Physician of The Soul

Eat The Frog! A Short Message about Procrastination and Motivation

2011-08-09T19:20:00.002-04:00

There's an old saying: "If you eat a live frog when you first wake up in the morning, nothing worse can happen to you for the rest of the day..."
What does this saying mean? Let's take a closer look:

The frog, represents the most difficult and disheartening task in our daily routine, that thing we least want to do. This is probably the task that we're most likely to put off all day...

In reality, if we get this thing out of the way now, we will feel a burst of energy - we'll find ourselves motivated for the rest of the day! However, if we continue to put it off, delay it again and again, it will sit on our heads all day, drain our energies and make us miserable.
Perhaps, without even knowing it, procrastination just hurts us in life. It doesn't allow us a chance to rest/relax.

So what should we do from now on? Precisely the thing we want to put off, first. Because in all actuality, if we get this out of the way, we'll become free and happy to do whatever else we want to do, with a clear/quiet conscious. Instead of saying: "Oh! I don't have the energy to do it right now - I just don't want to..." We may want to say: "If I get this task out of the way, I'll be free and happy!"

Come on then, what are we waiting for? Let's get it done now! Take small steps instead of just complaining. Remember, every little step brings you closer to your ultimate goals.

I think it's worth mentioning that, sometimes we don't do something because we are afraid we won't do it correctly, or we we feel that we're not good enough for the task. Sometimes we fear that even if we do succeed, we don't deserve the success. To over come these feelings we need to develop self assurance, self love, and faith. Be truly yourself and let The Light shine from the inside out. You can change your negative emotions immediately, by thinking of something joyful, or singing a song, or remembering a happy experience.

Experience the wonder of you, the beauty of you. Experience your essence. Experience the miracle that is life. Let that feeling grow, bathe in it. Let it be - let you be. BE. Neglect of your own well-being, all those years spent wondering... Stop listening to promises and act to carve out a new life. If you can find something positive to learn in any situation, you'll be able to control your state of well-being.

Each day is a new canvas to paint on. Make sure your picture is full of life and happiness, and at the end of the day you don't look at it and wish you'd painted something different. A happy person takes time to see the bigger picture and appreciates what isn’t wrong. Each moment in a day, has its own value: Morning brings hope, afternoon brings faith, evening brings love and night brings rest Find them all today!

When we live with emunah - faith in Creator, ourselves and the world around us - we achieve cheirut (freedom). We live a life of hope and purpose.

Pay Attention To Life And Life Will Pay Attention To You!

BUILD YOUR SELF ESTEEM, A STARTER GUIDE TO SELF IMPROVEMENT

2011-07-26T18:19:00.004-04:00

So how do you stay calm, composed and maintain self esteem in a tough environment? Here are some tips you may to consider as a starter guide to self improvement.

Imagine yourself as a Dart Board. Everything and everyone else around you may become Dart Pins, at one point or another. These dart pins will destroy your self esteem and pull you down in ways you won’t even remember. Don’t let them destroy you, or get the best of you. So which dart pins should you avoid?

Dart Pin #1 : Negative Work Environment
Beware of “dog eat dog” theory where everyone else is fighting just to get ahead. This is where non-appreciative people usually thrive. No one will appreciate your contributions even if you miss lunch and dinner, and stay up late. Most of the time you get to work too much without getting help from people concerned. Stay out of this, it will ruin your self esteem. Competition is at stake anywhere. Be healthy enough to compete, but in a healthy competition that is.

Dart Pin #2: Other People’s Behavior
Bulldozers, brown nosers, gossipmongers, whiners, backstabbers, snipers, people walking wounded, controllers, naggers, complainers, exploders, patronizers, sluffers… all these kinds of people will pose bad vibes for your self esteem, as well as to your self improvement scheme.

Dart Pin #3: Changing Environment
You can’t be a green bug on a brown field. Changes challenge our paradigms. It tests our flexibility, adaptability and alters the way we think. Changes will make life difficult for awhile, it may cause stress but it will help us find ways to improve our selves. Change will be there forever, we must be susceptible to it.

Dart Pin #4: Past Experience
It’s okay to cry and say “ouch!” when we experience pain. But don’t let pain transform itself into fear. It might grab you by the tail and swing you around. Treat each failure and mistake as a lesson.

Dart Pin #5: Negative World View
Look at what you’re looking at. Don’t wrap yourself up with all the negativities of the world. In building self esteem, we must learn how to make the best out of worst situations.

Dart Pin #6: Determination Theory
The way you are and your behavioral traits is said to be a mixed end product of your inherited traits (genetics), your upbringing (psychic), and your environmental surroundings such as your spouse, the company, the economy or your circle of friends. You have your own identity. If your father is a failure, it doesn’t mean you have to be a failure too. Learn from other people’s experience, so you’ll never have to encounter the same mistakes.

Sometimes, you may want to wonder if some people are born leaders or positive thinkers. NO. Being positive, and staying positive is a choice. Building self esteem and drawing lines for self improvement is a choice, not a rule or a talent. God wouldn’t come down from heaven and tell you – “George, you may now have the permission to build self esteem and improve your self.”

In life, its hard to stay tough specially when things and people around you keep pulling you down. When we get to the battle field, we should choose the right luggage to bring and armors to use, and pick those that are bullet proof. Life’s options give us arrays of more options. Along the battle, we will get hit and bruised. And wearing a bullet proof armor ideally means ‘self change’. The kind of change which comes from within. Voluntarily. Armor or Self Change changes 3 things: our attitude, our behavior and our way of thinking.

Building self esteem will eventually lead to self improvement if we start to become responsible for who we are, what we have and what we do. Its like a flame that should gradually spread like a brush fire from inside and out. When we develop self esteem, we take control of our mission, values and discipline. Self esteem brings about self improvement, true assessment, and determination. So how do you start putting up the building blocks of self esteem? Be positive. Be contented and happy. Be appreciative. Never miss an opportunity to compliment. A positive way of living will help you build self esteem, your starter guide to self improvement.

Ruth; THE MOST Beloved Character in The Bible

2011-06-07T14:04:00.000-04:00

The book of Ruth (megillat Ruth) is an exceptional literary work. There are no negative characters in it, or even complex characters. All of the heroes are good and pleasant, polite and generous. They live a life of love, admiration, peace and friendship - without any jealousy, intrigue, or other human activities that often accompany our lives.

