Emuna Beams

A Time for Action: Psalm 119, Part 4

King David describes the times in life when a person must leave the comfort zone. Emergencies are times for action. Determination means paying whatever price the action requires.

Tefillin for Kibbutz Be'eri

A steady flow of IDF soldiers stationed in the area of Gaza use Kibbutz Be'eri's synagogue as their shtiebel. This is a center for prayer gatherings around the clock. On the way to the combat zone, or on the way back, many of the soldiers are inspired to put on tefillin. Yet, for a variety of reasons, their tefillin are not with them or they lack tefillin altogether. Seeing the need for tefillin in the Kibbutz Be'eri synagogue, Emuna Beams financed, prepared and donated two exquisite brand new pairs of tefillin for anyone's use.

The Hand that Blesses: Likutei Moharan, Torah 24, Part 3

Blessings flow from the hands. One of the most important blessings that the hands bestow is intellect. Yet, the blessing of intellect can never be effective unless it comes with emuna.

Candles at My Feet: Psalm 119, Part 3

Traversing life on this earth is like walking on a treacherous mountain path at night. Every single step is prone to injury or even worse. King David describes the only proven way to illuminate one's path.

Why Are You Unhappy?

To maintain our emotional and spiritual health, we must look for opportunities to practice daily soul-searching and self-assessment. That way, we open a window to our souls. Let's look inside and ask ourselves why we're not happy...

Rescuing the Princess: Likutei Moharan, Torah 24, Part 2

Events in Israel today are the continuation of a perpetual war that began 22 centuries ago with the war between the Greeks and the Maccabees. Intrinsically, this is the war between human intellect and emuna, between assimilation and loyalty to Torah.

No Fear: Psalm 119, Part 2

Political correctness and social convention can only prevail when people act like sheep and cast aside truth and morality for the sake of convenience. This is how entire societies succumb to evil. Only the courageous - like the Maccabees - are willing to stand up for what's right, with no fear.

Pathway to a Happy Heart: Likutei Moharan I: Torah 24

In the academic world, ancient Greek philosophy is society's archetype of intellectual prowess. Spiritually, though, it leads to darkness and confusion. In stark contrast, the light of Torah and its commandments illuminate the soul and bring happiness to the heart. This is the Chanukah juxtaposition of Greek and Maccabee, light and darkness...

The Tents of the Righteous: Psalms 118-119

A wayfarer encounters an encampment of tents. He immediately knows that these are the tents of the righteous. How? The sound of jubilant music and singing echoes across the valley…

Clinging: Likutei Moharan, Torah 99

A person needs something badly. Despite looking for all kinds of solutions, he knows in his heart that only Hashem can grant his request. But he doesn't feel like praying. Yet, he knows that even if he does pray, it won't be fervent or sincere. What should he do?

Eyes That Don't See: Psalms 115-117

Who bows down to idols anymore? Sadly enough, most of the world does. They devote their lives to serving futility, endeavors of no consequence that cannot help a person in times of trouble.

The Heavenly Heart: Likutei Moharan, Torah 142

There are people with upright hearts. They have the desire to perform an important commandment, but for some reason, they are unable to. This desire stimulates the Heavenly heart, which personally comes to the aid of such individuals.