back to G-d, i.e. to not give up on them. When a person is trapped in sin, they forget that Hashem is still with them. The tzadik's job is to remind them that there is always hope and Hashem is always with them and they must never despair. Everything can be fixed and they can always come back to the good.) And this staff was eventually used to perform all the signs and wonders. (Not only can we come back to the good, but the very fall is for the purpose of going up. We see how the snake - our downfall - actually became used for performing Hashem's signs and wonders. Even our sins can turn into great merits.) The main redemption is through this, through the Tzadik who arouses those who have fallen very far, in order to bring them close to Hashem. (We must awaken this idea in ourselves, that no matter how far we have fallen, we can always come back to Hashem and there is never reason for despair.)
(Based on the Likkutei Halachot, Orach Chayim, Hilchot Betziot Hapat 1:43)
Summary of Parashat Shemot (Weekly Torah Portion)
BS"D
Rishon: The Parasha opens up with a recap of the seventy souls who came down to Mitzrayim. Yosef, his brothers and all that generation have now passed away and Bnei Yisrael have increased and filled the land. A new Paroh came into power who did not know Yosef. He created propaganda against Bnei Yisrael and made his people fearful of them. He then appointed officials over them and subjected them to backbreaking labor. The more they were afflicted, the more they increased. Paroh then told the Jewish midwives to kill all the male babies on the birthstool. They feared Hashem however, and did not do as they were told.
Sheni: Paroh questioned them about their failure to follow his orders and Hashem caused him to believe their excuse. Bnei Yisrael continued to increase and grow stronger. Paroh then ordered that all the male babies born were to be thrown into the river. Baby Moshe was then born and hidden for a period of three months. At that point he was put into a basket and placed in the river. Paroh's daughter discovered him and decided to raise him as her own child, she named him Moshe.
Shelishi: Moshe grew up and went out to see his brethren. He saw a Mitzri hitting an Ivri, so he killed the Mitzri and hid him in the sand. The next day Moshe saw two Ivriim fighting, and he realized that yesterdays matter had become known. He fled to Midyan where he ended up marrying Tzipporah, the daughter of Yitro. They had a son and named him Gershom. During this time, Yisrael cried out because of their hard labor and Hashem remembered the covenant with their forefathers and paid attention to them.
Revii: While out shepherding Yitro's flock, Moshe saw a bush that was burning but not being consumed. He turned to look at it and understand what this was all about. G-d called to him from within the bush and told him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. G-d told Moshe that He desired to take the Jewish people out from Mitzrayim and that he was the one who was to be their leader. Moshe doubted his ability to approach Paroh and take Yisrael out from Mitzrayim. Moshe then asked G-d for a name to tell Yisrael. The response was, "tell them, I Will Be With You has sent me to you."
Chamishi: Hashem tells Moshe to gather the elders, approach Paroh and ask him to allow Bnei Yisrael to go out for a three day journey into the desert. Hashem tells Moshe that He will strike Mizrayim and perform wonders and Yisrael will leave with many possessions of gold, silver and clothing. Moshe is concerned that Yisrael will not believe him that he is a messenger of G-d. Hashem then gives Moshe three signs to gain Yisrael's trust. 1) The staff that turned into a snake 2) His hand which turned white 3) Water from the Nile which will turn to blood when poured onto the ground. Moshe then said to Hashem that he is not a man of words and has difficulty speaking. Hashem promises to help Moshe speak, but Moshe preferred that another messenger be sent in his place. Hashem got angry with Moshe and told him that Aharon will be his mouthpiece.
Shishi: Moshe took leave of Yitro and returned to Mizrayim with his wife and sons. On the way, an angel of Hashem came to kill Moshe. Tzipporah quickly took a sharp stone and circumcized her son to save her husband's life. Aharon then met Moshe in the desert and they went along with the elders to show the signs to Bnei Yisrael who believed them.
Shevii: Moshe and Aharon then went to Paroh and asked him to let G-d's people go. Paroh said 'No'. He then commanded the taskmasters to cut off the supply of straw to the Jews and to still require the same quota of bricks to be made. The overseers of Bnei Yisrael were beaten when the quota was not met. The people complained to Moshe and to Aharon regarding their worsened situation. Moshe asked Hashem why things had been made worse. Hashem responded to Moshe, "Now you will see what I will do to Paroh."