And the most perfect in this brilliant story is Ruth, our main Hero. We fall in love with the first sentence coming out of her mouth, and our love for her grows stronger with each passing scene, from beginning to end. I don't think there's a more beloved character in the Bible than Ruth. Even King David, her famous great-grandson, who is considered one of the Bible's greatest loves, attracts a lot of adversity, while Ruth is beloved by everyone; the protagonists and readers, from biblical times until today.

Our sages (Chazzal) ask:

מגילה זו אין בה לא טומאה ולא טהרה ולא איסור ולא היתר. ולמה נכתבה? ללמדך כמה שכר טוב לגומלי חסדים.

"This scroll has no impurity and no purity, not a ban and no permit. Why was it written? To show you that, deeds of loving kindness reap great rewards."

The book of Ruth is a story, not law. It doesn’t contain any rules/commandments (mitzvoth), but it does contain many acts of loving kindness bestowed upon it’s heroes by one another.

So what possible lesson can we take from such a story full of goodness?

Our Sages believe that the educational effect is created by the introduction of an ideal world: Everyone is good, and everyone gets rewarded for his/her goodness.

In our “realistic” world today, we must often push and fight to get respect, get heard and make our mark. Being kind/nice is often seen as a weakness by others.

But in Ruth’s world the more acts of loving kindness one does, the more successful s/he becomes.

I very much admire Chazzal’s interpretation of the book of Ruth. Especially in light of all the popular reality shows on TV which present us with a world that is completely upside-down. For example, “House wives of...” shows that the success of one person always comes at the expense of another: The person who screams the loudest, gossips, spreads the most rumors and commits unkind acts, is the one who receives fame, money and acclaims. It seems to be the general theme in most reality shows. These shows however, present a limited reality that “dresses up” as the real world. Life isn’t always about “it’s you or me,” often it’s “you and me,” and sometimes it’s “Just me and I don’t care about you, I’m the only one that matters and the world revolves around me...”

So perhaps, the book of Ruth does not exactly reflect the real world we live in. Well, not perhaps, for sure. The person who does acts of kindness and is sweet/good isn’t always rewarded by society. At the same time, reality shows also don’t fully reflect our lives. And between those two unrealistic alternatives, the book of Ruth, according to the readings of Chazzal, at least offers us an ideal that we can and should strive for.

Ruth shows us that we should love, be loyal and decent. We should care for others and make sure the people around us are doing well. We should not be so self absorbed, that we only give in order to get something back, and we should get ahead/make our mark through the goodness of our hearts and not by being shallow and self centered.

Ruth is the most beloved Character in the Bible because she is sweet, nice, loving, caring and thoughtful. She gets rewarded for all these qualities and is put on a pedestal by her society for them.

May we strive to live in a world where kindness, love and light live; a world where the ones who do acts of loving kindness, are always seen as Heroes.

Are You A Carrot, An Egg, Or A Coffee Bean?

2011-06-01T19:28:00.000-04:00

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.

It seemed that, as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.

She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," the young woman replied. The mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened! The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" the mother asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong but, with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit but, after a death, a breakup, or a financial hardship, does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

The Spiritual and Physical benefits of Walking

2011-05-12T12:19:00.000-04:00

Walking (and exercise) has benefits beyond the merely physical. Many people walk as much for mental and spiritual well-being as for fitness. Can walking make you happy? Can it help you deal with life stress? Can it help you work through relationship problems? Can it lead to a deeper spiritual and religious life? For many, the answer is Yes!

Walking outside has an enormous impact on mood, creativity, and mental clarity. Because of this, it can get you through failure and loss, get you past rejection, and help you reverse setbacks. Studies have shown that exercise-induced brain chemicals help people think more clearly. In addition to helping you think, taking a walk outside elevates your thought to a higher creative plane. Somehow, getting moving in the fresh air (or even in city air) gets you out of the box. Your mind can more easily find new perspectives when you’re in motion out in the world.

Walking reminds you of your connection to all that is. All energy is connected, but when we get wrapped up in the daily intricacies of our “what is” life, we often forget that. A walk outside can remind you of the vastness to which you’re connected. Knowing you have all that energy flowing to you, through you, and from you, can give you the sense of power you need to come back from any disappointment. Of course you’ve heard of endorphins. Walking creates them. Which means that walking boosts your mood. When your mood is depressed, it’s tough to find the positive aspects that can lead you to solutions and better and better experiences. Studies have shown that regular walking can relieve depression, and that has certainly been my experience.

Walking opens possibilities. When you walk outside, you see so many different things. You see movement and color and shapes. You see people and events. All of this constantly moving sensory input (and even a static setting has this constant movement … think of the ocean waves or blowing leaves), taps into your ability to see possibility. Setback can feel like a static experience, an ending. Walking can show you just how open the world is. If you’re moving, your energy is flowing. Your energy is flowing even if you’re not moving, but you’re more aware of it when you’re moving. Feeling the blood flowing in your veins and your heart thumping can amp up your sense of being endless energy. Combining this movement with the sensation of a breeze or the sun or rain or other aspects of nature revs up the flow of energy in your body.

Walking gives you time to go deeper and consider fundamental questions: What is the purpose of life? Am I fulfilling my purpose in life? What have I done that has made the world a better place? What ought I do? Have I caused hurt that I should now mend? What comes after life? What is the best way to live the rest of my life? These are questions for believers and nonbelievers alike. The time away from other cares and pressures gives you time to dwell on these fundamentals.

The spiritual benefits of walking address issues such as sense of connectedness, and ability to contemplate deeper values. They are not related to any specific belief system. At the most obvious level, walking gives us time to contemplate and also can be used as a meditation, connecting mind and body. When we are out walking and see beautiful scenery, we get that sense of wonderment of being alive, especially with the increased vibrancy that comes from being physically fit. Because walking is slower paced than driving or even bicycling, when we see people in our walks, there tends to be a sense of belonging and community which contributes to our spiritual well-being.

