This Week’s Article A Fallen Angel

 

A Fallen Angel

By Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Schwartz

A person is not an animal with a potential to be an angel. Rather he is an angel that has fallen to the level of an animal.[1]

“I said of you,” King David would sing, “you are gods; all of you, children of the Upper One…” Each one of us is an angel, a divine being.

“But,” he continues, “… as people, you will die.”[2] If we do not make the effort, if we do not detach ourselves from our animal drives, we lose all that is divine within us — all that is eternal. We must work to be all we really are.

Is it really possible to be HAPPY? Seriously, is this an option we have? Try Rabbi Schwartz’s “Six in a Box” for the Torah’s YES to this and other motivational topics. Click here.

Two Ways

The rewards and riches the Other Side promises us are the same rewards and riches Hashem wants to give us. What’s the difference between the two of them then?

The Other Side wants us to chase after our pleasure, with desperation, exasperation — the exasperation of having no one to rely on besides ourselves. Therefore, to achieve our ends, we even mislead others a little; we even cheat and steal.

Hashem however, wants us to achieve our ends in straight, honest ways, and with a full trust in Him — the trust that only Hashem can give us our hearts’ desires.

If we want to succeed in a real way — a healthy, eternal way — we have to pick Hashem’s route.

---

[1] Rav Simcha Zissel Ziev, Sefer HaKaton, Siman Beis

[2] Tehillim 82.6

Author, Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Schwartz.

Rabbi A.T. Schwartz, will appreciate your donation – with gratitude and humility. Please click here to donate.

Olam Chesed Yibaneh — A world of kindness prospers
(Tehillim 89.3)

All rights reserved (c) Avraham Tzvi Schwartz

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Todays Mussar Quote 3rd Elul 5769

 

Today 3rd Elul, 5769 – Mussar Quote

Repeat the following verse to yourself three times: “Hope in HaShem, strengthen yourself and HaShem will encourage you, and hope in HaShem.”

By Rabbi Zvi Miller.

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Todays eMussar Lesson 3rd Elul 5769

 

Today 3rd Elul, 5769 – eMussar Lesson –
Connect to HaShem Through the Mitzvot

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

AROUND THE SHABBOS TABLE\PARSHAS SHOFTIM

The Torah (Devarim 18:10; 11) absolutely forbids all forms of idol worship. However, the Sages of Mussar teach us that there is something very valuable that we can learn from idol worshippers.

The inhabitants of the ancient world who practiced idol worship, would not set out on a journey, nor perform any deed without first consulting witchcraft (a type of idol worship), or the like. From their very disgrace, we see their praise. For despite their corrupt conduct, there is an element of correctness in their world outlook.

Namely, they did not rely on their own judgment! Rather, before they acted they looked for guidance through their various devices. They believed that these mediums were tuned in to the Divine Will. Hence, their mistake was that they relied on intermediary powers and not on HaShem – Who is the Master of all. However, they understood – far more than modern man – the wisdom of subjugating their actions to the Divine Will.

In the wilderness, the anon – the pillar of cloud – guided the children of Israel on their journeys. The Seforno teaches that the anon is a mitzvah that applies to every generation. Yet, the cloud was only manifest during the forty years that they sojourned in desert. How is relevant to any subsequent generation?

HaShem revealed Himself to the generation that was redeemed from Egypt. They merited to see the anon and traveled according to its movements and cessations. Nevertheless, every generation must observe the Mitzvah of the anon – meaning – that must find a confirmation that everything we do is in compliance with the Divine Will.

When an infant is about ten months old he tries to grab the spoon from his Mother and feed himself. It is human nature to exert our independence. However, the purpose of our creation is to “make our will, His will”.

Our Sages tell us that Avraham Avinu did not even move his finger unless HaShem instructed him to do so. As we approach, Rosh HaShanah – we can prepare ourselves to accept that HaShem is the King of the universe, by remembering not to act until we are certain that we are acting in accordance with the Will of HaShem.
[Based on Da’as Torah of Rabenu Yerucham HaLevi]

TODAY: Before you do a Mitzvah, take a moment to reflect that you are doing HaShem’s Will. Announcing…

By Rabbi Zvi Miller.

