Emuna Beams

The Bibas Family: Why?

At times like this, when we are all walking around with hearts that are shattered into smithereens, we face a major challenge to our emuna. The evil inclination yells in our ears, "How can Hashem allow something so cruel, so barbaric and so sadistic as the murder of Shiri Bibas and her two angelic red-headed sons, 4-year-old Ariel and 3-year-old Kfir? Why do such unspeakable atrocities happen to such pure, good and innocent people? Let's get some answers and try to make sense of the insanity that's going on all around us.

Not What the Eye Sees: Likutei Moharan I:55, Part 2

Rebbe Nachman explains that once the tzaddik's eyes are strengthened, he is able to perceive Hashem's justice. He becomes aware that whatever seemed unfair and unjust was simply a magnificent expression of Divine love.

Never Alone: Psalms 142-144

The most important thing a person must remember in this turbulent world is that he or she is not alone. That's not all. To avoid disappointment, a person must realize that there is no one on earth to depend on but Hashem. As King David says, Hashem alone is my lot in life and I'm never alone.

Light of the Fathers: Likutei Moharan, Torah 55, Part 1

Rebbe Nachman explains that our only right to the Land of Israel is when we connect to its holiness. Yet, how can it be holy if the Divine Presence is in exile? By virtue of our holy matriarchs and patriarchs – and in their merit – the Divine Presence is with us. So, without a connection to our forefathers, the land is contested, and the evil gain the upper hand.

Always with Me: Psalms 139-141

King David tells us that without Hashem, he would have been bipolar. When he's high in the sky, Hashem is there. But when he's about to crash land at the bottom of an abyss, Hashem is there too to catch him. We learn that we're never alone and that there's no need to be afraid.

Yearning for Zion

What do we need a Holy Temple for? Here's a 3-minute message from the holiest place on earth.

Guarding Your Wealth: Likutei Moharan, Torah 68

Everyone yearns to have money. Yet, why is money so difficult to obtain? And, if people care about their money, why do they lose it so easily? Once we learn what we need to do to guard our money, our lives become much more pleasant.

By the Rivers of Babylon: Psalms 136-138

"The Holy One, blessed be He, showed David the destruction both of the first Temple and of the second Temple" (Tractate Gittin 57b). David, in his holy spirit of prophecy, laments the destruction of our Holy Temple even before its time. He implores us not to forget Jerusalem ever, not even for a moment.

Should Haredim Serve in the IDF?

Should Haredim serve in the IDF? Israeli media personality and spokesman of Hevron Rabbi Yishai Fleisher interviews Rabbi Lazer Brody. This interview is not at all politically correct, but truth has nothing to do with political correctness. Here's what we need to know to make an equitable draft law.

Arm in Arm: Likutei Moharan I, Torah 24, Summary and Concluding Part 7

Ultimately, all war will be futile. The holiness that accompanies joy will nullify the evil in the world. The nations will bring every exile back to rebuilt Jerusalem, arm in arm.

Blessing from Zion: Psalms 132-135

All of heaven, earth and the world beyond cannot contain Hashem's glory. Yet, in His love for Zion, Hashem chose to make it the eternal dwelling for His Divine Presence. As such, all blessings flow forth from Zion, the place of His Holy Temple.

Stop Blaming Yourself!

Today's podcast is an emotional first-aid treatment. People have a terrible tendency people to blame themselves for things that go wrong in life. Taking responsibility for our actions is productive. Self-blame is not. Here's how to avoid it.