Everything Works Out in the End: Even when it doesn’t appear to

Dear Friends,

When we are in the midst of a challenge, we may have difficulty imagining how things will work out. But, Everything Works Out in the End: Even when it doesn’t appear to .

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times

Dear Friends,

Strong faith will help us get through the difficult times in our lives.

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times: Part I

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times: Part II

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Is Faith Logical? and How to Build Unshakable Faith

Dear Friends,

Some mistakenly think that you either have faith or you don't. In truth, faith is something we can strengthen, if we choose to.

Is Faith Logical? One Answer in Ten Questions

How to Build Unshakable Faith

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Abraham + Isaac + Jacob = You

Dear Friends,

This article explores further the topics of clarity, purity and joy:

Abraham + Isaac + Jacob = You

Happy Chanukah and Chodesh Tov!

Yaakov

Lessons From Chanukah: Clarity, Purity and Joy and Tevet: Faith

Dear Friends,

Sunday night is the first night of Chanukah:

Lessons From Chanukah: Clarity, Purity and Joy

Rosh Chodesh Tevet begins Friday night, the 7th of December and lasts for two days.

The month of Tevet encompasses two moods: Celebration and mourning. During the beginning of the month, we celebrate Chanukah, commemorating, among other events, the rededication of the Second Temple. Later in the month, on the 10th of Tevet, we fast and commemorate the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, which led to the destruction of the First Temple.

In one month we commemorate two diametrically opposed events. Faith is the bridge between them. Even while we mourn an event which led to the destruction of the Temple, we have faith that like the miracle of Chanukah, another dedication of the Temple will occur, when the Messiah comes and dedicates the Third Temple.

Input into your checklist to do the following daily practice to enhance your faith: Think of a challenge and say to yourself:

“This is from God for my eternal benefit. Part of fulfilling my life’s purpose is doing what I can to overcome and grow from this challenge. This will work out in the end; either in this world or in the next. God is with me, giving me the strength and courage I need to triumph.”

Additional articles on faith, as it relates to dealing with adversity, are listed under the months of Tammuz and Av.

Questions for the month:

“What challenge will I use to help me strengthen my faith?”

“Is there an area of my faith where I have doubts and questions? If yes, who can I speak to for clarity?”

May God grant us success in the coming month and have a Happy Chanukah!

Yaakov

Am I Stubborn and Close Minded?

Dear Friends,

It's helpful to think about if there is an area of our lives in which we are being overly stubborn.

Being stubborn stands in the way of personal growth. If we are not open to new ways of looking at things, how will we break free from our habitual patterns? We will keep making the same mistakes, while insisting we are right.

We each have our mindsets and habitual behaviors, and we will stay stuck in them unless we are willing to consider alternatives. In addition, people who are stubborn, only have access to their limited perspective and intelligence. But those who are willing to consider the viewpoints of others, the perspective and intelligence available to them is multiplied many times.

There is though a place for stubbornness. For example, we should be stubborn when sticking to our principles and living our values. When appropriate, Ethics of the Fathers (5:20) teaches us to “Be bold as a leopard.”

Here are three ways to decrease unhealthy stubbornness:

(1) Work on developing humility; realize you have been wrong in the past and you will likely make mistakes in the future. With true humility, a person is able to admit when they were wrong and change course.

(2) When talking to others, instead of trying to get them to agree with you, really listen and consider what they are saying. You will learn a lot more that way. As has been said, “If your lips are moving, you’re not learning anything new.”

(3) Ask people for feedback and advice, and give serious consideration to what they say. Instead of focusing on why they are wrong, see if there is a nugget of wisdom you can benefit from.

When we are open-minded and interested in learning new ideas and ways of enhancing our lives, we have laid a solid foundation for growth.

Ask, “Which area of my life am I stubborn about? Perhaps there is a better way of dealing with this issue. Who can I speak to for guidance?”

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Clarity: 8 Ways to Get More of It

Dear Friends,

Many times we struggle with how to deal with the challenges in our lives and wonder how we can get more clarity.

