Responding to Tragedy

Dear friends, 

Only a short while ago I posted about the tragedy in Meron and now another tragedy in Florida.  

The tools are the same. The ever powerful tools of prayer, charity and Torah study. 

Life is so fleeting and it is so easy to get distracted from what is truly important. Let us strive even more to use our time wisely and focus on pursuits of lasting value. 

How to Respond Effectively to a Tragedy or Crisis

We pray for the wounded and for the success of the rescue efforts. 

May God send comfort, healing and protection to our people, 

Yaakov 

“Why?” 5 Reasons for Suffering

 Dear Friends, 

When faced with difficulties, many of us have asked: "Why God?"

“Why?” 5 Reasons for Suffering

Have a great week,

Yaakov 

Conflict Resolution: How to Win the Battle for Peace

Dear Friends, 

Conflict Resolution: How to Win the Battle for Peace

Have a great week,

Yaakov 

Tammuz: Forgiveness

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 Wednesday night, June 9th 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).

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, as this hurt only harms you.)

“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?”

Reading:

The Freedom of Forgiveness: 3 Strategies to Letting Go

May God grant us success in the coming month,

Yaakov

What Does God Want from Me?

 Dear Friends, 

At various points in our lives, many of us have asked:

What Does God Want from Me?  

Have a great week,

Yaakov 

The Hidden Side of the Ten Commandments

 Dear Friends, 

This Sunday night, the 16th of May, begins the Holiday of Shavuot, where we celebrate receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. 

The Hidden Side of the Ten Commandments

Have a Chag Sameach!

Yaakov 

Sivan: Living the Torah’s Wisdom

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 Tuesday night, May 11th and lasts for one day.

The festival of Shavuot occurs during this month. 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?”

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

Yaakov