Rishon: The Parasha opens up with a recap of the seventy souls who came down to Mitzrayim. Yosef, his brothers and all that generation have now passed away and Bnei Yisrael have increased and filled the land. A new Paroh came into power who did not know Yosef. He created propaganda against Bnei Yisrael and made his people fearful of them. He then appointed officials over them and subjected them to backbreaking labor. The more they were afflicted, the more they increased. Paroh then told the Jewish midwives to kill all the male babies on the birthstool. They feared Hashem however, and did not do as they were told.
Sheni: Paroh questioned them about their failure to follow his orders and Hashem caused him to believe their excuse. Bnei Yisrael continued to increase and grow stronger. Paroh then ordered that all the male babies born were to be thrown into the river. Baby Moshe was then born and hidden for a period of three months. At that point he was put into a basket and placed in the river. Paroh's daughter discovered him and decided to raise him as her own child, she named him Moshe.
Shelishi: Moshe grew up and went out to see his brethren. He saw a Mitzri hitting an Ivri, so he killed the Mitzri and hid him in the sand. The next day Moshe saw two Ivriim fighting, and he realized that yesterdays matter had become known. He fled to Midyan where he ended up marrying Tzipporah, the daughter of Yitro. They had a son and named him Gershom. During this time, Yisrael cried out because of their hard labor and Hashem remembered the covenant with their forefathers and paid attention to them.
Revii: While out shepherding Yitro's flock, Moshe saw a bush that was burning but not being consumed. He turned to look at it and understand what this was all about. G-d called to him from within the bush and told him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. G-d told Moshe that He desired to take the Jewish people out from Mitzrayim and that he was the one who was to be their leader. Moshe doubted his ability to approach Paroh and take Yisrael out from Mitzrayim. Moshe then asked G-d for a name to tell Yisrael. The response was, "tell them, I Will Be With You has sent me to you."
Chamishi: Hashem tells Moshe to gather the elders, approach Paroh and ask him to allow Bnei Yisrael to go out for a three day journey into the desert. Hashem tells Moshe that He will strike Mizrayim and perform wonders and Yisrael will leave with many possessions of gold, silver and clothing. Moshe is concerned that Yisrael will not believe him that he is a messenger of G-d. Hashem then gives Moshe three signs to gain Yisrael's trust. 1) The staff that turned into a snake 2) His hand which turned white 3) Water from the Nile which will turn to blood when poured onto the ground. Moshe then said to Hashem that he is not a man of words and has difficulty speaking. Hashem promises to help Moshe speak, but Moshe preferred that another messenger be sent in his place. Hashem got angry with Moshe and told him that Aharon will be his mouthpiece.
Shishi: Moshe took leave of Yitro and returned to Mizrayim with his wife and sons. On the way, an angel of Hashem came to kill Moshe. Tzipporah quickly took a sharp stone and circumcized her son to save her husband's life. Aharon then met Moshe in the desert and they went along with the elders to show the signs to Bnei Yisrael who believed them.
Shevii: Moshe and Aharon then went to Paroh and asked him to let G-d's people go. Paroh said 'No'. He then commanded the taskmasters to cut off the supply of straw to the Jews and to still require the same quota of bricks to be made. The overseers of Bnei Yisrael were beaten when the quota was not met. The people complained to Moshe and to Aharon regarding their worsened situation. Moshe asked Hashem why things had been made worse. Hashem responded to Moshe, "Now you will see what I will do to Paroh."
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Hitbodedut in the forest
BS"D
The peace and quiet of the forest. A great place to get away from all the noise and distractions of the city and be alone with your Creator. Enjoy...
http://www.youtube.com/user/ConstantlyClinging?feature=mhum#p/u
The peace and quiet of the forest. A great place to get away from all the noise and distractions of the city and be alone with your Creator. Enjoy...
http://www.youtube.com/user/ConstantlyClinging?feature=mhum#p/u
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Summary of The Parasha (Weekly Torah Portion)
BS"D
Overview of Parashat Vayechi
Rishon: Yaakov lived for 17 years in Mitzrayim and for a total of 147 years. (This was less than his father Yitzchak who lived for 180 years). He called for his son Yosef (who had power) and made him swear not to bury him in Mitzrayim, but rather to bury him with his fathers in the Maarat Hamachpela. (He knew that Mitzrayim's soil would soon turn into lice and did not want lice crawling on his body, he also did not want to have to roll underground to Eretz Yisrael for Tchiat Hametim, he did not want Mitzrayim to make him into an avoda zara, and finally, he wanted to impart an important lesson upon his children as well as future descendants, that our only true home is Eretz Yisrael). Yosef was informed of Yaakov's illness and he came to see him with his sons, Efrayim and Menashe. Yaakov reminded Yosef of the oath that The Almighty had sworn to him, to increase his offspring as well as give his descendants this land as an everlasting possession. Yaakov then takes Efrayim and Menashe as his own children and calls them in for a blessing.