Clarity: 8 Ways to Get More of It

Have a great week,

Yaakov

How to Overcome Your Challenges: 10 Ways

Dear Friends,

We all have challenges. The question is do we become despondent over them or make an action plan to overcome them?

How to Overcome Your Challenges: 10 Ways

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Kislev: Gratitude

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Kislev begins Wednesday night, the 7th of November and lasts for two days.

During this month we celebrate the festival of Chanukah, which commemorates the miracle of the oil, the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks and the rededication of the Second Temple. A key message of the festival is expressing gratitude to God for the miracles He performs for us.

Each day, either at the beginning of the day or before going to sleep, spend time feeling grateful for the blessings your Creator gave you. Thank Him for His many gifts, for the bright side/silver lining of your difficulties, and for signs of His help amidst your challenges. Consider inputting this daily practice of expressing gratitude into your checklist.

In addition, express your appreciation to others. You can do this in person, on the phone, via a quick email or text, or with a written note.

The readings for this month focus on Chanukah and related themes. For additional discussion on gratitude, see the first tool in, “6 Tools to Enhance Your Mood.”

Questions for the month:

“What is something I am very grateful to God for? What can I say to Him to express my appreciation?”

“Who is someone who has helped me? How can I express my appreciation?”

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

Yaakov

How to Respond Effectively to a Tragedy or Crisis

Dear Friends,

We are all shaken by the shooting this past Shabbat in a Pittsburgh Synagogue. We pray that God heal those who were injured and comfort those who lost loved ones.

How to Respond Effectively to a Tragedy or Crisis

Let us all pick one area to strengthen, at least for this week, perhaps learning Torah for a few extra minutes each day, praying with more concentration, or spending extra time helping others. 

Have a good week,

Yaakov

Surrendering to God: 3 steps to transcend your ego

Dear Friends,

A key part of prayer is surrendering to God, realizing that we can't do anything without His help.

Surrendering to God: 3 steps to transcend your ego

Have a great week,

Yaakov

What Happens to Our Seemingly Unanswered Prayers?

Dear Friends,

What Happens to Our Seemingly Unanswered Prayers?

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Cheshvan: Prayer

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan begins Monday night, the 8th of October and lasts for two days.

On the 7th of Cheshvan, in Israel, prayers for rain begin. For this month, focus on enhancing your prayers. You can pick a section of the prayers to say daily with understanding and input this into your checklist. In addition or instead, you can recite daily one Psalm with understanding (longer Psalms can be read over two to three days).

(If you do not yet pray daily, open up a prayer book and see if any of the prayers resonate with you, or better yet, ask your rabbi or spiritual mentor for a suggestion; recite that prayer every day. Alternatively, read daily from the book of Psalms. There are many excellent English translations available with varied formats; choose one that works best for you.)

One type of prayer, popularized by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, is called Hitbodedut; this is where we talk out loud to God in our native language, unburdening ourselves to Him. Try this daily practice for at least a week, preferably a month. See if it helps you feel closer to God and to feeling His comfort and support.

Part of upgrading our prayers is showing reverence for the sanctuary, and not talking during the prayer service.

Even while we pray for help in specific areas of our lives, we surrender to God, acknowledging that only He knows what is truly best for us.

Questions for the month:

“Which section of the prayers will I focus on saying this month with understanding? Or, what else can I do to enhance my prayers?”

“What issues are weighing on my mind that I can informally speak to God about?”

“How can I enhance the reverence I show for the sanctuary?”

Article:

How to Unlock the Hidden Power of Prayer

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

Yaakov

Taking Refuge in a Sukkah of Faith

Dear Friends,

The Festival of Sukkot begins Sunday night, the 23rd of September.

There will be no posts till after the Holidays.

Taking Refuge in a Sukkah of Faith (please click on the title to access)

Have a Chag Sameach,

Yaakov

Repairing Our Mistakes: How to Ask for Forgiveness

Dear Friends,

One of the hardest things to do is to admit we made a mistake and ask for forgiveness.

Before Yom Kippur, this Tuesday night, from whom will you ask forgiveness?

