Marriage and Dating

The Miser wanted to rid himself of his wife in the worst way. He couldn't divorce her, because then, he'd have to pay her a large sum of money. He asked the local rabbi what to do...

The body is responsible for natural functions whereas the soul is responsible for spiritual functions. Both fight for control of the emotions as we'll soon see. When the soul prevails, emotions gravitate to the right side of the heart but when the body prevails, the soul gravitates to the left. Wholeheartedness is perfect harmony between body and soul. The special day of Shmini Atzeret is conducive for just that.

A lack of responsibility leads to a breakdown of any relationship or society. The backbone of responsibility is accountability. With that in mind, here are the "10 Commandments of Accountability," all firmly grounded in Torah sources. Fulfilling them is crucial for a healthy relationship. 

Many people don't understand why "You shall not covet" became one of the Ten Commandments. The Torah specifically says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife… nor anything that is your neighbor's" (Exodus 20:13). A person shrugs his shoulders in innocence and protests, "What did I do wrong? Did I steal? Did I kill? Did I commit adultery? So what if I found that other woman attractive? I didn't touch her! I didn't even speak to her!" That's where the evil inclination, dressed up as the covet culprit, gets gullible people to jump in a boiling pot of troubled waters...

To understand the severity of adultery, look at liberal American law. To this day, treason remains the highest crime, punishable by the highest penalty. Even in the state of Michigan, where capital punishment is outlawed, a person who commits treason may be put to death. Is not adultery domestic treason?

In today's false world of shidduchim (matchmaking) with these ridiculous resumes that people demand, an Avraham Avinu or a Rebbe Akiva wouldn't have a chance. How many people today would refuse a shidduch with King David, because his great-grandmother was a convert? How many people today would refuse a shidduch with King Solomon, because his mother his mother was a divorcee? If you're looking for a soulmate for yourself or for your children, here is some vital food for thought.

Rabbi Lazer Brody's new book is a guide to marital bliss line none other. Based on emuna, two soulmates are more than mates; they are two inseparable halves of one soul. This knowledge is vital in building a loving and lasting relationship. The Bond of Emuna is available online here.

Imagine the tragedy of throwing away a rare vintage acoustical guitar simply because it's out of tune. Even more tragic is disposing of a soulmate because the relationship is out of tune. Here's a time-tested way to return the harmony to a marriage. And, if there never was a harmonious relationship, we learn here how to build one.

A realtor can work 200 hours and show 60 houses in a month and not sell a single one. On the other hand, his colleague works part-time as a realtor for an hour or two every evening. The colleague's wife was having a baby so he couldn't work much that month. His evenings were devoted to caring for his children. He showed one house that month and sold it. The commission he earned was sufficient for the entire month. Spiritually, what's going on?

The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the bond of emuna, the marriage that's built on the deep and durable foundations of emuna. The triple-stranded cord represents the Creator, the groom, and the bride. Together, intertwined, they form a braid that symbolizes the fusion of one man, one woman, and the Almighty in the marriage. This is the lasting bond...

Proper, positive and successful speech communication is critically important in building a bond of emuna. There cannot be a viable and lasting relationship without it.

How do two soulmates merge? What holds them together? Today's lesson provides a deep insight into the soul itself and the way it connects with its mate.