New Blog Post: The Path to Contentment – (Facing our Flaws)

Daily eMussar

Salant Foundation’s eMussar(sm) gives you a piece of practical wisdom and perspective for your daily life…in just 3 or 4 minutes a day!

These practical character enhancement and personal growth tools stay impact your mind and your character….and you’ll likely have a chance to try out these inspiring insights and lessons almost every day.

Just so you know, “mussar” is the traditional name for the teaching of character development and personal growth. And Salant Foundation’s eMussar delivers this perspective to you every day via e-mail.

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Loving Kindness Step by Step Daily Quote

 

Loving Kindness – Step by Step Daily Quote – 3rd Elul, 5769

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Loving Kindness

The next time out-of-town guests arrive at my home, I will make it my first priority to see to their comfort.

Taken from “Chofetz Chaim: Loving Kindness – Daily Lessons in the Power of Giving,” a project of Mesorah Publications and the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation

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Since 1989, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has successfully launched innovative methods of promoting the Torah’s wisdom on human relations and personal development. The foundation utilizes a vast array of effective communication tools including books, tapes, video seminars, telephone classes and a newsletter, designed to heighten one’s awareness of such essential values as judging others favorably, speaking with restraint and integrity, and acting with sensitivity and respect. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s programs reassert the Torah’s timeless recipe for building a world of compassion and harmony. The following opportunities for learning and personal growth are available through their offices.

Taken from my Kindness Email Subscription

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Daily PiCK ME UPs 3rd Elul 5769

 

Quotes

from “PiCK-ME-UPs” the book

   

Success Quote

The Crown

The crown of success is the sincere thanks we give to those who have helped us. And most important of these thanks, is the appreciation we express in our own hearts.

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.

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Lessons in Truth Day 90 A Nation of Merit

 

Lessons in Truth – SEFER SHEM OLAM – 3rd Elul, 5769

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Lessons in Truth

1 Elul, 5769 / August 21, 2009

Day 90 – A Nation of Merit

SEFER SHEM OLAM — Chapter Thirteen: The Birthpangs of Mashiach — II (cont.)

One may be thinking: Perhaps our nation lacks merit and we will have no choice but to wait until the Redemption of “in its time,” the final, hidden date by which Mashiach must arrive regardless of our collective merit?

This should not be cause for concern. Firstly, it is possible that the date of “in its time,” will be reached in our day. As already mentioned, the travails of our day point towards this. “If you see a generation upon which numerous troubles come like a river, expect him [the Mashiach], as it is written, ‘For distress shall come like a river…’ (Yeshayahu 59:19) and next to that verse it is written, ‘A redeemer shall come to Zion.’ (Sanhedrin 98a)”.

Furthermore, to suggest that the Jewish nation is completely without merit is wrong and incomprehensible. Our people lived by the Torah in all situations under the most adverse conditions. Today, thank G-d, we live under the rule of a gracious government, but there were times, such as that of the Cossak uprisings of 1648-1649, when hundreds of thousands of our people died for the sanctification of His Name. We have suffered scorn and degradation, deprivation and hunger for remaining steadfast in our beliefs. Anyone with some knowledge of history knows that the death, persecution and suffering which our people has endured for clinging to its faith is indescribable. How can anyone dare suggest that the Jewish nation is without merit and that we will therefore have no choice but to wait until the final date of “ in its time,” for this exile to end? Surely we have reason to hope each day for our imminent salvation. As our Sages teach, when a person departs this world and stands before the Heavenly Court in judgment, one of the first questions he is asked is, “Did you await the salvation [through the coming of Mashiach]?” (Shabbos 31a).

We know from history that even when Hashem establishes a specific length for an exile, He employs various means to hasten its end. Hashem informed Avraham, “…for your offspring shall be strangers in a land that is not their own… for four hundred years…” (Bereishis 15:13), yet He calculated this period as beginning with the birth of Yitzchak [who himself was born into a land not his own]. Others are of the opinion that Hashem calculated the 210 years of the Jews’ sojourn in Egypt as being equivalent to 400 years because their suffering was so intense. We, too, should hope that Hashem will find a way to hasten the date of “in its time,” due to the intensity of suffering which our people have endured or because of some other factor. Perhaps this is alluded to in the words “I, Hashem, in its time I will hasten it” (Yeshayahu 60:22), which can be interpreted: Hashem, in His mercy, will hasten the final date of “in its time.”