Repairing Our Mistakes: How to Ask for Forgiveness

Have a gmar chatima tova,

Yaakov

You: As God Intended

Dear Friends,

Rosh Hashanah begins this Sunday night, September 9th.

Here is an article for Rosh Hashanah

You: As God Intended

Have a Shana Tova,

Yaakov

Debunking 5 Myths about Repentance

Dear Friends,

There are a number of misconceptions about repentance. Here are 5.

Debunking 5 Myths about Repentance

Have a great week,

Yaakov 

What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?

Dear Friends,

As we get closer to Rosh Hashanah, now is the time to make a New Years resolution, to pick an area to focus on improving. Something specific and doable.

What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?

Have a great week,

Yaakov

“Am I a Faker or a Genuine Person?”

Dear Friends,

When thinking about working on ourselves during the month of Elul, an important question to ask is, “Am I a Faker or a Genuine Person?”

Have a great week,

Yaakov

The 10 Item Daily Checklist

Dear Friends,

Chodesh tov. Sunday is the first day of the month of Elul. With the beginning of Elul we start to think about the area of our lives we want to work on this High Holiday season. 

This article can be helpful in choosing an area to focus on: 

The 10 Item Daily Checklist

Have a great week,

Yaakov 

How to Strengthen Your Commitment to Judaism and Elul Post

Dear Friends,

I updated this article, honing it down to 8 ways to strengthen your commitment:
How to Strengthen Your Commitment to Judaism

The rest of 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 Shabbos, Friday night, the 10th of August and lasts for two days.

Elul is the time of year we 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 major part 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; you can input this change into your calendar or checklist. If possible, speak to your rabbi or spiritual mentor for guidance. The focus on repentance continues into next month until after Yom Kippur.

As the High Holidays involve reciting many prayers, for suggestions on how to enhance your prayers, see, “How to Unlock the Hidden Power of Prayer.”

Questions for the month:
“Which area do I struggle with that I’m motivated to address this Elul?”

“What is a manageable commitment I will make?

“Is it clear to me what area to focus on and how to repent (if necessary)? If it is not clear, who can I speak to for guidance?”

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

Yaakov

What Motivates You to be Kind? Two Possibilities

Dear friends,

Have you ever wondered, What Motivates You to be Kind? Two Possibilities

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Longing for the Redemption

Dear Friends,

Today is Tisha B'av, the day we commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples. We mourn what lost, try to rectify our sins and long for the redemption.

Longing for the Redemption

May this be the last Tisha B'av that we mourn and may we soon witness the rebuilding of the Third Temple.

Yaakov

The Freedom of Forgiveness: 3 Strategies to Letting Go

Dear Friends,

Before Tisha B'av, we focus on removing the bitterness we feel toward others from our hearts. One way of doing that is through forgiveness.

The Freedom of Forgiveness: 3 Strategies to Letting Go

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Av: Restoring Love

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Av begins Thursday night, the 12th of July and lasts for one day.

On the 9th of this month – Tisha B’Av – we fast to commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

Last month, we focused on removing hatred. This month, we will focus on the next step: Restoring love by apologizing and helping others.

Consider if you may have caused someone distress, by what you said or did. If yes, commit to apologize to them as soon as possible.

In addition, each day of this month, consider checking off on your checklist if you did an act of kindness; it can be something small. If the day is coming to a close and you have not yet done an act of kindness, ask yourself if there is someone you can call or email, who would appreciate that you reached out to them. At the very least, put some money in a charity box. Do not let a day go by without doing something for someone else. As the Sages teach, (Ethics of the Fathers 1:14), “…If I am [only] for myself, what am I?”

The topic of doing acts of kindness is discussed in, Abraham + Isaac + Jacob = You. The topic of not wronging others is discussed in, “What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?” The topic of apologizing is discussed in, “Repairing Our Mistakes: How to Ask for Forgiveness.”

Questions for the month: 

“Who can I apologize to?” (And make amends if applicable)

“Who can I help?” (Some examples: Giving emotional, financial or physical support, advice, or helping someone find a job or a spouse.) 

