How to Unlock the Hidden Power of Prayer

Dear Friends,

During the High Holidays, we spend a lot of time immersed in prayer.
This article discusses three keys to enhancing our prayers. It also discusses hitbodedut, both the commonly practiced form as well as silent hitbodedut.

How to Unlock the Hidden Power of Prayer

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Is Your Commitment to Judaism Strong Enough?

Dear Friends,

Continuing the theme of introspection before the High Holidays, here is a choice between two articles. 

This one gives 8 strategies to help us strengthen our commitment to Judaism. It has been updated and now includes diagnostic questions.

Is Your Commitment to Judaism Strong Enough?

This one focuses on dealing with moral dilemmas.

Who Are You? A Balaam, a Job or a Jethro?

Have a great week,

Yaakov

What’s the Point of It All? The Power of Transformative Questions

Dear Friends,

As Elul is a time for introspection, here is the link to the updated version of this article. It now has 16 questions.

What’s the Point of It All? The Power of Transformative Questions

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Elul: Repentance

Dear Friends, 

This post is about the Jewish month of Elul, as it relates to The Chazak Plan: A 12 Month Journey to Spiritual Strength.

Rosh Chodesh Elul begins Friday night, the 14th of August, and lasts for two days.

Elul is the time of year to take stock of our lives and prepare for the High Holidays. Most of us have at least one area in which we struggle; perhaps it is being ethical in business, being moral, being charitable and kind, refraining from hurting others, or some other area. Correcting our key flaw(s) is a main component of our life’s mission and why God put us in this world.

Pick one area on which to focus and choose a manageable change you will make on a daily or weekly basis; input this change into your checklist. If possible, speak to your rabbi or spiritual mentor for guidance. The focus on repentance continues into next month until after Yom Kippur.

Questions for the month:

“Which area do I struggle with, which I am motivated to address this Elul?”

“What is a manageable commitment I will make to repair this issue?

“Is it clear to me what area to focus on and how to repent, or, who can I speak to for guidance?” 

Readings for the month:

Debunking 5 Myths about Repentance

“Am I a Faker or a Genuine Person?”

What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?

Take care, and may God grant us success in the coming month,

Yaakov 

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times

Dear Friends,

Along the theme of Shabbat Nachamu (a Shabbat of consolation which follows Tisha B’Av), here are two articles of comfort for difficult times. They are updated versions of previous articles.

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times: Part I

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times: Part II

Have a great week,

Yaakov