Emuna Beams

A chassidic parable teaches us that we don't have to live a third-class life when there are available upgrades for everyone.

The Book of Esther tells the story of Purim, when the Jews faced threat of annihilation. History is repeating itself right now. This behooves us to learn the lessons of Purim 25 centuries ago and apply them immediately. It takes a true leader to rise above sectorial interests and unify a divided nation.

Rabbi Lazer Brody tells the complete story of Purim in a manner that anyone can understand and appreciate. We see here how the Book of Esther transpires a timespan of thirteen years. This historically precise story is actually the template for the Geula, the full and final redemption.

February, 2023 has been a tragic month for Israel. We cannot allow the blood of our cherished sons and martyrs to cry out in vain. It's easy to blame others but that won't stop the bloodshed. Here's what each of us must do, right now.

With Emuna, we know that every tiny amenity that we have in life is a huge blessing. Who can take every little sip of water or every breath of air for granted? These and a myriad of other blessings in life - every moment - are products of Hashem's magnificent Divine Direction. These gifts are customized for each one of us. By simply pondering them, we're immediately happy.

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.

Sea Cucumbers are invertebrates from the echinoderm family, like starfish and sea urchins. They look like a fat aquatic caterpillar. Found mainly in the Far East, they live on the ocean floor. Although many humans consider them a delicacy, they are bottom-feeding scavengers who eat anything, especially waste materials. Their 10-12" bodies are tubular, with a hole on one side for eating and a hole on the opposite side for excreting. Let's ask ourselves: what makes a human any better than a sea cucumber?

What do we do when we're not sure what path to take? Whose advice do we seek? Here's a simple but very cogent way to clarify the truth in our minds.

One of the prime ways that outstanding achievers became great was through their utilization of time. To fulfill our maximum potential, we must cherish every single minute in life. Time is one commodity that's irreplaceable...

If the mouth is a gun, then the tongue is the trigger. Not only is it the trigger, but it's the hand that pulls the trigger. What's worse is that the tongue can misfire. When it does, it's every bit as dangerous as a loaded pistol.

Suffering severe abdominal pain, Rabbi Shalom of Shatz made a rare visit to a physician. Before the examination, the Rabbi asked the doctor to diagnose the source of the pain. "Doctor, I simply need you to tell me which internal organ is not functioning properly. I don't need any treatments or medication." Today, we learn his age-old secret to self-healing.

The more world events become apocalyptic, the more people begin talking about Moshiach. From time to time, we hear voices that claim to know when Moshiach is coming. Is it possible to really know when Moshiach will arrive? Let's get some answers. 
Did you know that belief in Moshiach is a main foundation of our faith? Read all about it in 13 Principles of Emuna.