A daily lesson from “Chofetz Chaim: Lessons in Truth,” a project of Mesorah Publications and the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation.

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Since 1989, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has successfully launched innovative methods of promoting the Torah’s wisdom on human relations and personal development. The foundation utilizes a vast array of effective communication tools including books, tapes, video seminars, telephone classes and a newsletter, designed to heighten one’s awareness of such essential values as judging others favorably, speaking with restraint and integrity, and acting with sensitivity and respect. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s programs reassert the Torah’s timeless recipe for building a world of compassion and harmony. The following opportunities for learning and personal growth are available through their offices.

Taken from my Truth Email Subscription

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HEART OF PRAYER

 

THE HEART OF PRAYER

The Baal Shem Tov’s Teachings on Prayer

5.a2 Praying for the Shechinah’s suffering to subside.

A wise person knows that all of their own suffering also causes pain to the Divine Presence, as it says in the Talmud, “When a person is in pain, what does the Shechinah say? ‘My head hurts me! My arm hurts me!'”¹ Thus, if the wise person prays for the Shechinah’s suffering to subside, their own suffering will abate as well.
Toldos Yaakov Yosef, Beshalach

¹Talmud Sanhedrin 46a

Translation and Commentary by Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore

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Loving Kindness Day 148 With a Prayer

 

Loving Kindness – SEFER AHAVAS CHESED – 3rd Elul, 5769

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Loving Kindness

30 Av, 5769 / August 20, 2009

Day 148 – With a Prayer

SEFER AHAVAS CHESED — Part III Chapter III

      A person setting out to visit someone who is sick might wonder what he should bring him. The Chofetz Chaim answers conclusively: Bring a prayer. The essence of bikur cholim is praying to Hashem to grant a complete recovery to the patient, and without that element, the mitzvah is incomplete. One should not, however, make his prayers apparent to the patient, who may interpret the act as an indication of the severity of his illness. Rather, one should pause momentarily while in conversation or while performing some task for the patient, and speak quietly from the heart, saying: “Hashem, please heal him/her.”

      To pray with the correct intensity, it is important to perceive the patient’s real situation. One should allow him to express his pain and fear. In addition, halachah dictates that one should not visit during the first three hours or the last three hours of the day. This rule relates directly to the efficacy of one’s prayers. If a person visits in the early part of the day, he will usually see the patient at his best and may not take the situation seriously enough to pray with the necessary fervor. On the other hand, in the last part of the day the visitor will usually see the patient at his worst. This may cause him to give up hope for a cure, and he may not pray with the belief that his prayers can be answered. Nevertheless, if one has no choice but to visit during the first or last three hours of the day, he may do so.

      When praying at the bedside of the sick, one can pray in any language. Because the Divine Presence rests at the head of the sick person, the words of prayer are being received directly. When one prays in another location, one should pray in Hebrew. Although Hashem obviously understands every language, the holy language fuels the prayers’ ascent. Because the words are not being uttered directly before the Divine Presence, they are in most cases being conveyed by Hashem’s messengers to the Heavens, a task more efficiently fulfilled when the prayers are in Hebrew. In any case, the sincerity of the prayer is more important than the language. A hollow prayer in Hebrew will not ascend faster than a heartfelt prayer in one’s native tongue.

      Prayers for the sick should not focus exclusively on the patient one is visiting. Instead, one prays for the recovery of the specific person among all the sick people of Israel. This turns the private prayer into a petition for the benefit of the entire nation, and gives it a vastly greater impact. It harnesses the merit of all those who are ill in Jewish communities throughout the world, and casts their lot together, creating an infinitely more powerful draw upon Hashem’s stores of mercy.

