Todays eMussar Lesson 29th Tammuz 5769

 

eMussar – The Wisdom of Personal Growth
A daily inspirational, concise idea, with a suggested action.

Todays eMussar Lesson – The Protection of Torah – 29th Tammuz, 5769

THE SAGES OF MUSSAR ON THE PARASHA

After the Children of Israel encamped around Mount Sinai “You have encompassed this mountain long enough; turn yourselves northward” (Devarim 2:3). The Hebrew word Tzefonah – has three meanings: (1) “Northward,” (2) “Hidden,” and (3) “Wisdom.” Therefore, the verse can be interpreted according to the literal meaning, i.e., “travel Northwards.” In addition, the verse may be understood according to the esoteric interpretations verse, “Hide yourselves,” or “Flee to the wisdom of Torah.”

What is the meaning of this cryptic message? The Midrash explains that HaShem conveys these words of advice to the Jewish people during the precarious period of our exile.

“Rebbe Chiya said, ‘Tell them if you see that Esau wants to contend with you, do not stand against him. Rather hide yourselves from him until his sovereignty passes, that is, ‘hide yourselves.’ Rabbi Yehudah ben Shalom added, “B’nai Yisrael asked, “Where should we flee?” Hashem responded, ‘If you see him poised to attack you, and then flee to ‘the wisdom of the Torah.’”

The period of our exile has been fraught with danger and hardship. However, HaShem reveals that the Torah will be a sanctuary for us, even during the darkest moments. Indeed, if not for the great wisdom found within the holy Torah, – its comfort, light, and joy – we would not have been able to survive.

Even more, despite a world against the People of Israel and Torah values – nay, a world bent on wiping us off the face of the map – we have endured. Under the most trying challenges, we have succeeded to flourish. Despite what we have suffered, the fact remains that never has so much good emerged from so few.

What is our secret?

“Flee to the Torah.” The Torah has been, and will always be, our stronghold of protection and oasis of spirituality. May we strengthen our commitment to Torah study. In turn, we will protected from our enemies, and merit countless blessings in this world as well as the world to Come.

TODAY: Guard yourself with the protection of the holy Torah.

By Rabbi Zvi Miller.

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Daily PiCK ME UPs 29th Tammuz 5769

 

Quotes

from “PiCK-ME-UPs” the book

   

Thought Quote

To Know

To know the Creator, we should study, pray and do acts of kindness. In addition, we should spend quiet time with ourselves, learning how to think.

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

PiCK-ME-UPs:
Empower yourself, enjoy life!
Not just another book, but a series of lessons to change our lives, turning darkness to light, misery to joy, shame into dignity; giving us a sense of direction, that we may move through our days with enthusiasm and passion, turning each moment into a jewel, a treasure, and a source of great pleasure and enjoyment. Click here for more.

FREE INSPIRATIONAL POSTER – To download high resolution version, click here.

Please visit Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Schwartz’s blog at: Keep Smiling ~ Self-Wealth

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DIVINE LIGHT 29th Tammuz 5769

 

The Mystical Light of the Baal Shem Tov

Section 43.

Praying for G-d’s Sake

The Baal Shem Tov taught:

Prayers for physical needs, such as: “Heal us and we shall be healed,” “Bless us with a good year,” etc., are like [turning to] a father who longs to fulfill his son’s desires, and to make sure that he lacks nothing, even foolish things. For it is the nature of one who is good to do good.

G-d’s only thought is how to bestow material goodness to the Congregation of Israel, who are called His children. Prayer draws down sustenance and shefa into all the worlds, even material shefa, to satisfy G-d’s longing. Thus, prayers [on behalf of G-d] are accepted immediately. For heaven scrutinizes the prayers you pray for yourself, to see if they are worthy of being received. But when you pray for G-d’s sake, there is nothing to stop them.
Kedushas Levi, Likutim Shonim, p. 509

Translation and Commentary by Translation and commentary by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore.

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Daily Wisdom Portion of Kabbalah 29th Tammuz 5769

 

Quotes of prominent Kabbalists

“Every basis for physical success is the measure of the unity of society, and the basis for the success of intelligence and knowledge, is the separation and disagreement among them.

It therefore turns out, that when mankind succeeds in the matter of success of the bodies, meaning by bringing them to the degree of complete love for the fellow man, all the bodies in the world will unite into a single body and a single heart. And only then will all the happiness intended for humanity will be revealed in all its glory.”

Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag (Baal HaSulam) (1884—1954), The Freedom

Source:

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Today 29th 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.

Tefilla

Say at least one chapter of Tehillim each day.

Source: Little Mitzvos Org

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Halacha Tshuvos 29th Tammuz 5769

 

Rav Moshe Feinstein: When Woman Want To Perform Mens’ Mitzvos

In 1976 Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC4:49) was asked by a Rov about his position on women of his kehila in Boston who were part of the feminist movement and wanted equality in Mitzvos with men. Rav Moshe answered that surely women may keep all the mitzvos that men are obligated to perform (with the exception of Tefilin) and they can even make a bracha. They even receive Schar for doing so. In fact most women today listen to Shofar and shake the Lulav. However this is only if they are motivated by a great desire to perform Hashem’s mitzvos.

With regard to women who are part of a worldwide movement fighting to equate women with men in all areas in life, Rav Moshe says that the fight to perform mitzvos for this purpose is not only a not a mitzva but it is Kefira in Hashem and in His Torah. The Torah was written by Hashem and its reasons are hidden from us. Not only did Hashem exempt women from time bound mitzvos, but the Chachomim as well never made any takana obligating them, even in mitzvos that they themselves enacted. Even if the reason on the surface changed with the times, nevertheless there is no Rav or Bais Din that has the power to change this today, so any battle fought against this principle is essentially a fight against the Torah.

Rav Moshe adds that to think that women somehow are considered less than men is great mistake. We see by all matters of Kedusha in the Torah by Har Sinai and other places that women have the same standing as men. In fact there were women Nevios and Shoftim that led Klal Yisroel. Men are required to respect their wives no less then wives are required to respect their husbands.

The fact that women are exempt from learning Torah and performing certain mitzvos is because Hashem felt the need to be lenient with them and not because they have a lesser status than men. One reason on the surface for the leniency for women is because the women (of every species) raise children as their entire makeup is more suited to it than men, leaving them less control over their time. Even if this no longer applies and women can go work and hire someone else to raise the children, says Rav Moshe, we still cannot change the Torah. Besides which says Rav Moshe, there is no greater or more important job in the eyes of Hashem and the Torah than raising children.

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 29th Tammuz 5769

 

No Money & No Pride

While to perform a Mitzvas Aseh you need not spend all your money, in order to avoid doing an aveira you must forfeit all your wealth. This means that if by defying your boss and refusing to speak Lashon Hara you will lose your job and thus your livelihood, then so be it. The Chofetz Chaim brings in the Be’er Mayim Chaim (1:10) that this applies even to a Lo Saaseh D’Rabanan!

Certainly, says the Chofetz Chaim, you may must not speak Lashon Hara, when your livelihood is not at stake, only your pride and honor by sitting like a dope rather than participating in a conversation involving Lashon Hara. The reward that comes with so much much inner pain and discipline is unimaginable! It is far greater than the reward for a mitzva that comes without such great sacrifice no matter how great the deed.

“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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The Daily Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk 29th 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

 

Lower Your Gaze

“When an army plans a war, the generals design a strategy. They consider every detail and prepare for every scenario. However, when the war is actually fought, there are always unforeseen events and situations that will come into play. Therefore, the generals retain a flexible posture and prepare a backup plan in order to adjust the strategy as the war unfolds.” (Ohr Yisrael, Letter 19)

Whenever we plan to battle the negative impulse regarding our eyes, we have to remember that this plan is only an approximation. When we go out in public, we have to expect the unexpected.

The Vilna Gaon would review the second chapter in Mesilat Yesharim which talks about “Watchfulness,” thirteen times before going out into the street. We are not on that level; however, it is an indication of how careful we have to be when entering the danger zone.

COUNTLESS IMAGES

Once we leave the privacy of our homes, we will be confronted with countless images that will present themselves before us. The eye is a sensitive organ that is stimulated by any image that enters its field of view. However, most of these images are unnecessary and a great number of them are harmful.

Since the intention of most of these images is to catch the eye, most of them are positioned at eye-level. Without a doubt the eye scans a wide area, and all the images in that range are competing for the eye’s attention. Unrestrained, the eye darts up and down, here and there, back and forth, reacting to everything it sees. The more stimulating the image, the more the eye will be attracted to it.