Our lives are very busy and it's often hard to find the time to take care of ourselves in this fast-moving world. Small walks are a great way to receive the benefits of walking. If time allows, walk your kids to school. Instead of taking your car to run a short errand, take a walk if the place is close enough. When it comes to exercise, nothing can really beat walking. After all, it's something we already do everyday. It doesn't require any special equipment, and it's something that will benefit the body and the mind.ieve the benefits of walking. If time allows, walk your children to school. Instead of taking your car to run a short errand, take a walk if the place is close enough. When it comes to exercise, nothing can really beat walking. After all, it's something we already do everyday. It doesn't require any special equipment, and it's something that will benefit the body, mind and spirit.

A wealthy Beggar – A Story of Inner Light

2011-05-04T21:15:00.002-04:00

One day, Sam, a poor man came home from work tired and exhausted. He begged The Creator for just a little treasure. All of a sudden, Sam noticed a little purse lying near his feet. A heavenly voice said to him: “Take this purse as a gift from Creator. You will find a single coin inside, and the moment you take it out, another coin will take its place – until you throw the purse into the river. The moment you spend the first coin, the purse will lose its magic powers.”

By that evening, Sam had succeeded in gathering a full sack of coins from the purse, but there was no bread left in the house, because he would not spend a single coin to buy food for himself. “I will gather another sack of money, and only then throw the purse into the river and begin to spend the coins.” That day Sam asked a neighbor for bread and on the following day he went out to beg for bread in the streets, because, as he said, “It wonâ€™t do me any harm if I fill another sack with coins before I spend the money and throw the wonderful purse into the river.” And so he continued to beg for bread and to gather coins until the end of his days, never spending anything because he did not want to part with his wonderful purse. Sam died a very rich man and his home was filled with sacks of coins – but he died still a poor beggar.

Sam did not realize that in order to truly change his life, he needed more than just money and material possessions. He failed to realize that what he really needed was a different outlook, a change of direction. Even when his wishes/prayers were answered, he was “stuck” in a rut and couldn’t see beyond his negative feelings of fear, greed, the self perception that he was nothing but a poor beggar.

Often, like Sam, we don’t realize our potential and strengths. We wish to have this, and hope to become that. Then, when our prayers are answered, we forget to enjoy what we have. As a result, we keep it all to ourselves and forget to share with world.

It’s easy to get caught up in negativity and self loathing, sometimes it may even give us comfort. But consider this; instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing. The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life’s direction.Â Share your inner light without fear and or doubt. Light is good from whatever lamp it shines.

Living With Emunah (Faith) And Cheirut (Freedom)

2011-04-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

The Sfat Emet quotes a text from the Haggada: "Bechol dor vador chayav adamlir'ot et atzmo ke'ilu HU yatza miMitzrayim." That is, in each generation, a personmust view him/herself as having personally experienced the Redemption from Egypt. The Sfat Emet takes this mandate seriously. This leads to a basic question: what should a person do to reach this goal?

The Sfat Emet answers that a two-step process is involved. The first step is to realize that, in reality, every generation experiences its own version of the Redemption from Egypt. With that belief under our belt, the Sfat Emet tells us, we can in fact re-live the original, prototypical ge'ula as a personal experience.
The Sfat Emet now elaborates on this idea: we are enjoined to re-live the experience of our Liberation from Egypt. That Liberation involved much more than escape from physical and political subordination to the Egyptians. Redemption also included escape from the spiritual and cultural oppression.

Continuing with this theme of experiencing Redemption, the Sfat Emet quotes a statement of the Maharal. The Maharal tells us, "certainly we all participated in the experience of the Redemption from Egypt as a klal (as a collectivity). But the Haggada is telling us more than the fact that we experienced Redemption as a collectivity. In mandating: "ke'ilu HU yatzami Mitzrayim (as though he himself came out of Egypt)", the Haggada is telling us that we must also experience Liberation on an individual, personal level."

How does a person achieve that goal of reliving the Redemption from Egypt as an individual, personal level? The Sfat Emet answers: "by joining the collectivity." (Note: The idea that an individual can achieve personal religious fulfillment by joining the collectivity is a startling paradox . Anyone but the Sfat Emet would steer clear of such an apparent internal contradiction. By contrast, the Sfat Emet explicitly recognizes the seeming inconsistencies that God built into the world. In fact, he gives them center stage.)

How does an individual become part of the collectivity? With emunah (faith)! by truly believing that we were redeemed from slavery in Mitzrayim (Egypt), we can re-live the actual experience. Once we affirm our membership in the collectivity, we can access this experience on an individual basis. But how does this process work (in the real world)? How does having emunah (faith) enable an individual to become part of a collectivity and experience Cheirut (freedom) at the same time?

The Sfat Emet has articulated two conditions for experiencing personal liberation. He makes it clear that both conditions involve emuna; affirmation of an unprovable truth. As he sees the world, emuna is necessary to arrive at the emet (truth). What are the two conditions for which emuna is required? A person must view him/herself as having participated in the Redemption, and he/she must have the emuna to recognize that were it not for the Redemption, he/she would not have a relationship with God (and inner light). With these two emunah conditions satisfied, a person will realize that indeed s/he is being liberated.

When we live with emunah - faith in Creator, ourselves and the world around us - we achieve cheirut (freedom). We live a life of hope and purpose.

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.

Weave in faith and God will find the thread.

A Whole New World

2011-04-10T01:13:00.000-04:00

When our hearts and souls are sick, our bodies get sick as well.

The Kabbalah teaches that the world we live in is a product of our perception of reality, and our attitude toward life, determines the world we live in.

Each of us has a choice. You can choose to believe that this world is filled with the light and presence of the Almighty who guides it and cares about it. Or you can believe that this world is one big accident, a chaotic mess. The choice is totally yours, but remember; What you believe creates what you will see, feel and experience in life.

So the question is: How would I act if I sincerely consciously believed that God's presence filled my life, my home, my world? How would I speak to and treat my family and friends? How would I face the tough times and challenges knowing that the light is with and all around me?

The way to increase our Divine consciousness and invite The Light to pour into our world, is by walking the talk - Taking actions such as:

Helping those in need around us.
Being more loving and genuine in our daily interactions.
Smiling at the person next to us in the elevator and saying "hello."
In general, making a bigger effort to Care/Love

With-out our efforts and consciousness, the light of God can't illuminate our world. We need God and God needs us.