Sheni: Yisrael (Yaakov) was unable to see due to old age. Yosef positioned Menashe the firstborn to his right and Efrayim to his left. Yaakov crossed his hands placing his Right over Efrayim the younger one and his left over Menashe. He then blessed Yosef that his (Yaakov's) guardian angel should bless the boys and that they should carry the name of himself and his fathers Avraham and Yitzchak, and that they should multiply like fish.
Shelishi: Yosef tried to reposition Yaakov's hands, but Yaakov refused telling Yosef that he was well aware of who was older. He blessed the boys putting Efrayim before Menashe. Yaakov then told Yosef that G-d will be with you and eventually return you to the land of your fathers. Yaakov then gave Yosef the extra land portion of Shechem (also a reference to the birthright) which he he took from the hand of the Amorites (from Eisav who behaved like the Amorites) with his sword and bow (with his wisdom and prayer).
Revii: Yaakov called in all his sons and desired to reveal the end of time to them (however the Shechina was removed from him), he then began to bless them (Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Zevulun, Yissachar, Dan).
Chamishi: Yaakov continued to bless his sons (Gad, Asher, Naftali, Yosef).
Shishi: Yaakov completed blessing all of his sons (Binyamin). He told them that he was about to die and that he wanted to be buried in the Maarat Hamachpela where Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivkah, and Leah are buried. He then passed away and Yosef had him embalmed. Yosef then asked Paroh for permission to bury Yaakov in his pre dug burial plot in the land of Kenaan (Eretz Yisrael). Paroh gave permission and Yaakov was buried in the Maarat Hamachpela as per his instructions. Upon return to Mitzrayim, Yosef's brothers then asked him for forgiveness for the evil they had done to him. Yosef cried and so did the brothers and he told them that this was all really part of G-d's plan.
Shevii: Yosef reassured his brothers not to be afraid, and that he personally would provide for them. Yosef told his brothers that he was about to die, and that G-d would remember them and take them to the land that was promised to Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. He made them swear that they would take his bones with them out of Mitzrayim and he passed away at the age of 110.
Friday, December 10, 2010
My Hitbodedut Room
BS"D
Rebbe Nachman teaches how good it is for a person to have their own room for prayer and meditation. Well, here it is...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkPMqP8s5s4
Shabbat Shalom,
Yehoshua.
Rebbe Nachman teaches how good it is for a person to have their own room for prayer and meditation. Well, here it is...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkPMqP8s5s4
Shabbat Shalom,
Yehoshua.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Rock
BS"D
Yom Shishi, 3rd of Tevet, 5771
Yom Shishi, 3rd of Tevet, 5771
Once there was a king who had a very beloved advisor, whom he gave very much attention to. The kings other advisers were aware of this special relationship and became very jealous.
One day, the king wanted to send his beloved advisor a gift. He had a dilemma however, because he knew that this would cause even more jealousy and hatred from the other advisers. What did the king do? He prepared the gift that he wanted to give, and then he summoned all of his other advisers to come in and examine it. He told them that he wanted to give this gift to his beloved advisor, and asked them if they had any objection. Upon seeing the gift which happened to be a plain old rock from the road, none of them had any problems with it being given. So the king wrapped it up and sent it off to his beloved advisor.
When the advisor received the gift from the king he was very excited, his excitement cooled down however when he saw that it was only a simple rock from the road. But then he thought to himself, "Wait a minute, the king loves me very much and there is no way he would just send me a simple rock from the road, there must be something more to this than I understand". He then proceeded to take a hammer and smash the rock. When the rock smashed, there was a diamond found inside. This gave the advisor tremendous joy. He then said thank you to the king.
(I heard this story from a friend named Michoel)
Sometimes when we face challenges and difficulties in our lives, we must remember who is sending them our way. It is none other than our beloved Father in heaven who certainly loves us very much. With emunah, we merit to smash through the darkness and see the light and blessing that Hashem is sending us, even within the most challenging circumstances. May we all be blessed to only see happiness and blessings in our lives.