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Hating Your Fellow Jew

Dear Friends,

Sunday, July 1st is the fast of The Seventeenth of Tammuz. We fast to commemorate the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the First Temple. The Sages teach that a key reason the Messiah has not yet come to rebuild the Temple is because of the sin of hating one’s fellow Jew.

Here is an excerpt from, “What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?”

Do you hate another Jew? Perhaps not, but how about intensely dislike?

We do not have to go out of our way to spend time with people we do not like; often, it is best to limit contact with those who push our buttons or are just not nice people. But, we are forbidden to harbor personal animosity toward a fellow Jew, as the Torah cautions us (Leviticus 19:17), “Do not hate your brother in your heart…” (In general, it is not a good idea to hate anyone; but hating a fellow Jew is especially sinful.)

Diagnostic questions: Are there people I cannot stand and feel distaste just looking at them? Are there people who I would be happy to hear that they are having difficulties?

Often, we dislike people because they wronged us in some way; in that case, see, “The Freedom of Forgiveness: 3 Strategies to Letting Go.” Other times, some people just rub us the wrong way. When we look at them, we think about their real or imagined faults.

Instead, remind yourself that you do not know everything about them and why they act the way they do; give them the benefit of the doubt, just like you would want others to give you.

Look for shared humanity. Deep within your heart is a place of tenderness and vulnerability; it exists within those you dislike as well. You have more in common with those you dislike than differences. You have flaws and weaknesses, so do they. You try hard to provide for yourself and your family, so do they. You have worries and concerns, hopes and dreams, so do they. Sometimes, you struggle just to get by, so do they. As best you can, feel warmth and compassion for them.

Generally speaking, the people we dislike are those we do not know well. The more we get to know people, their good qualities and struggles, the more we realize that in many ways they are just like us.

The Sages teach that the entire Jewish people are all part of one soul – we are one spiritual entity. When you see another Jew, you are seeing a part of yourself. Just as you are accepting of your own flaws, be accepting of the flaws of others as well, as they are an extension of yourself. Perhaps this idea is hinted to in Leviticus (19:18) where God says to us, “…You shall love your fellow as yourself…” How do you come to love your fellow? By realizing that he is “as yourself” – an extension of who you are.

Action steps: The next time you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about someone, switch focus to their admirable qualities and the good they have done. Also think about their possible struggles, e.g., a difficult upbringing or mental illness, which may give you insight into why they act the way they do. Preferably, compliment them for the good you see in them. A sincere compliment is a powerful way to break down barriers between people. In addition, remind yourself that they are a part of you and to accept them as they are. Lastly, look for ways to assist those you dislike or ask for their assistance; both can help cultivate feelings of closeness.

The above encompasses individuals. Jews can also be divided into groups, e.g., Israelis and those living in the diaspora, Sephardim and Ashkenazim, Chassidim and Mitnagdim, as well as a whole spectrum of religiosity. It is very easy to fall into the trap of looking down and showing disdain for those who are different than us. In addition, we are often quick to label a whole group based on the behavior of isolated individuals.

The next time you catch yourself harboring dislike for a particular group of Jews, ask, “Does everyone in this group act in the manner I find offensive? Am I sure that I would not act the same way or worse if I was in their situation?” In addition, think about their praiseworthy qualities and the good deeds they do, and try to feel some love for your fellow Jews.

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Conflict Resolution: How to Win the Battle for Peace

Dear Friends,

Here are some tips on Conflict Resolution: How to Win the Battle for Peace (please click on the title to access).

Have a great week,

Yaakov

"I Am a Selfless Giver"

Dear friends,

The following one page PDF is based on the article, ​10 Signs You’re a Selfless Giver, 5 Signs You’re Not,

You can post it on your fridge and it's called, "I Am a Selfless Giver." Please click on the title to access and print.

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Tammuz: Removing Hatred

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Tammuz begins Tuesday night, the 12th of June and lasts for two days.