It's amazing when we take off in an airplane on a dark, cloudy, gloomy day, how bright it actually is once we get passed the clouds - the sky is blue and the sun is shining in full force. Always try to remind yourself during dark times in your life, that the light is still shining. You just need to pierce through the clouds and let the Sunshine in. The darkness comes only because (and when) something is blocking the light.

It's important to take some time for introspection. It's equally as important to take action and become a Divine Light Shining Partner.

There Is Hope!

2011-04-05T17:06:00.004-04:00

When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that
things are so bad they have to get better. Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together.
What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?'

One day at a time--this is enough. Don't look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.
Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried because only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them.

So what is hope?
Read more »

Exploring New Territories And Finding Light

2011-03-29T16:08:00.004-04:00

כאשר האור איתך כל זה בסדר

When the Light is with you all is in order.

Don't be afraid to explore new frontiers/territories, when the Light is with you all is in order. The Light is always with us, we just need to open our eyes/heart/soul. Even in our darkest night the sun comes up in the morning.

Changing curses for Blessings and Loving Yourself

2011-02-06T22:23:00.006-05:00

Samuel ibn Magrela was a Spanish-Jewish poet of the eleventh century who was vizier to the king of Granada. He was cursed one day in the presence of the king, who commanded Samuel to punish the offender by cutting out his tongue. The Jewish vizier, however, treated his enemy kindly, whereupon the curses became blessings.
When the king next noticed the offender, he was astonished that Samuel had not carried out his command. Samuel replied, “I have torn out his angry tongue, and given him instead a kind one.” The Rabbis rightly declare, “Who is mighty? S/He who makes his enemy a friend.” (Avot d'Rabbi Nathan 23)

We can take this statement even further and say "Who is mighty? S/He who makes her/him self a friend." lack of love for ourselves inhibits our compassion toward others. When we make friends with ourselves, there is no obstacle to opening our hearts and minds to others. Of course we have to walk a fine line between loving/valuing ourselves and being too self involved/absorbed.

Wholeness And Eating According To Kabbalah

2010-12-14T16:25:00.007-05:00

According to Kabbalah, in order to experience wholeness, the body needs to be cared for as much as the mind and soul. It is after all, the physical receptacle, which contains mind and soul. Without the body, there would be no sanctuary for G-d to dwell in.

You have to remember that this vehicle is very vulnerable, and can be afflicted by a variety of illnesses and diseases. The way we eat, how we eat and why we eat can cause the greatest harm (or good) to the body. Proper eating is a theme that occupies much of Kabbalistic literature. Even the word "Kosher," in the Bible means to eat what benefits your body. The Biblical prohibition against eating pork and certain other types of food was designed to protect the body from disease.

By eating healthy - and by this I mean anything in moderation and care - we can promote wholeness. It takes more energy for the body to digest food than almost anything else it does. If you are an excessive eater, you are not only slowing down your metabolism, but also inhibiting your spirit perception. You are also inhibiting your spirit perception if you don't eat enough food - moderation is key!

A spiritual person in general, watches what goes into his/her body and realizes that too much of a good thing is not so good after all. When we overburden the digestive system we are looking for trouble. How many of you eat while standing up, or rush through a meal? Where are you rushing too? Is something burning?

What you put into your body affects your future, and your future not only affects your friends and family, but your relationship to the Creator as well. You should pay attention to what you put in your body, and also pay attention to your state of mind while you are doing so. Most of the time we gossip when we eat. Each time we do that we take in some poison. Little by little that poison emerges as some form of sickness.

So be careful what you talk about over a meal. Better yet, try not to talk at all and concentrate on the sheer joy of eating. You don't have to be a student of Kabbalah to know that regular physical exercise, breathing exercises, restful sleep, and relaxation are all very important for the health of the body and spirit. A body that is fed food that honors life, that is well rested, and that is giving enough exercise is one that will respond with good health and well being.

It is also best to eat in meditative silence once in a while, even though it's a tough thing to do in our culture of constant stimulation and communications. Such silence can actually be an active, feeling and tender form of communication. In Kabbalah we often say, "Those who know do not speak, and those who speak do not know."

Of course it's your choice whether you wish to engage in this practice or not. But you should at least be aware that digestion is vastly improved when you are quietly concentrating on the taste and texture of the meal before you.

One of the greatest wrongs we commit against our body is discussing mundane matters - or even reading or watching TV - while we eat. These are all distractions that separate us from the sacredness of this moment.

Start slowly, dedicate two meals a week to silent meditation or a conversation that focuses on some spiritual matter (such as the joy of life), and you will see a big change in the way you feel, look and act.

Another thing to keep in mind is that when food arrives at your table, you are now receiving G-d's blessings. He/She somehow made this food possible. At this moment it's up to you to sanctify it. Contemplate the food that you are eating. Meditate on The One who created it. Pray over it before you eat. these are all gestures of gratitude and should be dine before and after eating.

By doing all that, you are also promoting harmony within yourself - a balance of body, mind and soul. Contemplation and or prayer establishes a grateful attitude and this positive frame of mind can lead to better digestion and improved health.

*Based on the teachings of Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman z"l

Living with Purpose

2010-12-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

Having purpose means having the ability to say "yes" to life - to be in love with life. A sense of purpose is also a vital element in strengthening your partnership with The Creator.

Some people prefer kvetching-or complaining-to healing. They have lost their purpose. Istead, they seem to pride themselves on being the person who has the worst life. Some people will often say, "I am sicker than you," or "I've been in therapy for years. My life is really bad."

This is not purposeful thinking. To have purpose means to be inspired to respond to the challenges of life. To say "I am" and "I will be." It means being awake and aware of opportunities to improve your life.

A purposeful individual will rally and respond to his/her physical or emotional challenge, while a less purposeful person will either continue to kvetch about it or decide to live a life filled with frustration and anxiety. So, which are you? A kvetcher or a doer?

In Genesis, Chapter 11, it is written: "And God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on that day He rested from all His work, which God created to make."

Notice the words-"which God created to make" or "la'asot" in the Hebrew. This can be interpreted as the purpose of man is to help The Creator to finish creation.

The Light did not complete creation. She/He purposely assigned human kind the task of completing it. The Creator wanted to give humankind purpose. Are you doing that right now? Are you living with a purpose? If you are, keep going! Always remember that you are the co-creator of your life. Tou are shutaf elohim, in partnership with The Creator.

