Emuna Beams

The Heart of Israel

A Ukrainian villager had a pain in his hand. Three visits to the country doctor didn't help at all. He finally traveled to the big city and scheduled an appointment with the big professor... This is an old Chassidic parable that explains Tisha B'av and exile.

At Peace with Yourself: Likutei Moharan I:33, Part 1

Until people discover how to find peace within themselves, all the amenities in the world won't make them happy. Rabbi Nachman teaches us how to find the inner tranquility that we all dream of.

Marauders: Psalms 79-81

In every generation, marauders – like a pack of hungry wolves - attempt to devour us alive. Only Hashem can redeem us. In His mercy, He will, soon.

Israel Braces for Attack

Today's Emuna News analysis shows where the current conflict is rooted in history and how it repeats itself today. Strategy and military defense are only a small determining factor in the outcome of the war. The political and military leadership of Israel are so far clueless to the spiritual efforts the country should be making, especially in light of the Nine Days that lead up to Tisha B'Av. Here's what we must do.

Building the Synagogue in Kibbutz Be'eri

During these 9 days, Hashem's Holy Temple was destroyed. Let's invoke Divine compassion and build a sanctuary for Hashem in Kibbutz Be'eri, which was also destroyed. The synagogue is a stone's throw from the Gaza border, meant to serve the kibbutz, neighboring villages and the IDF in Gaza. We want to turn the the temporary prefab cabin-like structure into a permanent building that can meet the growing needs. With our help, both will be rebuilt soon, G-d willing. Donate here: https://my.israelgives.org/en/members/23853

Wildflowers: Likutei Moharan I:65, Part 5

When a soul prays properly, it strolls through a supernal garden of wildflowers. Every word of prayer is itself a rare wildflower. The entire prayer is a most exquisite and aromatic bouquet, the soul's gift to its Creator. Today's lesson concludes and summarizes Torah 65.

Waters of Compassion: Psalm 78

Despite the repeated times when the nation strayed from faith and became entangled in worldly lust, the Almighty shows endless mercy and compassion. All we have to do is to remember His wondrous acts.

Strengthening the Soul

When your throat is parched, you drink. Negative emotions are a sign that the soul is parched. It feels weak. Here's how to quench its thirst.

Rebbe Eliezer ben Yaacov: Overcoming the Enemy

From the holy gravesite of Rebbe Eliezer ben Yaacov in a cave near Meron, here is a timely message about our enemies and how to defeat them.

The Thirsty Soul: Likutei Moharan I:65, Part 4

Rebbe Nachman teaches us how to train our minds to remain positive in any circumstance. A suffering soul is a thirsty soul. Focusing on the physical world heightens tribulations and suffering. On the other hand, a person who focuses on life's ultimate purpose experiences much less pain, if none at all.

Midnight Melody: Psalms 75-77

King David foresees the seemingly endless exile, where it appears as though there is no longer Divine mercy. Then he remembers the melodies that he would always play at midnight and his soul finds meaning.

The Migunit Massacre, Oct. 7, 2023

Fleeing from the horrific Hamas Nukba-force assault on the Nova festival in Re'im forest, 16 young people took refuge in the "Migunit" at the adjacent bus station. A "migunit" is a small above-ground concrete shelter that shields people from missile attacks. 16 young people crowded into this small space. Hamas terrorists logged grenades inside, but a young hero - Aner Shapira - picked them up and threw them back. He succeeded 7 times, but the 8th grenade killed him. You can see the concrete migunit full of shrapnel holes. The inside walls are covered with graffiti, messages loved ones to their holy martyrs.