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terça-feira, 31 de julho de 2018

SF - A Vision of Goodness \ The Wisdom of King Solomon

A Vision of Goodness \ The Wisdom of King Solomon

D'var Torah: ""So that you may walk in the way of good people and keep the paths of the righteous" (Proverbs 2:20). In this timeless teaching, King Solomon, advises us to conduct ourselves with absolute, constant goodness towards our fellow man. He encourages us with the ideal to be consistently good and  strive to be kind to others, at all times. Even in situations where one is offended, it is better not to react harshly. Rather, always remain calm and even-tempered. In addition, it is a great virtue to refrain from causing hurt to others so that we emanate constant goodness, kindness, and love.

Moral: Just like a public road is familiar to everyone, so too, King Solomon urges mankind to walk the path of goodness. How beautiful life will be when goodness is practiced by society, both individually and collectively.

Application: Be inspired to follow King Solomon's recommendation to be pleasant and kind in every circumstance.  As a result, the quality of our lives and those of our neighbors will be elevated, beautified, and filled with joy.
(Based on the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim)  
Blue
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph

Refuah Shleimah

Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel
Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana
Chava Bas Michal Chanah
Chaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee
Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah
Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Salant Foundation, 1330 NE 172 St., North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Sent by salantorg@gmail.com in collaboration with
Constant Contact

segunda-feira, 30 de julho de 2018

SF - HaShem's Love Is the Foundation of Self-Improvement \ Parashat Eikev

HaShem's Love Is the Foundation of Self-Improvement \ Parashat Eikev

D'var Torah: "Rabbi Akiva said, 'Fortunate are you, the People of Israel! In whose presence are you purified? Your Father in Heaven purifies you!'" How wonderful is it for each one of us to know that HaShem considers us His children, and He is our merciful Father! If HaShem had not revealed His special love for Klal Yisrael, we might feel embarrassed to ask HaShem for forgiveness. However, since HaShem loves us as our Father, we are encouraged to seek His forgiveness. 
A father loves his child unconditionally. Therefore, no matter what a child has done, he knows that his father will love him and forgive him. The knowledge of HaShem's great Fatherly love for Klal Yisrael, gives us the confidence to do improve ourselves, and receive His forgiveness, acceptance, and love. 

Moral: The very moment we reflect on self-improvement, we can rest assured that HaShem receives us with love, compassion, and forgiveness. 

Application: Envision a loving parent place his child in a warm bath, and gently wash him with the most fragrant soap. Reflect that HaShem, our merciful Father, purifies us with great kindness. Be inspired knowing that just as the waters of a Mikveh purify, so too, HaShem lovingly purifies Klal Yisrael whenever we ask Him for forgivness.
(Based on Yoma and Tomer Devorah, as explained by Rav Yitzchak Blazer, Cochvei Ohr)
Blue
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph

Refuah Shleimah

Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel
Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana
Chava Bas Michal Chanah
Chaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee
Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah
Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Salant Foundation, 1330 NE 172 St., North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Sent by salantorg@gmail.com in collaboration with
Constant Contact

sexta-feira, 27 de julho de 2018

SF - How to Handle Tests With Joy \ Parashat Etchanon

How to Handle Tests With Joy \ Parashat Etchanon

D'var Torah: "And you shall love HaShem your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." The Sages derive from the phrase, "and with all your might": "whether HaShem sends a person happy times or difficult times, he must accept it in happiness." How is it  possible to accept difficult times in happiness? HaShem sends every soul to this world to be "tested." For example, the poor man's test is to endure his challenges with trust in HaShem, while the rich man's test is to share his wealth with the poor. The tests that HaShem sends each person is uniquely designed as a means for his self-improvement. However, since each test is custom made for each soul, it would be very burdensome for someone to withstand the trials of his friend. Since, HaShem only sends us tests that we can pass, hence our Sages teach us to "accept our situation with happiness." Even if our test is greatly challenging, we must keep the faith, because HaShem sent us this test for our benefit and growth.   

Moral: HaShem sends us tests perfectly designed for our self-improvement, which we can definitely pass. Therefore, since each test is for our benefit, it makes perfect sense to accept every test with happiness. 

Application: Envision a great warrior, who always chooses the toughest battles, in order to show his strength and bravery. It is the same in our "spiritual battle" with the negative impulse. If you meet a situation which requires great effort and bravery, and you master the moment, this reveals your great trust in HaShem. Even more, HaShem will count you as one "who loves HaShem."
(Based on the commentary of the Chofetz Chaim) 
Blue
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph

Refuah Shleimah

Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel
Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana
Chava Bas Michal Chanah
Chaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee
Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah
Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Salant Foundation, 1330 NE 172 St., North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Sent by salantorg@gmail.com in collaboration with
Constant Contact

quinta-feira, 26 de julho de 2018

SF - The Four Prerequisites of Prayer \ Parashat Etchanon

The Four Prerequisites of Prayer  \ Parashat Etchanon

D'var Torah: "And I entreated HaShem at that time, saying....Please let me cross over and see the good land" (Devarim 3). Our Sages revealed four conditions required for our prayers to be accepted. Firstly, the one who prays must entreat and plead before HaShem. Secondly, he must be aware that he is directing his prayer to HaShem, Who is the Source of Compassion. Thirdly, he must pray at an auspicious time. Fourthly, he must express to HaShem exactly what he needs. Moshe Rabenu fulfilled all four conditions when he prayed to enter Eretz Yisrael. "And I entreated" -- the first condition. "HaShem" the Name of HaShem evoking compassion, the second condition. Thirdly, "at that time" -- Moshe knows the most auspicious time to pray. "Please let me cross over and see the good land" -- Moshe articulated to HaShem exactly what he wanted.  

Moral: 
Moshe taught us the specifications of meritorious prayer. The awareness and fulfillment of the four prerequisites of prayer, will carry our prayers to Heaven. 

Application: Review the four components of prayer before you pray: entreating HaShem, being aware that HaShem is merciful, praying at an auspicious time, and expressing clearly your needs to HaShem. If we use Moshe's ancient formula, HaShem will surely answer all of our prayers. 
(Based on the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim) 
Blue
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph

Refuah Shleimah

Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel
Leah Hadassah bas Michal Chana
Chava Bas Michal Chanah
Chaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee
Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah
Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Salant Foundation, 1330 NE 172 St., North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Sent by salantorg@gmail.com in collaboration with
Constant Contact

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