Emuna Beams

Purim and Political Correctness

The story of Purim begins 523 years before the miracle of Purim, in the Hebrew year of 2882 (878 BCE). Hashem commanded King Saul to wipe out Israel's arch-enemy, the nation of Amalek. King Saul buckled under political pressure and failed to fulfill Hashem's commandment. He had misplaced mercy on Agag, the Amalekite king. King Saul resultingly lost the monarchy and the seed of Amalek again rooted itself. We fast forward to the Hebrew year of 3405 (355 BCE). "Showdown in Shushan," in the Persian Empire, is where the 10th generation great-grandson of Agag - Haman - threatens to annihilate the entire Jewish People. The 10th generation great-grandson of Saul - Mordechai - must now make some painful decisions to thwart Haman's evil scheme. The question is, will he too, like his great-grandfather King Saul, bow to political correctness? Let's see how this is the template for current events...

Like a Yearning Deer: Psalms 40-42

A thirsty deer has been walking for hours in the forest. With its keen sense of smell, it detects a freshwater stream in the distance. The deer now runs to the stream. Despite its yearning for a drink of water, it first raises its head and emits a call of thanks to the Creator. King David's thirsty soul yearned for Hashem in the same way.

Geese in the Desert: Likutei Moharan I, Torah 6, Part 5

This week, we learn how the true spiritual leaders attain their greatness. Despite their prodigious wisdom, they are extremely humble. How do we know? Ask the geese in the desert…

Cry of the Lonely: Psalms 38-39

Maybe you feel alone in the world. Even your relatives and best friends are indifferent to your pain. You feel ill or downtrodden and all the "fair-weather friends" are no longer at your side. Don't lose hope; Psalms 38 and 39 are for you. King David was in the same situation; he can talk to your heart.

The True National Leader

The story of Purim is the story of the true national leader of Israel. It begins with Abraham, continues with King David and then with Mordechai. It will soon culminate with Moshiach. Our past is our future. One cannot understand current events in Israel without understanding the events that led to the miraculous downfall of our enemies. The tyrants and traitors of old are still with us today.

Israel Needs Both

The debate that's ripping Israel apart: should Yeshiva students be drafted into the army or not? Who really protects our country, the soldiers or the Torah scholars? Rabbi Lazer Brody, who has been on both sides of the fence, answers...

A Face Like Heaven: Likutei Moharan I, Torah 6, Part 4

A person is capable of attaining much higher levels of spirituality than he or she thinks. One's spiritual potential has no bounds. An adequate cleansing of the soul brings an individual to the lofty level where his or her face can reflect the heavens.

Triumph of the Humble: Psalms 36-37

In this world, it appears that the cruel and powerful are the ones who succeed. Don't envy them;  their success is temporary at best. In the context of Divine justice, which prevails ultimately, the mighty fall yet the weak and humble inherit the earth.

Try a Hug

A distraught teacher was having terrible disciplinary problems with a boy in his class. He sought advice from the great Rabbi Shmuel Halevi Vozner, of blessed memory. This is a 90-second must-hear for both parents and teachers. 

Ups and Downs

A person must learn to function in two types of situations. Most everyone can function in favorable times, when life is looking up. Happy are the spiritually courageous who can function in trying times, when things are looking down.

Miraculous Escape: Psalms 34-35

If Netflix could reproduce even a small portion of the drama in this week's Psalms, they'd break all box-office records. No screenwriter could imagine how King David, a hostage with no dream of escape, finally made his way to freedom.

When the Eyes Can‘t See

All over the world - between wars, natural disasters and political unrest - people lack a clue as to what's happening to them, especially when they are decent people living decent lives. How do we cope when something painful happens to us, especially when it hits us after we did a good deed or finished praying. What happens when we can neither see nor understand what the Creator is doing to us and why? Today's podcast answers.