Emuna Beams

Survivors' Song

Psalm 107 is the psalm of thanksgiving, especially obligating a person who survives a dangerous situation. The psalm mentions four cycles of peril and deliverance. These constitute the four groups who are particularly required to thank Hashem for rescuing them.

Miraculous Mosquitoes

An interviewer once asked me what I most like about Lebanon. I answered: the cedar trees. He asked me what else. I answered: the mosquitoes, between JabJennine and Sultan Yacoub. In 1982, they saved my life. Here's the story. 

Purification: Likutei Moharan I:72, Part 3

The evil inclination with its three layers resembles an almond. On the outside, there's a course shell. Once you break through that, there's a thin husk that clings to the meat of the nut. Yet on the inside, there's a fine biochemical – glycoside – that's dangerous, because the body breaks it down into cyanide. That's a metaphorical insight into the angelic evil inclination that wants us to do premature things that ultimately cause damage. They must be mitigated and purified.

The Whine-O: Psalm 106

Imagine that a rich man is cruising on his yacht. He's a billionaire with every amenity in life. Yet, he's always complaining. That's the "whine-o", addicted to whining and the biggest ingrate imaginable. On a national level, such behavior is catastrophic…

David vs. Angel: Likutei Moharan, Torah 72, Part 2

As a person moves up the ladder of spiritual awareness, his or her evil inclination is no longer down at the level of coarse lust and animal-urge temptation. People on high levels of emuna and observance of Torah rise to a level where their evil inclination is a holy angel. On a very high level, we find lofty type of angel that fought with Jacob. A similar angel pounced on King David, in the episode of BatSheva.

Water from a Rock: Psalm 105

King David reviews the magnificent miracles that Hashem did for the Jewish Nation since the dawn of its history. Psalm 105 is also the certificate of birthright that Hashem grants His chosen people – the deed to the Land of Israel.

The Opposition: Likutei Moharan I:72

There are times when a person suddenly contemplates a desire to get closer to Hashem. At that cherished moment, he becomes an upright individual. Don't ignore such a magnificent gift from Above.

My Soul Sings: Psalms 103-104

Today's Psalms are a cure for body and soul and especially cogent for healing the sick. A mere superficial look at the beauty of the Almighty's creations is sufficient to gratify the soul. A closer look makes the soul break out in joyous song. Let's take a moment to contemplate Hashem's glory and pay attention to the remarkable favors He does for each of us, just like King David did all day long.

Haven of the Wholehearted

The body is responsible for natural functions whereas the soul is responsible for spiritual functions. Both fight for control of the emotions as we'll soon see. When the soul prevails, emotions gravitate to the right side of the heart but when the body prevails, the soul gravitates to the left. Wholeheartedness is perfect harmony between body and soul. The special day of Shmini Atzeret is conducive for just that.

A Week with Hashem

Hashem is always with us, wherever we are. But there's a chance - once a year during Succoth - to be with Him. What's the difference? It's tremendously different when Hashem is with us in our domain than when we're with Him in His domain...

First to Forgive

Forgiveness brings up some sticky questions: "How can I forgive someone who’s done me wrong when part of me doesn’t want to forgive?" When you don't forgive, the wound of whatever damage someone did to you festers, and turns into negativity that ruins your day, or even your life. Don't go there, for your own benefit...

The Best Day of the Year

The thought of Yom Kippur doesn't usually bring joy to people's hearts. Why? They see it as a day of torture, deprived of drinking, eating and fun. They're right. It is a day of torture, for the evil inclination...