Sometimes when we face challenges and difficulties in our lives, we must remember who is sending them our way. It is none other than our beloved Father in heaven who certainly loves us very much. With emunah, we merit to smash through the darkness and see the light and blessing that Hashem is sending us, even within the most challenging circumstances. May we all be blessed to only see happiness and blessings in our lives.
Who's really in Charge?
BS"D
Yom Hamishi, 2nd of Tevet, 5771
8th day of Hannukah
The reason behind all our suffering and difficulties in life is due to our own insanity! What is this insanity from? It's from thinking that we are in control of our lives. That's right, YOU actually think that you are in control of your own life. This is the biggest insanity that there is and it is a complete denial of G-d's active control over His creation (hashgacha).
Instead of us kicking and screaming for our own way all the time, we need to start letting go. That's right, it is time to start letting go of our imagined control over things and to start letting G-d step in and guide us, He has a plan for us, we are not here for nothing. We need to start closing our eyes to all the distractions and confusion out there in the world and find G-d again. We need to start talking to Him and making a personal relationship with Him. The best place to achieve this awareness is out in the fields, away from this insane world. Second best option would be in a quiet room all by yourself, and another good option would be even out in the park where children are playing.
I heard from Rav Kinstein that children are much more aware of the truth and are not yet fully trained in the whole insanity of this world. But unfortunately it doesn’t last long, because we are teaching our own children this insanity every single day. Every time they see us without a smile, every time they experience our anger toward them or anyone else, we are teaching them that Hashem does not run the world. Think about it, why does a person get angry? It is because things are not going their way, according to their own will. But wait a minute, who's really the one in charge? Is it you, or is it G-d? When we get angry, we are teaching our children that we are in charge, however when we smile, when we take that deep breath of calm and patience in the face of insult and we allow our brains to work and remind ourselves of our simple emunah, that this is from Hashem and it is certainly for my best, then we show ourselves, our wives, our children and even the whole world that Hashem is in charge!
I bless you all this 8th night of Channukah to break free of what the Greeks taught us and are still trying to teach us. We need to come back to simple emunah in Hashem and remember to stay happy since all He is doing is for our very best. We need to stop getting angry and start getting humble. We need to get Hashem back into our lives, start talking to Him.
Hannukah Sameach,
Yehoshua
Yom Hamishi, 2nd of Tevet, 5771
8th day of Hannukah
The reason behind all our suffering and difficulties in life is due to our own insanity! What is this insanity from? It's from thinking that we are in control of our lives. That's right, YOU actually think that you are in control of your own life. This is the biggest insanity that there is and it is a complete denial of G-d's active control over His creation (hashgacha).
Instead of us kicking and screaming for our own way all the time, we need to start letting go. That's right, it is time to start letting go of our imagined control over things and to start letting G-d step in and guide us, He has a plan for us, we are not here for nothing. We need to start closing our eyes to all the distractions and confusion out there in the world and find G-d again. We need to start talking to Him and making a personal relationship with Him. The best place to achieve this awareness is out in the fields, away from this insane world. Second best option would be in a quiet room all by yourself, and another good option would be even out in the park where children are playing.
I heard from Rav Kinstein that children are much more aware of the truth and are not yet fully trained in the whole insanity of this world. But unfortunately it doesn’t last long, because we are teaching our own children this insanity every single day. Every time they see us without a smile, every time they experience our anger toward them or anyone else, we are teaching them that Hashem does not run the world. Think about it, why does a person get angry? It is because things are not going their way, according to their own will. But wait a minute, who's really the one in charge? Is it you, or is it G-d? When we get angry, we are teaching our children that we are in charge, however when we smile, when we take that deep breath of calm and patience in the face of insult and we allow our brains to work and remind ourselves of our simple emunah, that this is from Hashem and it is certainly for my best, then we show ourselves, our wives, our children and even the whole world that Hashem is in charge!
I bless you all this 8th night of Channukah to break free of what the Greeks taught us and are still trying to teach us. We need to come back to simple emunah in Hashem and remember to stay happy since all He is doing is for our very best. We need to stop getting angry and start getting humble. We need to get Hashem back into our lives, start talking to Him.
Hannukah Sameach,
Yehoshua
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