On the 17th of this month, we fast to commemorate the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the First Temple. This is the beginning of the period known as The Three Weeks which ends next month on Tisha B’Av, the day we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The Sages teach that a key reason the Messiah has not yet come to rebuild the Temple is because of the sin of hating one’s fellow Jew.

We are a small nation surrounded by enemies bent on our destruction. To defeat the hatred against our people, we must defeat the hatred within our people. This month, go out of your way to be forgiving and overlook the faults of others.

One of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov’s most transformative teachings is his emphasis on finding the good in ourselves and others (Likutey Moharan I, 282). A complementary practice is to realize that we all have difficulties and to feel compassion for our own challenges and for those of others. Each day, look for the good in yourself and others, and feel compassion for the struggles we all face. Then, you will be more forgiving and loving toward yourself and others.

Check off on your checklist each day you complimented someone, or at least spent time thinking about a person’s good points (including your own).

For additional discussion on the sin of hating one’s fellow Jew, see, “What is Your Number One Spiritual Stumbling Block?”

Questions for the month:

“Who in my life do I feel hatred toward or greatly dislike?” (Pick one person and depending on the situation, either work on forgiving them or on reducing the hurt you feel.)

“Who pushes my buttons? Can I focus on their good points and be more complimentary and understanding?”

“What is the first step I can take to try to resolve a conflict I have with someone?”

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

Yaakov

What Does God Want from Me?

Dear Friends,

Have you ever asked yourself, What Does God Want from Me?   (click on the link to access)

Have a great week,

Yaakov

3 Fundamental Mitzvot

Dear Friends,

If you were asked, what are three fundamental mitzvot, what would you answer?

3 Fundamental Mitzvot

Have a great week,

Yaakov 

Sivan and The Ten Commandments: Exploring Their Hidden Side

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Sivan begins Monday night, the 14th of May and lasts for one day.

The festival of Shavuot begins Motzai Shabbat, the 19th of May. On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving on Mount Sinai the Torah, God’s instruction manual for life. Even those who are unaffiliated, without realizing it, observe part of the Torah. Take for example the 10 Commandments, many already believe in God, do not worship idols, honor their parents, do not commit murder, adultery etc.

Begin at whatever level of observance you are currently on, and pick one area you are motivated to strengthen this month. At the end of each day/week, mark off on your checklist if you kept that observance.

Question for the month:
“What area of observance will I strengthen this month or at least learn more about?”

Article:
The Ten Commandments: Exploring Their Hidden Side

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

Yaakov

You’re Not Arrogant, But Are You Truly Humble?

Dear Friends,

No matter how humble we already are, there's still more room for growth. By deepening our humility, we will enhance our relationships.

You’re Not Arrogant, But Are You Truly Humble?

Have a great week,

Yaakov

6 Ways to Deal with Critical Family Members

Dear Friends,

There are often people in our lives who are very critical of us, either family members or people at work. The strategies below can be helpful in either situation.

6 Ways to Deal with Critical Family Members

Have a great week,

Yaakov

How to Give Constructive Feedback without Sounding Critical

Dear Friends,

Sometimes you need to give someone constructive feedback. Here are some ideas how:

How to Give Constructive Feedback without Sounding Critical

Have a great week,

Yaakov

6 Ways to Kick the Criticism Habit

Dear Friends,

During the month of Iyar we are focusing on enhancing our relationships. A key way to do that is to reduce criticism.

6 Ways to Kick the Criticism Habit

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Iyar: Enhancing our Relationships

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Iyar begins Motzai Shabbat, Saturday night, the 14th of April and lasts for two days. 

The period known as The Omer occurs during this month. During part of The Omer, we commemorate thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students who died in a plague. The Talmud teaches that the plague occurred because the students did not treat each other with proper respect.

This month, we focus on treating others well and enhancing our relationship with them.

Our relationships play a pivotal role in either enhancing or negatively affecting our emotional, physical and spiritual health; toxic relationships drain us, while healthy relationships nourish us.

Make a list of your key family, work and social relationships. Decide which ones to strengthen or repair, which ones need better boundaries or for you to distance yourself from, and ways to foster new healthy relationships.

