KESER SHEM TOV – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

KESER SHEM TOV

Anthology of the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov

KST 27.

The Baal Shem Tov taught:

“There was a famine in the Land.”¹

This means that the people lacked faith in G-d,² that is, that they were lax in honoring Him. Therefore, “Abram went down to Mitzrayim/Egypt,”³ which means that Abraham was distressed [mitzta'er] by this laxity in honoring G-d in the World of Action. However, as a result, “Abram went up from Mitzrayim,”⁴ which means that he became spiritually elevated and was able to derive even greater pleasure from serving G-d, by virtue of the fact that he was not like them, since light can only be discerned in contrast to darkness.

Therefore, “Lot – who symbolizes the evil inclination – was with him,”⁵ because the existence of evil allows one to derive even greater pleasure from serving G-d,⁶ and evil thus become a vehicle to good, and becomes encompassed in it.

“And Abram was heavily laden with cattle, silver and gold,”⁷ which means that he was able to extract the sparks of holiness, similarly to, “Joseph collected all the money in Egypt.”⁸

¹Genesis 12:10. This piece is a continuation of the idea presented in #26.
²Zohar I 80a
³Genesis 12:10
⁴Genesis 13:1
⁵Genesis 13:1
⁶Thus, uprooting one’s evil tendencies is not only anyway impossible, but also not the goal. On the contrary. One should rejoice that one has an evil tendency to deal with on a daily basis, and even enjoy the challenges it presents. This is how we grow spiritually, and every success brings us closer to G-d.
⁷Genesis 13:2
⁸Genesis 47:14; Degel Machneh Ephraim, ad loc. This explains how evil itself becomes encompassed in the good. The Hebrew word for silver/money is kesef, which is the same root as desire. Thus, by seeing how mankind is so sunken in all sorts of desires, or when an undesirable desire rises one’s own mind, one can turn this around and perceive it in this way: If the pleasure for this earthly thing is so great, how much greater is the pleasure of being with G-d, the Source and Creator of all pleasures. This can bring one to an intense experience of pleasure from being in G-d’s presence. Then, those desires of others or oneself, which are actually fallen sparks of holiness, fallen and misguided desires for G-d, are elevated back to their Source.

Translation and commentary by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett.

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Daily Wisdom Portion of Kabbalah – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

The Bright One

The Bright One!

And from the Heavens He shines.

There—within the curtain of the screen.

The secret of the righteous is there made clear,

And Light and darkness shine together.

How good it is to delve in His deeds,

But beware not to reach out your hand for Him.

Then shall you hear Him, and so will you meet Him,

In the tower of might, the All Inclusive Name.

You shall relish in words of truth,

To speak untainted words.

And all you will see,

Your own eyes will see, and not a foreigner’s eye!

By Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag – Baal HaSulam, The Bright One

Source: kabbalah.info

Today 21st Tammuz, 5769 – “Little Mitzvos“

 

You may think, how does one little Mitzvo help . . .

Our times are calling out to us to do Teshuva, but it’s too hard for us to change our lives. Even when we try, we end up reverting back to nothing, everything as was. We MUST show HaShem that we are seeing the signs and that it means something to us.

In this way, when HaShem asks what did we did, we can reply “I took this on…”

You must not consider this “Little Mitzvos” as a replacement for the Shulchan Oruch – you must continue learning Halochos via mainstream Seforim and with Shiurim.

General

Write a list of people to invite for a Shabbos meal and invite them!!

Source: Little Mitzvos Org

The Daily Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

GuardUrEyes A website for Jews struggling to maintain their moral purity in today’s world

Why is Sexual purity so important in Judaism? Our sages called Shmiras Habris “Yesod”, meaning “Foundation”. The foundation of a building is “underground” and no one sees it, yet it holds up the entire building! Shmiras Habris is the hidden part of a Jew, it’s the real you. If the foundation of a Jew is weak, his whole spiritual structure is fragile and in grave danger of collapse. At guardureyes.com we are finally joining together, for ourselves and for all future generations, to strengthen the foundations of our people!

There is a lot of material out there on the subject of guarding the eyes and the Bris, but sometimes “too much” is overwhelming.
A little bit each day is just right, to be able to read, digest and apply it to our lives.