You have purpose when you decide to be fully alive. Despite your hardships; when you don't allow life's troubles to crush you and turn you into a creature of despair and depression.

You manifest purpose when, instead of wallowing in negative emotions, you put all your intuitive and intellectual skills to work for healing.

Remember that The Light created you with all the wisdom and ability and awareness that you need to purposefully carry on with your life. Do your best and the best will come back to you.

Whenever you are feeling down or depressed, repeating the following affirmation may help lift your spirits. It will remind you of your special relationship with your Creator:

O my Light, perfection is my aim and my aim is perfect.

For I have purpose.

The spirit of The Creator guides me graciously

and lovingly in all the steps of this attainment.

Divine Mind, assure my success, for I have purpose.

(Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman Z"l)

The mystical magic of Psalms תהילים

2010-11-30T00:20:00.003-05:00

These devotional poems have been used for healing in both Judaic and Christian religions for centuries. The Psalms are a cloak of many different colors. There are hymns of praise and worship, prayers for help, pleas for protection, and even requests for forgiveness.

The earliest Psalms date back to the time of King David (1065-1015 B.C.E), and are enlightened in their ethics as they are lofty in their religious spirit. Offering your praise to God through the psalms connects you with more than two thousand years of spiritual history.

Praying the psalms also unites us with unending and perfect praise and prayer of heaven and earth. You need not pray all the psalms to effect a healing. Choose one that fits your present need and cicumstances.

Make a conversation and prayer out of your recital of the psalms. Yearn for The Creator, long for the Creator--even cry out and beg The Light to help you if need be. Like prayer, what is important is that the words come from your heart and that you feel love for the Creator from deep within your soul.

One of my own favorite psalms is Psalm six. This psalm is both a petition for Divine help, and affirmation that such assistance is already on its way.

If you are lonely, hurting, or thirsting for a healing, a wonderful thing to recite is Psalm 63.

O G-d, you are my G-d,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.*

A Psalm which can bring you much solace if you are ill, experiencing extreme stress, or worried is Psalm 63:6-8 in which David talks about his partnership with The Almighty.

On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Your right hand upholds me*

Let David's psalms inspire you not to be afraid, to come to G-d for help. Use the psalms as a way to express your true feelings and needs. Reciting the psalms will always help lift your spirits, and bring mystical magic into your life!

* As traslated by Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman

A Spiritual Vision of Love & Light

2010-11-24T11:16:00.002-05:00

I began by emerging myself in a Kabalistic Mikvah; I put hot water in a small bowl. Then, I dipped my [10] fingers into the hot water and said the word "tahor" (pure). I repeated this process 3 times. I allowed the hot water to penetrate my body [through the fingers]. I felt my soul being purified.

I then took my fingers out and joined the right hand fingers with the fingers on the left hand. I closed my eyes and felt the light of the Mikvah, the light of the Holy one shine through me. "Now I am pure and ready to receive your divine wisdom!"

I took out my Kabbalah (Hebrew Alpha Bet) cards and lit a candle. I shuffled the cards and lay them out (face down) in a spread. I closed my eyes, and proceeded to choose a card. I asked the Divine Being to "please show me the way and guide me in my search." I picked a card. It was the letter Hey; this letter helps one bring greater inner light and revelation.

I meditated on the letter Hey. I asked The Creator to show me the light. I breathed in the light (deep breath) and then breathed out the darkness. I could see the Hey shining in the light of the candle.

The candle and the Hey danced together and I could feel the Divine Light shining on me. It was warm, it was magical, it was pure bliss…

Suddenly, the light faded for a moment. I was a little fearful. But lo and behold another smaller light appeared. At first, it looked like strands of golden light dancing on a black canvas. Soon the lines begun to form and I could see the outline of a lady. Her Golden face glowed. She came, a little closer, and I could see her BEAUTIFUL/RADIANT face. It was Young but wise, smooth but a little course. Her eyes were glimmering and her voice was sweet.

"Who are you?" I asked trembling, a bit overwhelmed.

"Don't be afraid, I have come to bring you the light!" She said in a soft sweet voice.

Her eyes were radiant and my heart filled with joy. I was safe now, I was surrounded by a Divine Spirit, and she was touching me –I felt her soft warm touch.

Then, her face turned into a Golden hand. "What is this?" I asked. And the hand beckoned me to "come here, connect with me. Let me touch you so that you may receive the light!" I was a little confused. Where was I supposed to "come," and How???

The Golden hand (made out of the light) came closer – it looked bigger. I then heard a whisper, "Lift your right hand and touch me (the left hand)." I did as the voice requested.

I felt an intense light go through me. Part fire, part luminosity, it was both exhilarating and overwhelming. It was Her, joining her hand with mine. Letting me know, that the Eternal Light is with me.

Tears kept flowing out of my eyes. A sense of deep Love and gratitude came over me.

Turning my focus back to the letter Hey, I chanted "Hhhhhhhey, Hhhhhhey…" I breathed in the light, and breathed out "Hhhhhhey."

I said "Hinani – here I am!!" I wanted the Holy One, blessed be He, to know that I am here ready and willing to receive the light and do the work Creator wants me to do!

I am going to place the letter Hey under my pillow tonight. I ask You El Shadai Creator of all things to illuminate my dreams and show me what I need to do next…

May we all receive greater inner light and revelation in our dreams tonight, and may our inner light shine for All to see!
Mi Chamoha Ba-elim Adonai? Norah T'hilot – oseh feleh!
Who is like You among the G-d's Eternal source? Your glories are great – You create wonder!

Stress Relief

2010-11-08T22:24:00.001-05:00

When you spend your life putting pressure on yourself to go from start to finish without appreciating and learning along the way, you are doing yourself an injustice. If you can stop and appreciate everything in the middle maybe your journey would not be as stressful.

One of the main reasons you may become stressed is a direct result of having too many thoughts bouncing around in you head. Try choosing your most important thought and concentrate on that first. The rest will follow all in good time.

When you are stressed, you feel overwhelmed and you may not be capable of thinking as clearly as you should. If you feel yourself jumping from task to task, take a deep breath, hold it, and let that stress out. You can accomplish everything if you take one thing at a time.