Input into your checklist the following practice or a related one: At least once a week, schedule one-on-one time with someone in your life to strengthen that relationship; shut off your cell and give him or her your undivided attention.

In addition, this month, work on being less critical of others. Start by focusing on the person of whom you are most critical. Consider using your checklist and check off each day you were able to avoid criticizing them. You might want to start off with just avoiding being critical during a set time of day, i.e., morning, afternoon or evening, and build from there.

Questions for the month:

“Which of my relationships do I need to strengthen? What is the first step to doing that?”

“Which relationships need better boundaries or for me to distance myself from? What is the first step to doing that?”

“Do I want to form new healthy relationships? What are some ways I can do that?”

“Which person in my life am I most critical of? For this month, am I willing to commit to give them at least as much compliments as criticisms?”

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

Yaakov

Don't Give Up!

Dear Friends,

Passover begins Friday night, March 30th.

When the Jews were leaving Egypt, they almost lost hope when they saw the Egyptian army chasing after them. Moses prayed to God and God told him to keep going (Exodus, 14:15). By having faith in God and moving forward, even going straight into the sea, they witnessed the amazing miracle of the sea splitting before them.

In our own lives, we may feel overwhelmed by struggles and past mistakes. At times, there appears to be no way out. But we must have faith that there is always a way out. Instead of wallowing in our difficulties, we must keep moving forward, step by step, even if we have no idea how we will succeed. Success is up to God; it is up to us to do our best.

Each day is a new beginning, a new opportunity to overcome your challenges. Never give up. No situation is as seemingly hopeless as a nation being enslaved for hundreds of years. Just as God freed us from slavery, so too can He free you from your difficulties. With faith in your heart, a prayer on your lips and ironclad determination, like the Jews leaving Egypt, may you too witness miracles and see your challenges split before you.

Think of a difficulty in your life and have faith that God has given you the strength to overcome it. Pick one step you will take to address the issue or ask someone wise for advice.

For other lessons from the Exodus, see

What Worked for Our Ancestors: 5 Lessons from the Exodus

The next blog post will God willing be after the Holidays.

Happy Passover, Chag Kasher Vesameach,

Yaakov

“I Tried. I Failed. Now What?” 10 Ways to Recover From a Setback

Dear Friends,

A key characteristic of successful people is that they have grit, they persevere and do not give up.

“I Tried. I Failed. Now What?” 10 Ways to Recover From a Setback

An article related to the theme of this month of spiritual spring cleaning:

4 Ways to Safeguard Your Moral Purity

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Nissan: Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Nissan begins Friday night, the 16th of March, and lasts for one day.

During Nissan, we celebrate the holiday of Passover. On Passover, we commemorate the Exodus from Egypt. It is a time of freedom, when we free ourselves from that which brings us down spiritually.

Even today, many of us are still not yet free and are enslaved to our passions, to varying degrees. At the same time, we still maintain some level of moral purity. The goal is to raise it up a notch, thereby increasing our freedom.

When you prepare for the holiday by removing leaven from your house, also remove spiritual pollution. To whatever extent you are ready, go through your books, magazines, music and videos, and get rid of those filled with profanity, lewdness or vulgarity and using a filter, block related websites; they downgrade your spiritually.

An aspect of maintaining your purity is speaking in an elevated manner. Are there any words you choose to remove from your vocabulary, at least for this month, that do not reflect the type of person you are?

Using your checklist, you can check off each day you succeeded in speaking in a refined manner and/or staying away from spiritual pollution (or limiting your exposure as best you can).

Questions for the month:

“How can I declutter and elevate my spirituality at the same time? What will I get rid of?”

“What is a source of spiritual pollution in my life? How can I shield myself from it or at least limit my exposure to it?”

“What word(s) do I choose to remove from my vocabulary, at least for this month?” 

A reading for the month:

Are You a Balaam, a Job or a Jethro?

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

Yaakov

Who Are You? Getting in Touch with Your Essence

Dear Friends,

Have you ever asked yourself, "Who am I?" Or, "What type of person am I?"