The booklet “Windows to the Soul” by R’ Zvi Miller of the Salant foundation, is a MAN’S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MASTERING HIS EYES. (Right click the link and choose “Save Target/Link As” to save the PDF booklet to your computer). To subscribe to eMussar, the daily lessons of the Salant Foundation, send email to salant@netvision.net.il

The Zohar compares this world to a churning ocean and the body of a man to a ship in the sea. Therefore, man requires knowledge in order to guide himself on a straight course, avoiding mishap and losing his way. The ocean of life roars fearfully and continuously. The winds of challenge blow and the negative impulse rips about like a tornado with unimaginable force. All of life comprises great and endless tests, which can easily capsize the ship and sink it into the murky, nethermost depths.

Yirat Shamayim and the study of Mussar will prevent the body from sinking into the miry depths of desire and corrupt character traits.
(Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, Ohr Yisrael)

Today’s Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk

Listen to Your Soul

Physical desires urge a man to call the impure, “Pure!” However, at the time of his final judgment before Hashem, his corrupt conduct and improper indulgences will be called “Impure!” And he will be recompensed accordingly. (Ohr Yisrael, Letter Four)

What does it mean that we are urged by our desires to call the impure, “Pure!”?

Physical desire in our generation is like a fire out of control. It is a nearly uncontrollable force of great strength and danger. Like a salesman with an “I won’t take no for an answer” attitude, it is relentless in its effort to sell us a slick catalogue of goodies with every imaginable inappropriate desire. But the lofty soul objects, saying, “This is an aveirah (a transgression).”

Shouldn’t the objection of the intelligent and sensitive soul suffice to stop the momentum of desire? Yet we often act in ways that are against our better judgment. Think about the abuse of alcohol, cigarettes, food and money. Consider the consequences of anger, jealously, and greed. How can we explain the fact that people often fail to control themselves even when they know they should?

THE FURTHEST DISTANCE

Desire silences intelligence by intensifying itself until it extinguishes the objections of the soul. That is, passion blinds a person from thinking rationally. As Rav Yisrael said, “The distance between the mind and the heart is as far as the distance from the earth to the heavens.” What we know is not necessarily what we feel, nor does it govern our behavior.

Earthly desires are so powerful that they can short-circuit our own value system. We might end up doing something that we ourselves consider inappropriate and immoral.

For instance, when a person sees an improper image, his desire is awakened to look more closely. Immediately his soul objects saying, “This is an aveirah.” The desire then counters by intensifying itself and drowning out our reason.

The wisdom of Mussar helps us understand what is taking place so we can protect ourselves. Knowing that our desires will try to stifle our soul, gives us the means to control our eyes. With our new wisdom, we can achieve the sensitivity to listen to our intellect. Now we have a chance to win!

TODAY: Remember that desire will intensify in order to drown out the voice of reason. Understand that and listen closely to your soul.

Practical Application

At the office, Steve sits next to Larry. Steve could not help noticing that Larry was viewing an improper image on his screen. Steve immediately turned away so that the image would not catch his eye.

“This is a battle between my soul and my body. If I follow the whims of desire, I will ruin my spirituality. If I follow the wisdom of my soul I will enhance my spiritual powers.”

Two Free e-Books, courtesy of GuardUrEyes that will change your life!
Right click on the links below and choose “Save Link/Target As” to download them to your computer. (Print them out to read at your leisure!)

The Guard Your Eyes Handbook.

The Guard Your Eyes Attitude.

The GuardUrEyes E-mail Chizuk Lists

The Yetzer Hara thinks of new ways to win us over every day. What better way to combat him than to have some chizuk and a new insight every day!

List 1.The GuardUrEyes Chizuk List – Breaking Free.
Receive each day antidotes, tips, articles or quotes from the holy texts, therapists and fellow strugglers, to help you break free of sexual addictions, pornography and/or masturbation.

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This list will focus less on the “addiction” aspect and more on general Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim that anyone can use, addicted or not. This list is less intense and explicit than the first, and is appropriate for everyone.

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       An elaborate FAQ page

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Daily Writings on Kabbalah and Torah – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

Everyone has different abilities depending on the tribe they represent. Let us all unify and work together in the battle against the Sitra Acher.

