Emuna Beams

Why Aren’t You Happy?

Chanukah is a time of gratitude. It's also one of the best opportunities for soul-searching and self-assessment. Sitting by the flickering candles of holiness, we open a window to our souls. Let's look inside and ask ourselves why we're not happy...

Lights of Glory: Likutei Moharan Torah 14, Part 4

The more we elevate Divine glory, the more lights of glory illuminate the earth. Rebbe Nachman teaches the act of bringing others closer to Hashem elevates Divine glory. People who gain enhanced proximity to Hashem therefore brighten the world. We conclude Torah 14 by learning that Chanukah is that very same aspect. Chanukah candles are lights of glory that illuminate the world.

Secure Solitude: A Lesson on Psalms 4 - 6

King David teaches us how to live in security, both on a personal and national level. He also provides us with timeless advice for making our prayers much more powerful. These three Psalms are conducive for protecting ourselves against our enemies, both physical and spiritual.

Blessing a Wounded Soldier

Rabbi Lazer wounded soldiers in Barzilai Hospital, Ashkelon yesterday, December 6, 2023. This hero has a bullet lodged in his hip bone and needs a major op to get it out. The missile attack siren is blaring in the background; he can't get out of bed, so the rabbi is shielding him with his body while saying Psalm 23. May Hashem give a speedy and complete recovery to all our heroes, amen!

At Peace with Ourselves: Likutei Moharan Torah 114, Part 3

In today's lesson, Rebbe Nachman teaches us how to neutralize inner turmoil and to be at peace with ourselves.

A Tree on the Riverbank: Psalms 1-3

After last week's introduction to the Book of Psalms, we now learn the first three Psalms. King David is a role model for all of us. His soul was a kaleidoscope of all of our souls. Therefore, as Rebbe Nachman teaches, each one of us can see ourselves in the Book of Psalms. They reflect our pain and struggles. The Psalms open our hearts and enable us to express ourselves from deep down inside.

Holy Humility: Likutei Moharan Torah 14, Part 2

Humility is a basic requirement for developing a genuine relationship with the Almighty and with other people. Rebbe Nachman teaches us four types of humility, each one vital...

David’s Song: An Introduction to The Book of Psalms

As the "all inclusive" soul, King David's soul was a kaleidoscope of all our souls. His suffering was a compendium of all of our suffering. David's song, his Book of Psalms, is therefore our song, for every person on earth for posterity. No wonder that the Book of Psalms is by far history's greatest best-seller. These Psalms are capable of arousing the heart. So much so, that tears often well up in our eyes when we recite them. Those who say Psalms with sincerity can literally find themselves and their own circumstances within David's holy words. Here's why...

Miracle on Highway 34

One good deed, or mitzva, that one person does for someone else has the power to invoke miracles. This particular good deed, on Highway 34 in the south of Israel, ultimately saved three lives.

The Peace and the Glory: Likutei Moharan - Torah 14, Part 1

Can there ever possibly be peace in the world? Rebbe Nachman answers an emphatic "yes" and shows each of us what we must do.

Quiet in the Storm

In Israel, there's no longer anyplace to hide. With missile attacks now reaching every area of the country, everyone is exposed to potential danger. Increasing threats of antisemitic violence overseas means that there's no escaping from the storm of stress and anxiety anywhere in today's world. Yet, there is one place where a person can find quiet within the storm. Open up Psalm 62...

The Lesson of Ziklag: An Emuna News Analysis

Earlier today, a Hezbollah missile struck a number of civilian vehicles near the northern community of Dovev, near the border with Lebanon. Six of the casualties were Israel Electric Corporation employees who had arrived to repair damaged power lines. Such an attack against civilians would cross any nation's red line. Yet Israel, despite daily threats to Nasrulla and Hezbolla, still acts in restraint. In stark contrast, the narrative of Samuel I:30 is uncanningly similar to today's war. Let's see how King David reacted after consulting with the Almighty. The lesson of Ziklag is the Tanach's definition of deterrence.