Who Are You? Getting in Touch with Your Essence

Have a great week,

Yaakov

The 2 Forms of Divine Providence: Purim and Passover

Dear Friends,

This Wednesday night, February 28th, begins the festival of Purim.

The 2 Forms of Divine Providence: Purim and Passover

Have a great week and a Happy Purim!

Yaakov

3-Dimensional Acceptance: A Pathway to Peace and Power

Dear Friends,

How can we be more accepting of our challenges?

3-Dimensional Acceptance: A Pathway to Peace and Power

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Adar: Enhancing our Joy

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Adar begins Wednesday night, the 14th of February, and lasts for two days.

Our Sages teach that with the arrival of Adar we increase our joy, culminating in the festival of Purim. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people during the Persian exile.

While we do not have direct control over our moods, the following are six tools which can be helpful in enhancing them: Gratitude, acceptance, self-compassion, expressing ourselves, addressing festering issues and making lifestyle enhancements (these tools are discussed in the reading below). Many times, even using just one tool will help us feel better and increase our enjoyment of life.

After reading the article, choose one tool which you will utilize this month. Then, decide on the one change, technique or behavior, related to that tool, you will do on a daily or regular basis, for at least this month. Add it to your checklist and track how often you do it.

Questions for the month:

“What do I think is most negatively affecting my emotional health? How will I address it?”

“What will I do this month to enhance my emotional health/mood and become a happier person?”

Reading for the month:

6 Tools to Enhance Your Mood

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

Yaakov

Personal Growth: How to Upgrade Your Skillset

Dear Friends,

We're all a work in progress. The question is what are we working on?

Pick one area of your life that you want to focus on improving.

Personal Growth: How to Upgrade Your Skillset

Have a great week,

Yaakov

How to Stop Hating and Start Loving Yourself

Dear Friends,

It's shocking how many people don't like themselves. But we are going to live with ourselves for the rest of our lives, so we might as well take the time now to develop a loving relationship.

How to Stop Hating and Start Loving Yourself

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Overcoming our Soft Addictions

Dear Friends,

A focus this month is on regaining balance in our lives and reining in any behavior that has become problematic.

Overcoming our Soft Addictions

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Shvat: Elevating the Physical

Dear Friends,

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

Rosh Chodesh Shvat begins Tuesday night, the 16th of January, and lasts for one day.

The 15th of this month is Tu B’Shvat, the New Year for trees. An aspect of this holiday is celebrating and elevating the physical. Part of sanctifying the physical is taking care of the body with which God entrusted you. During this month, choose to upgrade either your sleep, exercise or diet habits.

Pick one change you will make on a daily or regular basis, for at least this month, and using your checklist, track how often you do it. If you find the change very easy, add another one. Some examples: Go to sleep 15-20 minutes earlier each week until you feel refreshed in the morning; exercise 2-3 times a week or go for a daily brisk walk; cut out sugary drinks and/or foods from your diet, limiting them to special occasions. Make water your preferred beverage. If you do not like the way your water tastes, consider a filter.

A related point of focus for this month is to consider if there is an area of your life where your relationship with the physical has become unbalanced and excessive, e.g., overeating, overspending, overworking, or overuse of the internet or your smartphone (surfing, texting, checking email, using Facebook etc.). Most of us have at least one area which, at a minimum, wastes our time and takes us away from more fulfilling activities. This month, pick one behavior to rein in and one behavior you would like to do more of instead.

Questions for the month:

“What will I upgrade this month, my sleep, exercise or diet habits?”

“Is there an area of my life which has become unbalanced and excessive, which at the very least wastes my time? How will I rein it in and regain control?”

“What would I like to do with the new time or money I free up?”

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

Yaakov

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times

Dear Friends,

We live in challenging times. It seems like on a regular basis we hear about tragedies and crises.

We need to nourish ourselves with faith and draw strength from our relationship with God.

Nourishing Yourself with Faith during Difficult Times: 

Have a good week,

Yaakov