If you can manage your own life and have complete power over what you wish to achieve, you can actually reduce stress. Separate and focus on your daily goals and set practical expectations of yourself.

Yes, there are times we all feel a little stressed, but it is how you allow yourself to react which will measure your ability to overcome it. If you can find something positive to learn in any situation, you will be able to control your state of well-being.

One of the key elements to overcoming stress is learning how to write down the thoughts you have on your mind. When you can clearly see and organize your thoughts, you may then learn how to manage them one at a time, rather than all at once.

I Need You

2010-11-03T00:05:00.003-04:00

On a beautiful sunny day in New York City, I decided to take a walk along the Hudson River, to clear my mind and energize the soul.

That whole day I was feeling a little "low," and lost. I was hoping to speak with the Creator, ask for some guidance.

The weather was perfect; not too hot, just right with an amazingly sweet breeze. It was comforting. I spoke to The Creator and asked for guidance...

When I arrived home I sat down and recorded my conversation:

I Need You

Through the heartache and pain of time
I choose to Be Alive, Be Alive!
As I lift up my head, toward Your light,
I cry with all my might;

I Need You,
I Love You,
From the bottom of my heart Thee I adore.
Please embrace my soul -
Help me free my heart,
Let my spirit soar, open up the door.
I Need You!

I walk by the river, wind on my face,
I know this warmth it's Your sweet embrace.
You are here with me now, All around,
Know that I can rise up be proud.
Suddenly nothing hurts, everything feels right.
I open up my eyes and I see The Light!
Suddenly nothing hurts, everything feels right.
I open up my eyes and I see YOUR Light!

I Need You,
I Love You,
From the bottom of my heart Thee I adore.
Please embrace my soul -
Help me free my heart,
Let my spirit soar, open up the door.
I Need You!

...And You need me too,
Together we can shine a light,
Make this world true.
I will always look to You...

An encounter with an Angel

2010-10-27T23:12:00.006-04:00

It was a gloomy day. The sun was hiding behind a veil of dark gray clouds. I woke up feeling a little down. As the day progressed nothing seemed to "go right." Nothing seemed to flow. I felt alone (though I was surrounded by people). I felt as though I was "stuck" in the throes of life with no way to move forward.

That night, I lay in bed praying, crying, wondering...

"Ribono shel Olam (Almighty)" I cried, "Please give me a sign. I’m feeling lost and afraid. I feel like I am not going anywhere. I BEG you to show me THE LIGHT and free me of this oppression!"

Tears were falling down my cheeks and my eyes were closed. I was clutching my fists and holding my breath.

Then, a whisper, “Open your eyes… Open your eyes…” I slowly opened my eyes and saw a MAGICAL site! It was MAGNIFICENT and the whole room basked in the glow. His robe was a dazzling combination of gold, blue, silver, and although I could not see his face, he was beaming with a Golden Light. “Who are you?” I asked. He answered, “Ariel Hamalach. I have come to you with a message…” (The word for Angel in Hebrew is Malach, which means, messenger).

I wanted to ask him questions; I needed to scream and shout…

Ariel put his finger in the air, and with a loving gesture signaled for me to calm down and become quiet. “I have a message for you from EL-SHADAI, but first you must compose yourself. Wipe those tears away and send the ego home.”

I did as Ariel advised, took some deep breaths and reached a state of relaxation and excitement. What was he going to tell me?

I took another deep breath in and then exhaled out slowly. Ariel seemed pleased. The Golden Light became brighter.

A soft voice, it could have been a tune – Ariel began to speak and the message was, “Life is not living in a waiting room— it’s waiting in a living room.”
THANK YOU Archangel Ariel!

"The whole world is a very narrow bridge and the most important thing is not to be afraid." -Reb Nachman

Lech Lecha (A Spiritual Journey)

2010-10-13T19:23:00.002-04:00

Spiritual Journey (by Shaul Yosef Leiter)

From the moment that the Creator said to Abraham, "Go out from your land" and further where the Torah recounts, "…and Abram traveled back and forth in the Negev", the secret of birurim, "extracting" began. This refers to the common purpose each of us shares to extract the spark of Godliness hidden in exile within every physical thing.

Every move a person makes, every experience or trial one faces, is according to divine direction. Each person is sent to where those sparks that are supposed to be extracted by him/her are waiting.

Going down to Egypt

(From the teachings of the Lubavicher Rebbe; adapted by Moshe- Yaakov Wisnefsky)

Spiritually, Abraham signifies the soul and Sarah the body. In this week's Torah reading, Abraham's willingness to bring his wife Sarah down to the dangerous territory of Egypt reflects the idea that it’s not enough to serve Creator with the soul alone, depriving the body of its physical fulfillment. Rather, the body must be sent into the dangerous air of "Pharaoh's house" - i.e. engage in physical pursuits, such as eating, earning a living, and being in a relationship. When a person engages in these pursuits and not only emerges unscathed by them but succeeds in spiritualizing them, therein lies the greatest benefit for both body and soul.

Soul Journeys (From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai)

A person's spiritual make-up can generally be understood to be comprised of three major elements: the Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshama. The Nefesh is the life force that builds the physical body. The Ruach is the power that causes this life force to endure in this physical world. The Neshama is the life force higher than these and ascends to the higher spiritual planes when a person deceases. Each of these elements enters a person in a unique way during conception, is developed in very specific stages throughout a person's maturation process, and departs accordingly when a person passes from This World.

For a Summary of this week's Torah portion, please click HERE

Noah’s curiousity

2010-10-05T00:27:00.000-04:00

When the Torah characterizes Noah as a tzadik (righteous person) in his generation, is this an objective measure of his character?

Was Noah someone who would have been recognized as a tzadik in any generation? Or was Noah only a tzadik in a relative sense, only in comparison to those around him?

One midrashic teaching, taking the latter route, compares Hashem’s selection of Noah to the story of a lone traveler finding another lone soul on the road, and engaging him in discussion simply because there was no one else to talk to.

Walking all by himself on a path that everyone else in the world had abandoned, Noah became the object of the Creator’s attention. The midrash isn't, I don't think, being harsh or unfair to Noah. It is just sharing, in candid terms, its read of a Biblical character who is an essentially decent person, but who also possesses some very deep personality flaws.

How might we describe Noah's most basic personality flaw? It’s the flaw of being incurious.

