Emuna Beams

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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…

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?

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.

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.

King David pays tribute to our patriarch Abraham, who stood alone against the whole world. Abraham's life is a shining example for King David and for all subsequent generations until Moshiach. It's also the template...