The eye does not naturally lower its gaze below eye-level. Therefore we have to make a conscious effort to lower our gaze in order to protect our eyes. This basic strategy is easy and attainable and it doesn’t mean staring at your shoes and bumping into street poles or poking along looking strange.

Just direct your eyes towards the direction you are walking. This takes in an area of about five to ten feet on our pathway. Although lowering our gaze is a wondrous and effective strategy, it is not foolproof. Therefore, just like the generals we have to have a contingency plan

TODAY: Make a conscious effort to keep your gaze below eye-level when you are in a public place.

---

Practical Application

You can’t imagine how effective this advice is until you try it. As soon as I started using it, I naturally removed the majority of improper sights from my view. When I walk in public, I lower my gaze a bit. I make adjustments as I go along, until I am able to avoid the majority of improper images.

At first, it felt unnatural and I thought people might say to me, ‘Hey, why are you looking downwards.’ But nobody ever notices.

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!

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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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Daily Writings on Kabbalah and Torah 29th 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 reason why there is less Anti Semitism in America

-  Know, that all people divide into seventy archetype groups, these are the seventy nations
-  Every nation had rights to certain land, as things manifest over time these lands might change.
-  The people in the US don’t have the right to be there either.
-  Meaning the fact that they ended up there shows they have some connection, but technically it is not their land either.
-  In Europe it is their land and we have no right to be there.
-  Meaning in Gulus (diaspora) we might end up there but it comes with the package.

Source: TrueKabbalah.org

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Teachings of the Sages 29th Tammuz 5769

 

ON HOLY BOOKS

Holy books that have segulas [powers to influence] associated with them: “Reb Pinchos of Korets told his son that learning Nevi’im [Prophets] strengthens emunah [faith]. … Ohr Hachaim [Light of Life]: Reb Pinchos of Koritz says it’s a shmira [protection] for the house. … Sharei Kedusha [Gates of Holiness] (Reb Chaim Vital): Reb Pinchos of Koritz says raises up a person ‘m’bechinas eitz hadaas tov v’ra’ [as a test of the tree of knowledge of good and evil]”.^*

^*“Sforim That Have Segulas Associated with Them,” by A Talmid at Zchus Avos Yogen Aleinu (C)

By Rebbe Pinchas of Koretz

Source: Two Tzaddiks

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Rabbi Nachman Sayings and Teachings 29th 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

KNOWING G-D – Hints, messages and guidance

You should reflect on the different situations and occurrences that G-d sends your way day by day. Each day has its own thoughts, words and deeds. They are all completely unique to that day. G-d “contracts” His infinite, endless G-dliness in such a way that G-dliness is present even in the innermost point of the finite material world in which man finds himself. Thus G-d sends to each individual the thoughts, words and deeds appropriate for the day, the person and the place. Within them are hints intended to draw the person closer to G-d’s service.

This is why you should pay attention to what happens to you and consider what it may signify. Think about the thoughts, words and deeds that G-d sends you each day in order to understand His hints to you to draw closer to Him at every moment. This applies to everyone, no matter who and in what circumstances.

But be cautious when thinking about these things: you must stay within certain limits and not delve to excess, because otherwise it is possible to stray beyond the bounds of holiness. Flying off into speculation can be dangerous. Stay within the limits of human understanding and steadily expand your horizons without trying to step beyond your level, because “you may not investigate that which is too wondrous for you”
( Chagigah 13a).

Likutey Moharan I, 54

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 29th Tammuz 5769

 

Perek Shira – 29th Tammuz, 5769

Perek Shira: The Camel – Searching For Moshiach, Oasis or Mirage?

The tall camel travels through the desert looking out and constantly searching the vast expanses in the hope of finding an oasis in which to quench its thirst. As the days go by and there is still no sign of water the camel can roar for a drink, which for him can consist of 46 liters of water.

So too says the Shiras Ariel, Hashem who sits on His throne high in the Heavens, travels through the years of Galus (kiviyachol) searching for the zchus of His beloved nation in order to be able to bring Moshiach and the Geula Sheleima.

The Camel says, “Hashem MiMarom Yishag Um”Mi’on Kodsho Yitein Kolo”, Hashem roars from on his above and from His dwelling lets out a noise. “Sha’og Yishag Al Naveihu”, He roars for His absent Bais HaMikdash.