Within this biblical story, we never find Noah -- not even once -- expressing curiosity about why his corrupt neighbors live the terrible way that they do. The Torah doesn't record one interaction between Noah and any other human being prior to their all being wiped out in the flood.

The kabbalistic book of Zohar provides the most dramatic criticism of all of Noah's incuriosity: When Noah exited the ark and saw that the world had been destroyed, he began to cry before the Creator and he said," Master of the universe! You are called 'the Compassionate One.' You ought to have had compassion upon Your creations!"

The Creator responded to Noah, "Stupid shepherd. Now you say this?! Why did you not say this at the time that I told you to build the ark?... Now you open your mouth to speak before Me?!"
Curiosity is the fountainhead of human mutual assistance. If I suspend my curiosity, I will never ask what's going on with you. And if I never ask, you will never tell me. And if you never tell me, I will never understand. And if I do not understand, I can never be of any help to you. There are also times when we must ask, when through our failure to ask we effectively consign people around us to a fate comparable to the fate of Noah's generation. To be sure, we need to develop enough honesty with ourselves to be able to distinguish between being "desiring-to-be-helpful" curious and "just-plain-nosy" curious. That's another piece of our internal work. But if we don't do the work and hone our skills, people will get washed away right from under our noses.

Had Noach been curious about the people around him when they were still alive, could the flood have been prevented?

Entering the Word

Noah's ark, called teivah in Hebrew, contained a microcosm of all creation. Besides meaning "ark," teivah also means "word." In one of the most all-inclusive teachings of the Ba'al Shem Tov, he explains that Hashem's directive to Noah to "enter the ark" is also a directive to all humankind to enter the "word." Every word that we think and speak should be holy -- whether they are words of Meditation, prayer, or even seemingly mundane words spoken to create union with another soul. The universal consciousness of all of creation -- humankind and the entire animal kingdom -- should permeate every word that we speak. We should stop hating and bullying, start loving and embracing.

According to the Midrash called Perek Shira (chapter of song), every creature sings its own special song to the Creator. When we sing the song of every creature on earth, we include all of this cosmic consciousness in our speech.

How do we Speak Cosmic Consciousness? By being Loving, Inspiring, Forgiving, Excited! By Living LIFE

The Rainbow

According to the Kabbalah - each color of the rainbow is separated from the other. Underneath the separation is white light. Beneath the separations we see in the world is an underlying unity. Every one has their own importance in this world, Love isn't blind, it's kind.

Shemini Atzeret - Back to our permanent home

2010-09-28T00:51:00.000-04:00

Shemini Atzeret, is often thought of as the eighth day of the holiday of Sukkot. However, our Rabbis teach us that Shemini Atzeret is a holiday in its own right. Yet this holiday has no distinguishing features or symbols.

Rosh Hashanah is the New Year, ushered in by the shofar. Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, atoning, and God's judgment. Sukkot is a joyous festival, as we sit in the sukkah and shake the lulav. So what does Shemini Atzeret have?

So far this year we have been running from holiday to holiday with little time to rest in between. We pleaded with God, our selves and others for forgiveness and then got busy building the sukkah and rejoicing for seven days. Now the emotional roller coaster is coming to an end. Shemini Atzeret is a day for the Jewish people to spend with The Creator --- not in atonement, not in the euphoric state of Sukkot, just as Shehina's children. In a sense, it is the High Holiday after party to which only we are invited.

The Creator hosted a seven-day party. When everyone is about to leave, he holds back his closest friends and says, "Stay another day and we'll party with joy and goodwill.

Rabbi Yehonatan ben Uziel states that the word "atzeret" (assembly) means "coming together", and refers to the command that at the beginning of this day after Sukkot we may leave the temporary dwelling of the sukkah "to come together" into our permanent homes. Shemini Atzeret brings down the curtain on the seven days of Sukkot. The sukkah is the eternal reminder of our wanderings in the oppressive desert of hate/segragation, lables, jugement, selfishness and misuse of power. Shemini Atzeret marks our departure from the temporary period of our desert sojourn when we emerged from a nomadic existence to enter the promised, permanent, land of Peace, Harmony, Tolerance/Acceptance, Love and Light.

Our deepest fear....

2010-09-01T00:41:00.013-04:00

What's stopping you from getting what you want in life?

Your friends?

Your family?

A sense that failure – or success – might change your life and that feeling uncomfortable?

A sense that the people around you might disapprove of you aiming for what you want, of you succeeding or failing.

Essentially it boils down to fear. The big roadblock, sometimes the massive wall in the middle of road that keeps you from getting what you want.

*Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It's our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

Action gives you the power to change the circumstances or the situation. You must overcome the inertia by doing something. Dr. Robert Schuller asks, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” What could you achieve? Be brave and just do it. If it doesn’t work out the way you want, then do something else. But DO SOMETHING NOW.

Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing. Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness and resignation. You can eliminate all these negative habits with two simple resolves: "I can!!" and "I will!!"

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

*We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Don't let fear hold you back and or paralyze you. Look "it" straight in the eye and say "I'm ready to shine the light so leave me alone!"

*Source: Marianne Williamson

A New Year is Here! ツ

2010-08-25T01:01:00.001-04:00

וַֽיְהִי֙ ק֣וֹל הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר הוֹלֵ֖ךְ וְחָזֵ֣ק מְאֹ֑ד מֹשֶׁ֣ה יְדַבֵּ֔ר וְהָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים יַֽעֲנֶ֥נּוּ בְקֽוֹל

And when the voice of the shofar sounded long, and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and Creator answered him by a voice.

Exodus, 19:19

The sound of the shofar (Ram's horn) at the giving of the Torah has never ended. It continues and becomes stronger from generation to generation. It calls upon Israel and the people of the nations of the world to fulfill the commandments of Creator, to be loving and kind, which gladden the heart and enlighten the eyes.

This year especially, let us use the sound of the Shofar as a wakeup call - a way to bring us back to civility and compassion, love and light. Let us reach out to those in need; those in physical need and those who need our extra love and support emotionally.

The time has come for us to stop labeling people as “this” or “that,” and start putting ourselves in the other’s shoes. Love does not discriminate and neither should we! The Almighty created each and every one of us as we need to be (in the Divine image). We need to embrace diversity and realize that true/pure love has no boundaries.

