Character Development

A semitrailer was cruising down Florida Route 887 on the way to the Port of Miami tunnel. The driver saw a warning sign that fifteen feet was the maximum height for entering the tunnel. He was sure that his rig was no higher than 14'6" – he made a big mistake. The truck was actually 15'1"...

Our sages tell of a wise old man who sits at a crossroads and warns travelers, "There's a road whose beginning is rocky and its end is smooth, and there's a second road whose beginning is smooth and the end is rocky." The wise man is relating a fact of life that applies both to material and spiritual endeavors, as we learn in the following thought-provoking parable.

A hiker, climber or biker will prepare a backpack with all the tools he or she needs to complete their task and attain their goal. Metaphorically, the backpack is each one of us. The tools are the unique talents, skills and aptitudes that the Creator gives each one of us in order to successfully perform our individual mission on earth. Once we learn this important lesson, we're never again jealous of anyone.

Today's lesson teaches us something that most people never learned - how to be yourself! We learn how to live your own life and not according to anyone else's expectations. We don't have to play other people's games by their rules. Then, we're free to play our own game by our rules, what we know and believe is right. While expressing our true individuality, there's no need to compete with others. Indeed, we to compete with ourselves strive higher. That way, we cultivate our good points to the max and fulfill our personal potential in a way we never dreamed of. Let's learn how:  

Today on "Emuna Hour", we learn how to be at peace with ourselves. Even more important, we learn how to be our own therapist. It's easier than you think and it's ever so gratifying.

Both in physical and in spiritual journeys, one can't chart a course without first knowing where he or she currently is. Here is a strategy for self-assessment and character improvement.

The "domain" that we must clean for Passover is not just our external one. We all know what "Shmura matza" is; what about a shmura heart?

Today's podcast is an emergency mode of rescuing ourselves from abusive situations. We might have been bashed, bullied and beaten, but we're not beat.

Nicknames are dangerous. Our name is by far one of our most important assets and determines so much in our life, as we'll learn today.

Today's 8-minute podcast is a 4-in-1: 1. It's a preparation for Succoth, telling about the significance of the Four Species; 2. It tells a traditional story, well known to Iraqi Jewry; 3. It's an ethics lesson, and - 4. It has a special message about rescinding the harsh decree of the Corona-virus pandemic. Enjoy it, and feel free to share and download it at no charge, thanks to our wonderful supporters.

In today's empowering podcast, we learn to love ourselves and to appreciate the special qualities that Hashem gives each of us. No more jealousy and no more being down on yourself...

People wake up in the morning hoping for a trouble-free day full of sunshine so that they can enjoy their plans of the picnic, the family outing or whatever they're looking forward to doing. But sometimes, unexpected rains fall and not only ruin their day, but soak them to the bone. Life's sudden troubles are just like those unexpected rains; here's how to cope with them...