We often learn that so-called "friends" abandon us when we really need them, while others whom we never paid much attention to turn out to be steadfast in time of trouble. Watch this inspiring campfire story with an important lesson for life, especially now:

The Ben Ish Chai tells a story about two Jewish merchants from Turkey who were aboard a ship in the Mediterranean. A terrible storm hit the ship at sea and wrecked it. The ship's crew scrambled to the life boats, but the two Jews, Reuven and Shimon, were left behind. This poignant story helps us in our preparation for Passover, and for life.

A disgruntled husband went to his rabbi for an urgent consultation. "Rabbi, I want to divorce my wife," he said gravely, "I can't stand her anymore." The rabbi prescribed a special type of medication - a happiness pill...

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.

Here is a formula for success on Yom Kippur, success that will influence a person's entire year for the very best – EMUNA – believe in Yom Kippur's power of atonement and believe that Hashem will forgive you of all your sins EFFORT – asssess yourself, make teshuva and return to Hashem EXPECTATIONS – a clean bill of spiritual health: not only forgiveness for all your sins, but purification of the soul which is a magnificent gift from Hashem, with the following 10 benefits: 1) inner peace, 2) happiness, 3) patience, 4) no anger, 5) forgiveness, 6) prayers answered, 7) spiritual awareness, 8) understanding of Torah, 9) no outstanding judgments, 10) no fear Gmar Chatima Tova and much love from the Land of Emuna, LB

The mere idea of Yom Kippur is enough to raise the anxiety level of many people; that's because no one ever explained to them how Yom Kippur is the happiest day in the Jewish calendar. For real? Hear this.

"If we knew that a rare gift was concealed within our difficulties, we could laugh; but with emuna, we start laughing even before we discover the gift."  An old parable about a donkey in trouble gives us a different perspective on life's difficulties. Here's two-and-a-half minutes of encouragement:

This old Jewish parable helps us prepare for a wonderful New Year, with advice that's good for all of us, no matter who we are.

Think about what you'd rather be - a leaf, a branch or a root. This is a parable about our true source of vitality.

If you don't think that our Talmudic sages saw far into the future with their crystal-clear spiritual vision, then hear today's podcast, which shows just how the holy Raba bar Bar Chana saw what would happen in our generation in general, and with the upheaval of COVID-19 in particular.