Tevet: Faith

Dear Friends, 

Happy Chanukah!

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

Rosh Chodesh Tevet begins Sunday night, the 17th 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. 

Consider inputting 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.” 

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?”

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

Yaakov

Abraham + Isaac + Jacob = You

Dear Friends,

Continuing the theme from last week:

Abraham + Isaac + Jacob = You

Chanukah begins this Tuesday night.

Have a happy Chanukah!

Yaakov

Lessons From Chanukah: Clarity, Purity and Joy

Dear Friends,

Soon will be Chanukah, a very joyous and precious holiday.

Lessons From Chanukah: Clarity, Purity and Joy

Have a great week,

Yaakov

Clarity: 8 Ways to Get More of It

Dear Friends,

In life, we need clarity: To know what is truly important.

Clarity: 8 Ways to Get More of It

Have a great week,

Yaakov

The 10 Item Daily Checklist

Dear Friends,

Today is the first day of the month of Kislev. A new month, a new beginning. Today is a good day to look over the "10 Item Daily Checklist" and consider adding one item to your daily routine.

The 10 Item Daily Checklist

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 Motzai Shabbat (Saturday night), the 18th of November, and lasts for one day.

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, preferably at the beginning of the day, 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. 

 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

Surrendering to God: 3 steps to transcend your ego

Dear Friends, 

The more you surrender to God, the more you will benefit.

Surrendering to God: 3 steps to transcend your ego

Have a great week,

Yaakov