Emuna Beams

The Language of Emuna

If prayer were a commodity on the futures market, it would be the best investment anywhere. What's more, the dividends are phenomenal as we learn in today's inspiring podcast.

Rabbi Elazar Azkari: Yedid Nefesh

Rabbi Lazer takes us to the holy city of Tzfat where we visit the gravesite of the famed scholar, Kabbalist and poet Rabbi Elazar Azkari (1533-1600). He composed the beautiful melody Yedid Nefesh ("friend of the soul"), which we all sing on Shabbat. Included here are the original Hebrew lyrics in English transliteration and a lovely vocal rendition by Asaf Neve Shalom.

Chassidic Horse Tales

“If you don’t understand anything about horses, you certainly can’t make judgments about tzaddikim” (Rebbe Yisroel, the ‘Yanuka’ of Stolin). If you love horses and you love Chassidic stories, you’ll love this.

Finding the Good

We dedicate this lesson in memory of Rabbi Zecharia HaCohen Wallerstein, osb"m. In his famous discourse "Azamra," Rebbe Nachman of Breslev teaches the importance of finding the good within ourselves. That's the only way we'll be able to find the good in others.

Courageous and Compassionate

Dan was one of Jacob’s twelve sons, the patriarchs of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The great grandfather of the mighty Samson, Dan was a fierce and courageous warrior. But as fierce as he was, he taught his offspring to be kind and compassionate toward others. This message from his holy gravesite is especially important for the Omer period. This is an opportune time to rectify the sin of baseless hate.

Windows in the Sky

The letters of the Hebrew alphabet have a very deep significance. They correspond to 600,000 windows in the sky that reflect 600,000 Divine illuminations. There are 600,000 letters in the Torah, each of which reflects a unique ray of Divine light. Likewise, there are 600,000 roots of souls, each which corresponds to a letter of Torah. These are all indications of how a person's name is so significant. Many secrets of the person's life mission and personality are hidden within one's name, as we learn in today's lesson.

The Optimalist

It's great to be an optimist, but life is even better for an optimalist; here's the difference:

The Proper Way to Lift

The most common pre- and post-Passover injuries stem from improper lifting. While changing dishes and frequently lifting heavy cartons, many people come away with sore backs that ruin their holiday. This 5-minute instructional vid will help you avoid straining your back, not only before and after Passover, but all year long.

Zealous Hate

Our sages have a concept of "zealous hate." They say that the zealot is willing to have one of his own eyes gouged out, just as long as the person he hates has both of his eyes gouged out. This concept is ever so evident in the aftermath of last night's terrorist attack in Tel Aviv...

Power of Focus

We all want to succeed but success requires concentrated effort. We define our goal and then focus on it. First, let’s learn how to avoid the pitfalls along your road to success. Second, here’s how to maximize your ability to be a top achiever in your chosen endeavor.

Hidden Lights

Superficial, exterior looks at people, things or events are always misleading and very inaccurate. The essence of any creation is the Divine wisdom that is inherent in that creation. Once we connect to that Divine wisdom, we connect to the Creator. That way, our insight, intellect and potential rises to a much higher level. We attain fulfillment, success and happiness.

Wars of Emuna

Here's a look at current affairs through eyes of emuna. Emuna wins wars, while lack of it loses wars, both for nations and individuals.