WISDOM CAN ONLY BE LOWERED TO A CERTAIN POINT – IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND IT READ IT OVER TWO THREE TIMES AND THINK ABOUT IT

Regarding the fear of Avrahom after the war of the four kings.

-   During the war many people died.
- Avrahom was worried that there must have been at least one person amongst them who feared G-D.
-   During the battle one of them might have pondered the truth and realized there was one unified controlling force instead of the many angles and deities they worshiped.
-   When someone is about to die they see the truth clearer.
-   If this was the case it would wipe away much of his merits.
-   Only Avrahom had to worry about this since he was so busy with chesed.
-   Meaning if you’re busy with Din you don’t have to worry about details. If you have to fight a war, innocent people will get killed.
-   This is also why he was worried about such a harsh punishment.
-   With Din punishments are exact, measure per measure, with chesed there is no concept of holding back.

Source: TrueKabbalah.org

Teachings of the Sages – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

ON PRAYER

“It is told of Rabbi Pinhas of Koretz that: ‘He said to someone who had been in the Land of Israel, that he should picture before himself, during the time of prayer, its views and scenes, with their seas, lakes, and rivers, and its [Jewish] inhabitants—and he will see how great is the power of these scenes to help his prayer’”.^*

^*Tosefta l’Midrash Pinhas, no. 27 (A), cited in Jewish Spiritual Practices, by Yitzhak Buxbaum, p. 124 (B)

By Rebbe Pinchas of Koretz

Source: Two Tzaddiks

Rabbi Nachman’s – Sayings & Teachings – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

Rabbi Nachman’s – Sayings & Teachings – From The Essential Rabbi Nachman

A treasury of sayings, teachings, parables and stories by the outstanding Chassidic sage, mystic and visionary, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810), whose message of faith, hope, courage, simplicity and joy is essential to each one of us and essential to the whole world.

Translated by Avraham Greenbaum

SERVING G-D – Making a start

The key to everything is the way you start. All beginnings are hard, because you need to swing things around from one direction to the very opposite. But once you have made a start, you will soon become accustomed to your new direction and it will no longer be so difficult.

Therefore you must marshal all your strength and steel yourself to make an energetic start. You must begin each time with ever-renewed fire and passion for G-d. Start as if you had never begun before at all.

Likutey Moharan I, 62

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
“It is a great mitzvah to be happy.”

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Azamra means “I will sing” (Psalms 146:2)

“And the way to sing the song of joy is by seeking the good in all people, especially in ourselves. Each good point is one more note in the song of life!”

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov

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Avodah – Perek Shira – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

Perek Shira – 21st Tammuz, 5769

Perek Shira: Rav Chaim Kanievsky – Extra Protection for the Sweet Deer

The deer is marked by many predators including man. Its sweet meat is a top choice on everyone’s menu. This doesn’t leave the deer a single sleep filled night. It is always watching its back. It is always on the lookout for someone hunting it. How does it elude capture? With the special tools Hashem has endowed it with. It sleeps with one eye open and it is faster than its predators. It has incredible vision and an amazing sense of smell.

To be very special has a high price. But if Hashem made you special he will give you all the tools you need to realize your full potential even in the face of danger.

The Tzvi says “V’Ani Ashir Uzecha… Ki Hayisa Mizgav Li UManos BYom Tzar Li”; I will sing Hashem’s praise… for you have been my fortress and my refuge in the day of my trouble.”

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On this day – Limud yomi – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

Courtesy of gicleegallery.us

Limud yomi

Daf yomi: Bava Metzia 79
Yerushalmi yomi: Bava Batra 32
Mishna yomit: Ohalot 6:6
Halacha yomit: Orach Chaim 319:17
Tanach yomi: Tehillim Seder 18
Shabbat parshiot: Mattot Masei

From: Kaluach – Hebrew/civil calendars

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Daily Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

 

The Baal Shem Tov once told his disciples: “My children, you only need to be very careful not to lie, and you will surely become good people.”

(Imrei Pinchos 878)

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Daily Torah Quote – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

 

He who goes with the wise will become wise, but he who befriends the fools will be broken.

Mishlei 13:20

From: Breslev.co.il

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Tikun Habris – 21st Tammuz, 5769

 

Tikun Habris is the most important topic to discuss in this low generation, and no one is dealing with it.