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On this day Limud yomi for 29th Tammuz 5769

 

Courtesy of gicleegallery.us

Limud yomi

Daf yomi: Bava Metzia 87
Yerushalmi yomi: Shavuot 6
Mishna yomit: Ohalot 9:3
Halacha yomit: Orach Chaim 321:4
Tanach yomi: Mishle Seder 6
Shabbat parshiot: Devarim

From: Kaluach – Hebrew/civil calendars

Free Download: Kaluach3 is the latest version of Kaluach Hebrew/civil calendars, specially designed for 2000/XP/Vista.

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Daily Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov 29th Tammuz 5769

 

 

When Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi came to Mezeritch, the Maggid told him in the name of the Baal Shem Tov that melody is one of the paths of Divine service according to the teachings of Chasidism.

(Sefer HaSichos 5702)

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Daily Torah Quote 29th Tammuz 5769

 

 

A [good] name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

Kohelet 7:1

From: Breslev.co.il

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Tikun Habris 29th 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.

Through the use of the holy language one can contain and control the desire for Niuf.

[Likutay 1 Torah 19]

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.

Click here to download “A Wonderous Segulah“.

Free E-Book “You Shall Be Holy“, click here to download.

Source: TrueKabbalah.org

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SelfGrowth Keep Smiling 29th Tammuz 5769

 

 

The Greater, the Less

The greater the person, the less he depends on material gains and possessions to keep him happy.^*

^*Heard in the name of Rav Eliyahu Lopian, zts”l

Have a growth-filled, uplifting day

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

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Blog – To view previous”Keep Smiling”s, click here, or copy this address to your browser: http://keep-smiling-self-wealth.blogspot.com/

“Heavenly Ways” gives us a Torah-based point of view 176 topics, affirmations to accelerate our journey along healthful, heavenly ways. To see excerpt, click here.

“Hearts on Fire“ expands on selected verses from Tehillim to motivate us to new growth. In hard-cover for sale, or otherwise as a free ebook. Click here for an excerpt.

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“A Handful of Light” expands on the very short, powerful “Letter of the Ramban” with classic mussar and outlook ideas. (287 pages) To see an excerpt, click here.

PiCK-ME-UPs:
Empower yourself, enjoy life!
Not just another book, but a series of lessons to change our lives, turning darkness to light, misery to joy, shame into dignity; giving us a sense of direction, that we may move through our days with enthusiasm and passion, turning each moment into a jewel, a treasure, and a source of great pleasure and enjoyment. Click here for more.

“Wealth – A Torah Approach” contains over 700 teachings from the Torah, Prophets and our earliest sages on this continually perplexing subject. Click here for an excerpt.

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Sefer Baal Shem Tov 28th Tammuz, 5769

 

Sefer Baal Shem Tov

The Baal Shem Tov’s Teachings on the Torah

“And Moses spoke to the tribal heads of the Israelites, saying: This is what G-d has commanded. (Concerning the principle that) when a person makes a vow to G-d, or makes an oath to prohibit himself (something the Torah permits), he must not break his word and must do all that he expressed verbally.” (Numbers 30:2-3)

This is what is written: “Better not to make a vow, than to make a vow and not complete it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4). The Holy One says, be careful making vows, and do not break them, for all who breaks vows will eventually transgress oath.¹ And one who transgresses oaths is considered to have denied G-d. There is no forgiveness for him, as it says: “You shall not take the name of the L-rd your G-d in vain; for G-d will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:6). And it is written: “If you will return to me, O Israel and will swear, ‘As the L-rd lives’..” (Jeremiah 4:1-3) . The Holy One said to Israel, “Do not think that it is permissible for you to swear, even in truth. You are not permitted to swear by My Name..”²

Our Sages enjoined us to say before each mitzvah: “For the sake of the union of the Holy One and His Shechinah..” This is alluded to in the verse: “This is the thing that G-d has commanded.” The matter is as follows.

King Solomon said: “Better not to make a vow.” But what type of individual is he addressing? If it is a person who does not plan on fulfilling his vow, it is obvious that he is forbidden to make it, for he transgresses a negative commandment and a positive one, as the Talmud says.³ And if it is a person who wants to fulfill his vow, why is it better for him not to make it? The Sages said: “How do we know that a person can vow to fulfill a mitzvah? From the verse: “I have sworn and I have fulfilled it, to observe Your righteous ordinances.” (Psalms 119:106). King David also said: “My vows to G-d I will fulfill.” (Psalms 116:14). And would David transgress this, G-d forbid?

Rather, with every mitzvah that a person performs, he fixes all the aspects of nefesh, ruach, and neshama, up until the highest point – the tip of the yud,⁴ which is hidden and concealed. If the commandment requires action, making that the lowest level of the commandment, a person must still fix speech and thought. If it involves speech, then that is the lowest aspect of the mitzvah, and he still must fix voice and thought.⁵

Now, when a person thinks about performing a mitzvah, he still has no fear of the accusation of the “shells,”⁶ for they have no attachment to thought. However, when he verbalizes [his intention] to do a mitzvah, then there are Accusing Forces to hinder the mitzvah, for the “shells” draw sustenance from the place of speech.⁷

Therefore, when a person wants to perform a mitzvah and must speak about doing it, making him concerned about the Accusers, our Sages enjoined him to say: “For the sake of the union of the Holy One and His Shechinah, in fear and in love, in love and in fear, to unite the Name Y-H and V-H by means of He who is hidden and concealed in the name of all Israel.” Then, he has created the Unification of the mitzvah on [the level of] speech, voice and thought, up above, to He who is hidden and concealed.⁸ Then he will not be afraid of the Accusers or obstacles to the mitzvah, nor from any selfish motivations [on his part], since he has uplifted all the vitality of the mitzvah, and lacks only the mitzvah’s performance, which is the last level. Consequently, the Accusers will lack all ability to stop him.

This is what the verse says: “When shall make a vow to the L-rd your G-d, you shall not be late in fulfilling it..” (Deuteronomy 23:22). This verse guarantees that when a person makes a Unification before performing a mitzvah (that is, “to the L-rd your G-d”⁹) he can be absolutely sure that he will not delay in fulfilling it since he did the Unification completely. This is why the verse says: “This is the thing..” alluding to the Unification. For “this” is Yesod and “the thing” (hadavar) is Malchus. “That G-d has commanded” means that G-d commands each person to say the Unification completely before performing a mitzvah. Therefore, “If a man makes a vow to G-d,” to do a mitzvah, he shouldn’t just say that he will do it, he should make the complete unification.

This explains what the Midrash said: “Better not to make a vow than to make a vow and not complete it.” That is, not to complete the Unification, but merely to state that one will do the mitzvah. Because then concern exists about the Accuser, and it would be better not to have vowed, not to say anything, only to think about doing the mitzvah, so that there is no worry about the Accusers. However, if a person can complete the Unification perfectly, it is certainly better. He will not have any fear of Accusers, and in fact, will receive help and support to complete the mitzvah.

This is what David said: “My vows to G-d I will fulfill.” This means that the vow will be with a complete Unification. For when the Unification is incomplete, it is called “breaking the vow,” which will lead him to transgress an oath. This in turn is an impediment to the mitzvah, which is a rectification of the seven attributes called “oaths.” Therefore, one must be careful to complete the Unification.
Devorim Nechmadim, Ginzei Yosef

¹Taking an oath involves swearing on G-d’s Name. Thus, transgressing it is a more serious offense than breaking a vow.
²Yalkut Shimoni, Matos #284.
³Nedarim 3b.
⁴Although the Baal Shem Tov explicitly names the three lowest levels of the soul – nefesh, ruach, and neshama – he alludes here to still higher levels – the chaya and yechida. These five levels are alluded to in the four letters of the Tetragrammaton. The nefesh corresponds to the final hey, the ruach to the vav, the neshama to the first hey, the chaya to the yud, and the yechida to the small point at the top left of the yud.
⁵The Baal Shem Tov divides each mitzvah into three components. When the mitzvah is performed with speech, such as prayer or Torah study, then that is the lowest level. The two higher levels would then be voice (kol – undifferentiated sound) and thought.
⁶Kelipot – forces of impurity and evil that oppose the performance of a mitzvah, by claiming that a person is not worthy to do it.
⁷See Likutey Moharan I:38,2, on the verse: “Sin couches at the door” (Genesis 4:7), alluding to the “door” of the mouth.
⁸Apparently, by reciting this prayer, one unifies even a physical mitzvah on three upper levels. The actual performance of the mitzvah that follows is almost secondary, and can proceed with obstruction.
⁹The conjunction of the Divine Names “L- rd your G-d” – Y-H-V-H Elo-hecha – corresponds to the union of G-d and the Shechinah, described above.

Translation and commentary by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore.

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Urgent Plea Worldwide Search for Just 1,000 People

 

Breslov Research Institute
We are on a worldwide search
for just 1,000 people
who will donate to us
just $100!

Everyone is aware of the economic meltdown that took place around the world this year. Many who felt secure with their holdings no longer feel secure. Many who felt their jobs and income were considered stable no longer feel that stability. “G-d makes [the] poor and [the] rich; He lowers people and raises them up” (I Samuel 2:7). Nearly everyone we know has been some sort of recipient of the above verse, including us here at the Institute. G-d is sending His message to all of us.

For over 30 years, Breslov Research Institute has been producing high-quality publications of Rebbe Nachman’s teachings that speak to the soul and encourage people to recognize their self-worth. The Rebbe’s teachings arouse from slumber and depression; they show us how to bring joy into our lives and heighten our awareness of G-d by forging our own personal connection to our Creator. “There is no despair!” cried the Rebbe. G-d waits patiently for each person to search for Him, even from the most difficult situation.

But this year has taken its toll on us, too. Between now and Rosh HaShanah (3 months), we are set to experience a shortfall of some $100,000(!), drastically down from last year’s income.

We ask you to do your best to help us cover this deficit. Think of it. If just 1,000 readers from around the world would send in just $100, we would reach our goal. This would enable us to continue our work uninterrupted, and not have to shelve important projects due to budget cuts. If just 1,000 readers send in just $100, it would enable us to keep up with those projects that are nearing completion.

These include: the Breslov Chumash, the Breslov Pirkey Avot, Likutey Moharan Volume 13, the Kitzur (Abridged) Likutey Moharan (2 volumes with facing Hebrew and English), More Blessed to Give: Rebbe Nachman on Charity, and Knights of the Rosh HaShanah Table – stories of the valiant “knights” who have faced obstacles and turbulence in their lives, yet overcame their difficulties to travel to Rebbe Nachman in Uman for Rosh HaShanah. We also have several books nearing completion in each of the following languages: Hebrew, Spanish and Russian.

Maybe $100 is a lot of money to ask for. But when we consider the mitzvah of tithing our income and then giving it to charity, it isn’t a large request at all. Consider: Tithes are just 10% of one’s income, and presumably one’s income is more than $1,000 per annum. Then the request for $100 is not a large sum after all! It might not be easy, but it’s not that difficult, either. Especially when the Talmud promises, “One who shears off money for charity will see his income increase!” (Gittin 7a).

We appeal to you, faithful followers of Rebbe Nachman’s teachings and readers who thirst, like us, to see more and better publications come into being. Please open your hearts and contribute life-sustaining money to continue our work! Of course, if you can send more, we appreciate it even more! And if you cannot afford $100, please contribute what you can. But please, everyone, help us out in these trying times. You know that we rarely make appeals, either by direct mail or internet. But in these financially difficult moments, we have also become desperate enough to feel the humiliation of asking for extra help.

May G-d bless you all with the Talmudic promise of increased wealth, together with good health, emotional stability, financial security and, most importantly, spiritual growth.

With deepest thanks,

Chaim Kramer
Executive Director
Breslov Research Institute

You can contribute US currency on line on our website.

For checks, please mail to: Breslov Research Institute, POB 5370, Jerusalem, Israel (for all Israel & non North American addresses).
Or to: Breslov Research Institute, POB 587, Monsey, NY 10952, U.S.A.
Canadian Friends of Chasidei Breslov, c/o Levinson, 84 Regina Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V2, CANADA

SelfGrowth Keep Smiling 28th Tammuz, 5769

 

 

Your Banker

Here is an exercise that requires courage: See the Creator as your banker. Deposit your extra funds in projects that promote goodness, helping yourself, and others, to reach their potential. Then trust that the funds that you need will become available to you just as you need them — not for years to come, or even months, but just as you need them.^*

^*Based on Tehillim 55.23

Have a growth-filled, uplifting day

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

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PiCK-ME-UPs:
Empower yourself, enjoy life!
Not just another book, but a series of lessons to change our lives, turning darkness to light, misery to joy, shame into dignity; giving us a sense of direction, that we may move through our days with enthusiasm and passion, turning each moment into a jewel, a treasure, and a source of great pleasure and enjoyment. Click here for more.

“Wealth – A Torah Approach” contains over 700 teachings from the Torah, Prophets and our earliest sages on this continually perplexing subject. Click here for an excerpt.

Follow Aryeh