      When one prays for the sick on Shabbos, the wording is different: “Shabbos prohibits us from crying out and may a recovery come speedily.” Shabbos itself is a curative force. A person once posed a question to the Skverer Rebbe debating this proposition. In this person’s experience, illnesses seemed to have always worsened on Shabbos. The Rebbe explained that Hashem brought out the peak of the illness on Shabbos precisely because Shabbos carries the power to contain it. The person who experiences his worst symptoms on Shabbos is in a certain way fortunate; at his moment of crisis, he is in the hands of the Supreme Source of healing.

Step by Step

Whenever I visit a sick person, I will find an opportunity to say a short prayer on his behalf.

Taken from “Chofetz Chaim: Loving Kindness – Daily Lessons in the Power of Giving,” a project of Mesorah Publications and the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation

To subscribe or unsubscribe: e-mail them at kindness@chofetzchaimusa.org with subject subscribe or unsubscribe.

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ABOUT THE CHOFETZ CHAIM HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Since 1989, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has successfully launched innovative methods of promoting the Torah’s wisdom on human relations and personal development. The foundation utilizes a vast array of effective communication tools including books, tapes, video seminars, telephone classes and a newsletter, designed to heighten one’s awareness of such essential values as judging others favorably, speaking with restraint and integrity, and acting with sensitivity and respect. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s programs reassert the Torah’s timeless recipe for building a world of compassion and harmony. The following opportunities for learning and personal growth are available through their offices.

Taken from my Kindness Email Subscription

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Daily Wisdom Portion of Kabbalah 3rd Elul 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.”

Baal HaSulam, in “The Freedom.”

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Shmiras Haloshon Yomi Day 90 Misconceptions

 

Shmiras Haloshon Yomi – Learning the Laws of Proper Speech – 3rd Elul, 5769

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Shmiras Haloshon Yomi

24 Av, 5769 / August 14, 2009

Day 90 – Misconceptions

SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM – Laws of Rechilus 1:4-5

        Just as, by definition, loshon hora is derogatory or harmful information which is true, so, too, is rechilus true information which can cause ill will. If the information is false, the transgression is even more severe. The Chofetz Chaim cites a series of verses (Mishlei 6:16-19) which state that a person who causes bad feelings between friends through rechilus is deemed a rasha (wicked person) and is despicable in the eyes of Hashem.

        It is a serious mistake to think that speaking rechilus to someone who is already an enemy of the subject is not forbidden. It is. Though animosity was already present, it is forbidden to deliver a report which will deepen the rift.

        The Chofetz Chaim warns us concerning another misconception, that it is not a sin to reveal information when pressured to do so. Consider this scenario: Your friend the contractor has just finished renovating a kitchen for your friend the homeowner. The homeowner was not completely satisfied with the job and he told this to some friends. Now you meet the contractor, and he says, “Someone happened to mention that you were present when Levi talked about the work I did at his house. What did he have to say?” If you hesitate before responding, he might say, “What’s the matter? Is he unhappy about something?”

        At this point, you are in a difficult situation. If you say, “He’s not unhappy,” you’re implying that he isn’t particularly happy, either. If you refuse to discuss it, the implication is also negative. The best strategy, if you can anticipate this type of situation, is to prepare a quick, simple answer that will preempt further conversation about that topic. You should not relate what Levi actually said, despite the pressure to do so.

        The Chofetz Chaim concludes that even if one’s father or rebbi (Torah teacher) asks him, “What did so-and-so say about me?” it is forbidden to say anything negative. Responding negatively to, “Did they like my shiur (Torah lecture)?” also falls under the category of rechilus. Here, too, one must delicately and respectfully avoid an accurate response.

A daily lesson from the Chofetz Chaim: A Daily Companion/Mesorah Publications.

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ABOUT THE CHOFETZ CHAIM HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Since 1989, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has successfully launched innovative methods of promoting the Torah’s wisdom on human relations and personal development. The foundation utilizes a vast array of effective communication tools including books, tapes, video seminars, telephone classes and a newsletter, designed to heighten one’s awareness of such essential values as judging others favorably, speaking with restraint and integrity, and acting with sensitivity and respect. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s programs reassert the Torah’s timeless recipe for building a world of compassion and harmony. The following opportunities for learning and personal growth are available through their offices.