If you are Jewish then you are part of the Holy nation. Have mercy on your holy soul and stop blemishing it with the sin of wasting seed. Take heed of what the kabbalah says and stop committing this sin of wasting seed.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslev on Shmiras Habris

These are only the basic references about Tikun Hbris. The torahs have a lot more about this topic. We strongly suggest that everyone learn Likutay Maharan.

Yosef who was Shomer Hbris received the rights of the firstborn. This was taken away from Reuvain who desecrated his fathers bed, which is a form of Pgam Hbris.

[Likutay 1 Torah 2]

A Wonderous Segulah to rectify oneself and to rectify Nefesh Ruach and Neshama. Culled from the Holy ARIZALs works to be said every day after prayers.

Tikun Mem Ches from the Tikunei Zohar has the Segulah to bring that which is precious and holy out of what has fallen into spiritual darkness and to rectify the sins related to the Bris Kodesh.

Whomever says it will be worthy of many wonderous things relating to body and soul.

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Source: TrueKabbalah.org

Halacha – Daily Halacha – 20th Tammuz, 5769

 

Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach & Rav Elyashiv: Washing Netilas Yadayim After A Blood Test

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 4:19) says that after bloodletting from your shoulder, if you don’t wash Netilas Yadayim you will be scared for seven days. What if you donate blood, or you take a blood test, or if you cut yourself and bleed, must you wash Netilas Yadayim?

The Nishmas Avrohom brings that some say since this is a Din from the gemara, it is worthwhile to be machmir even when you give blood for lab tests. If so he says then why not also wash when you get a cut? He brings from Rav SHlomo Zalman Auerbach that you only need to wash after you let blood for the sake of curing yourself from excess blood. He holds that since this is segula, we need not take it further than the actual words of the gemara. When asked regarding giving blood for the health of others, Rav Shlomo Zalman answered that you only need to wash when done for your own refuah. Since giving to others is a mitzva, nothing bad will happen from it.

In a tshuva from Rav Elyashiv, writes the Nishmas Avrohom, he says that giving blood is included in what the gemara says about bloodletting and you should wash your hands as per the Shulchan Aruch. However even Rav Elyashiv agrees that after giving blood for a lab test you need not wash your hands.

Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. One should learn the tshuva to verify the accuracy of our interpretation. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.

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Daily Reminder – 20th Tammuz, 5769

 

Someone Will Owe You Big

The Sefer Chasidim says that any mitzva that is ignored by people is like a Meis Mitzva, a dead person who has no one to take care of them. This mitzva stands before Hashem and criticizes the people, complaining that no one cares about it. That is even a single mitzva. Shemiras HaLashon consists of many dead mitzvos.

The Chofetz Chaim says (SH 2:3) that by keeping this mitzva you are rescuing it and it will surely be “Melamed Zchus” on you in Shamayim.

People run to get Brachos from Tzadikim. Why not get “in” with a Chosheve Mitzva that stands before Hashem.

“Zachor Eis Asher Asa Hashem L’Miriam BaDerech B’Tzaischem MiMitzrayim”

The Ramban and other Rishonim count, among the Mitzvos Aseh Min HaTorah, the mitzva of remembering and saying with your mouth each day what Hashem did to Miriam when she spoke about her brother Moshe. The Chofetz Chaim in Shaar Tvunah Perek 12 says that being Mikayem this mitzva can save you from the aveira of Lashon Hara. More than just saying the pasuk, says the Chofetz Chaim, one must think about the incident in order for it to have its intended effect.

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Bringing Heaven Down to Earth – 20th Tammuz, 5769

 

Thought for the Day

The Echo Upstream

By Rabbi Tzvi Freeman

Daily Dose – Today’s Meditation – The Echo Upstream

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman. To order Tzvi’s book, “Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.

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Self-Growth – Keep Smiling – 20th Tammuz, 5769

 

 

Beauty of Love

We may sing and dream about the beauties of love, but it’s not worth much to us unless we train ourselves to show and give love to others.^*

^*See Michtav M’Eliyahu, Kuntras HaChesed

Have a growth-filled, uplifting day

By: Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Schwartz of “Self-Growth“

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