This year let the Shofar remind us that we should Never under estimate the power of a little love & light. A little word of encouragement, a hug, a smile, are just a few of the actions we can take to make someone else’s life better and ultimately enrich our own journey. Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything, so think before you say something or take action. Survival requires a source of self-respect, self-awareness, and self-honesty. Find a balance point before reaching out, and fill your heart with warmth, passion and compassion.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev said: “Some people hear the shofar of Rosh Hashanah all year, and some hear the sound of the shofar which was blown when the Torah was given all the days of their lives.”

Let's stop hitting the snooze button any longer so that we may fully experience the joys of living in peace and harmony as brothers and sisters.

May the voice of the shofar become louder and louder, and may we Wake Up to a brighter more loving day.

A Modern Day Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father Our King)

Lyrics & Music: Rabbi Shai Specht ©

Avinu Malkienu we stand here before you today

Avinu Malkienu with our souls and hearts at bay

Avinu Malkienu we’ve done wrong to others, to you, to ourselves

Avinu Malkeinu we stand here and pray!

Avinu Makeinu we need you now to hold us and guide

Avinu malkeinu please show your face don’t hide

Avinu Malkeinu sh’ma koleinu Listen to our voices pray

Avinu Malkeinu forgive our wrong doings today

Avinu Makeinu forgive us and answer us we have no deeds

Lift us and shelter us take care of all our needs

Avinu Makeinu we need you now to hold us and guide

Avinu malkeinu please show your face don’t hide

Avinu Makein chaneinu va-aneinu ki ein banu ma-asim

(Our Father, Our King, grant us Grace and answer us, for we have no deeds)

Aseh imanu Tzdaka Vachesed V’shalom

(Give us justice and kindness and peace)

Avinu Makeinu we need you now to hold us and guide

Avinu malkeinu please show your face don’t hide.

To Hear this song please click HERE

A time for Forgiveness

2010-08-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

We now enter the Jewish/Kabbalistic Month of renewal, the moth of Elul;
Elul is a period of preparation. It involves introspection, review of the year, and preparation for repentance/forgiveness. Renew your soul by appreciating the little things in life and by Shining your Light for all to see.

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You

I open my heart and cleanse my soul

The time is now to fill up the hole

I pray with Joy for a brand new day

Salvation is mine

Cast my pride away!

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You

I open my soul to You

I Cast My sins away

I Pray and plead before You

That this day will be a new day...

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You

I will enter, I will fly

And I will cast my pride aside

I will sing to you, i will pray

I will ask forgiveness today

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You!

Click here to listen to The Song!

Peace to the world (oseh Shalom)

2010-08-04T23:14:00.000-04:00

By RabbiShaiSpecht©

Trying to find my way, in this empty place.

I look around, but I don't see your face.

I wonder if you're here, I wonder if you care,

My soul aches to hear you, see your flair...

I've looked high, I've looked low,

I don't know which way to go...

I look inside, I look out,

I cry, I pray, I shout...

I beg and plea it cannot be, It's noisy all around me.

All I ask is for one thing:

Oseh Shalom Bimromav

Who Ya-aseh shalom

Aleinu v'al kol ha-olam

May The Maker of peace

Bring peace to us

And spread it all through the world

So we can be free!

I hear your voice through the rain.

I see your face, in the people all around.

After the night, there will be Light,

And the whole world will love you,

With all of their Might!

Oseh Shalom Bimromav

Who Ya-aseh shalom

Aleinu v'al kol ha-olam

May The Maker of peace

Bring peace to us

And spread it all through the world

So we can be free!

"World peace is an ideal of freedom, peace, and happiness among and within all nations and/or peoples. World peace is a Utopian idea of planetary non-violence by which nations willingly cooperate, either voluntarily or by virtue of a system of governance that prevents warfare. Although the term is sometimes used to refer to a cessation of all hostility among all individuals, world peace more commonly refers to a permanent end to global and regional wars with future conflicts resolved through nonviolent means." -From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Find peace with yourself by accepting not only what you are, but what you are never going to be. Acceptance of others, their looks, their behaviors, their beliefs, bring you an inner peace and tranquility
--instead of anger and resentment.

Physician of The Soul

Eat The Frog! A Short Message about Procrastination and Motivation

BUILD YOUR SELF ESTEEM, A STARTER GUIDE TO SELF IMPROVEMENT

Ruth; THE MOST Beloved Character in The Bible

Are You A Carrot, An Egg, Or A Coffee Bean?

The Spiritual and Physical benefits of Walking

A wealthy Beggar – A Story of Inner Light

Living With Emunah (Faith) And Cheirut (Freedom)

A Whole New World

There Is Hope!

Exploring New Territories And Finding Light

Changing curses for Blessings and Loving Yourself

Wholeness And Eating According To Kabbalah

Living with Purpose

The mystical magic of Psalms תהילים

A Spiritual Vision of Love & Light

Stress Relief

I Need You

An encounter with an Angel

Lech Lecha (A Spiritual Journey)

Noah’s curiousity

Shemini Atzeret - Back to our permanent home

Our deepest fear....

A New Year is Here! ツ

A time for Forgiveness

We now enter the Jewish/Kabbalistic Month of renewal, the moth of Elul; Elul is a period of preparation. It involves introspection, review of the year, and preparation for repentance/forgiveness. Renew your soul by appreciating the little things in life and by Shining your Light for all to see.

Open (Pitchu li) -Lyrics: Liturgy & RabbiShaiSpecht(©)

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You

I open my heart and cleanse my soul

The time is now to fill up the hole

I pray with Joy for a brand new day

Salvation is mine

Cast my pride away!

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You

I will enter, I will fly

And I will cast my pride aside

I will sing to you, i will pray

I will ask forgiveness today

Pit'chu li sha'arey tzedek, avo vam odeh Yahh

Open to me the gates of justice

that I may enter and give Thanks to You!

Click here to listen to The Song!

Peace to the world (oseh Shalom)

We now enter the Jewish/Kabbalistic Month of renewal, the moth of Elul;
Elul is a period of preparation. It involves introspection, review of the year, and preparation for repentance/forgiveness. Renew your soul by appreciating the little things in life and by Shining your Light for all to see.