Emuna Beams

In this week's Torah portion, we learn the qualities that exemplify a true leader. Moses possessed all of these attributes. We'll see them again soon when Moshiach arrives...

The king was jealous that a poor repairman was happier than he was. He therefore tried all sorts of schemes to make the repairman's life miserable, with no success… Rebbe Nachman's classic tale shows that nothing invokes such a plentiful income like bitachon (trust in Hashem) does.

A lost person doesn't know where he or she is in life. To find ourselves, we must determine where we are, then establish our goal and go for it.

Joseph and his brothers return to Egypt after burying their holy father Jacob in the Land of Israel. The brothers are terrified. They thought that Joseph was kind to them as long as their father was alive. But now, they fear that he will seek revenge for their selling him into slavery in Egypt. Joseph comforts them and teaches them a lesson in emuna that we all must learn. Source: Genesis, Chapter 50, Parashat Vayichi. 

Insults are wonderful, if we realize that they are a gift from Above. A person who meant no harm asked me why I'm so ugly. It inspired this podcast. If you know anyone who is self-conscious about the way they look, let them see this 3-minute message.

Sometimes the evil inclination masquerades as a person's best friend to prevent him from performing a mitzvah. This is the only one of Rebbe Nachman's tales that is not allegorical, but actually a true story. After relating the tale, we also learn Likutei Moharan I:115. which elaborates on the meaning of obstacles that stand in our way of getting closer to Hashem.

By pondering the rationale of creation, we begin to think positively. Positive thinking is wonderful in that it is conducive to believing in ourselves. Believing in ourselves is not some flowery notion, but a vital human resource that is essential for success. Today's lesson shows how to attain this priceless asset.

In Tana D'Bei Eliahu, Eliahu Hanavi teaches us that when the People of Israel settle in the Land of Israel, Hashem's Name is sanctified around the world. We therefore exalt Hashem's Name by settling in the Land of Israel and building it, as we learn today...

The Land of Wealth sends a delegation of noblemen to find the sword that will defeat the Warrior. Little do they realize that the disguised Warrior himself is leading them to their most surprising rectification…

Who are we? What are we? Who am I? You'd be amazed at how many billions of people go through their entire lives without ever asking themselves these critical questions. They shrug their shoulders and ask, "What difference does it make?" It makes a very big difference. Knowing who we are separates between failure and success and between anxiety and inner peace.

The Worry Worm is a delightful story about faith for children, ages 3-9. It tells about two worm sisters who were born inside an apple. One is happy but the other is worried all the time. Let's find out why...
Story and Narration: Rabbi Lazer Brody
Production: V'Nishma, Miami

Few people realize that America owes its independence to one of George Washington's soldiers who lit Chanukah candles at Valley Forge in Chanukah of 1777 (5538). Here's the amazing story: