Emuna Beams

Guzzler the Goat is a heartwarming and hilarious story for young readers about the cost of reckless choices and the courage it takes to make a fresh start. It's the newest book in the Grandpa Isaac Stories series for children, by Rabbi Lazer Brody.Deep in the foothills of Mount Patience on Grandpa Isaac's farmstead lives the world's most food-obsessed billy goat, Guzzler. Guzzler is the undisputed leader of Solomon's herd — not because of his wisdom, but because of his size. His one true passion is eating whatever he wants, whenever he wants — no matter the consequences.When Guzzler's nose leads the herd straight through a neighbor's fence and into a patch of irresistible jalapeños and then into something far more dangerous, the results are disastrous.But in the quiet aftermath of his worst decisions, something unexpected happens. Guzzler looks into his heart and discovers a truth that changes everything.

Most people dread Yom Kippur. Yet spiritually, the fast greatly benefits the soul and lifts it to sublime joy. See how the fast of Yom Kippur rectifies the unproductive days of our lives and rejuvenates us with blessings of abundance.

The Gemara says the two best days of the year are the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur. The 15th of Av is "Love Day," a special day conducive to finding soulmates. But Yom Kippur? What's so great about a 25-hour fast? It's Soul Day, the day of the year when the soul parties…

For our own sanity, clarity, and peace of mind, we don't focus on the past and its mistakes. Rebbe Nachman says we must not look back if we want to move forward in the right direction…

People who learn the principles of teshuva often become disheartened. Who can meet these stringent criteria? The evil inclination makes penitence seem impossible. But he doesn't tell you about the fast lane…

Would you like to be much more attractive and charismatic? You'll literally have an appealing look on your face and in your smile that no cosmetics in the world can give you...

For our own sanity and survival, we must cling to happiness. Rebbe Nachman says that if you don't feel happy, force yourself, at all costs…

Leprosy as the result of evil speech is no longer a phenomenon in this generation. Yet we see that evil speech is more rampant than ever. So instead of leprosy, Rabbenu Nachman explains, there's arrogance. Arrogance is not merely a character flaw; it is a spiritual disease. How do we cure it?

No one can say they don't have a private place to speak to Hashem. Not only can you speak to Him in the subway or aboard a crowded flight, but you can even scream out to Him in a way that no one will hear…

"It was only a joke!" These are the famous last words of the malicious individuals who laugh and joke at the expense of others. Hashem reads a person's heart and knows exactly what his or her intent was. While exploring Rebbe Nachman's famous tale, "The Humble King," we learn an important lesson about Elul and self-evaluation as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah.

What determines whether life is heaven on earth or a jungle? How do we create a livable environment? It all depends on how we live our lives...

A person desires to get close to Hashem. All of a sudden, he or she sees barriers in life that they never had to deal with before. They often lose hope, as if Hashem is pushing them away. Could that be?