Taken from my Dcompanion Email Subscription

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Today 3rd Elul 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.

Bein Adam LeChavero

Family

Try to do an extra Chessed for your family every day (something small).

Source: Little Mitzvos Org

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Halacha Tshuvos 3rd Elul 5769

 

Rav Vosner – Queen Of The Jews?

The Chinuch (Mitzva 697) brings the Drasha of the Sifri that says we can only appoint a Melech and not a Malka, a King and not a Queen. However this is not so simple. With regard to King whose mother is born Jewish but whose father is not, the Rambam says he can be king, while Tosfos (Sotah 41 ) says he cannot become king unless both parents are born Jewish. The Noda B’Yehuda (CM 1) says that everyone agrees that this requirement is only for the initial appointment, but if the prospective king is the son of the King then a single Jewish parent will suffice.

The Minchas Chinuch says that similarly the p’sul of a woman to be King is only if she is a new appointment. However if her father was king, then she may rule as Queen after her father’s death. Rav Vosner in Shevet HaLevi (5:Kuntras HaMitzvos 67) disagrees. He gives a number of reasons why a woman cannot become the King/Queen. One reason is because she is not Chayav in all the Mitzvos like a man. A second reason is because the King must carry a Sefer Torah with him at all times and learn from it. Since a woman does not have a mitzva of Talmud Torah the Torah is telling us that only a man can rule.

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 3rd Elul 5769

 

Hit Delete And Poof It’s Gone

If you speak Lashon Hara, you have let the cat out of the bag and you cannot know how far it will spread. Putting it back in, is not so easy. Given people’s enthusiasm to believe it and pass it on, it is usually not even possible.

Being Mikabel Lashon Hara on the other hand, does have an easier fix. Although listening to Lashon Hara is an aveira if done willingly, the aveira of Kabalas Lashon Hara is only if you believe it (See Chofetz Chaim, Hilchos Lashon Hara – Klal 6). Therefore, says the Chofetz Chaim, if you were Mikabel Lashon Hara and you regret your aveira, you should decide in your heart that it is not true and reject this story from your mind. That will reverse the bad deed that you have done.

“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 3rd Elul 5769

 

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

Please check our our new and improved website at www.guardyoureyes.org
Ten different categories, updated daily!

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 of 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

Only true

We discussed the day before yesterday how the Yetzer Hara’s main strength comes from “Dimyon – imagination” and how in reality it is all hot air. It follows then, that by using our minds to internalize this truth we could conquer the Yetzer Hara without needing to wage major battles in our hearts. This is indeed true. However, it is only true if we guard our eyes carefully. Why? Because once the eyes start to see, the heart begins to lust and the battle “switches over” from being in the mind to being a much more difficult battle of the heart.

Therefore, we must make boundaries for ourselves if we are to succeed. We need to learn from past slips and accept upon ourselves to stop behaviors that cause the heart to become aroused. For some examples; to install a strong filter, to stop watching movies (see this article), to stop flipping through non-Jewish magazines and newspapers, to trying hard to guard our eyes in the street, etc… In other words, we must make boundaries for ourselves if we are to make any progress. Otherwise, no matter how “smart” we think we are and no matter how much we are convinced of the folly of these desires in a “logical” way, the heart will continue to wage a merciless battle against our minds. Only when we succeed in guarding our eyes properly can the battle remain exclusively in the realm of the mind, and this makes it indeed much easier to win!

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.

List 2.General Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim
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.

Please note: We strongly advise anyone who struggles with masturbation or pornography, even if infrequently, to join the first list as well.

Click here to join one (OR BOTH) of the Chizuk lists described below.

The tools on GuardUrEyes network include:

       Two Daily Chizuk List options (hundreds of members!)

       Hundreds of tips; divided into categories; tips from therapists, tips from other sites and from fellow strugglers.

       An active and thriving forum – a powerful feature of group support

       The “Jewish Healing Group“, an anonymous 12-Step group that meets on the phone once a week

       A live hotline, for people to get advice and started on their journey to recovery

       Sign up for a Partner / Sponsor. Download the Questionnaire

       Many stories of recovery, struggles and suffering

       An elaborate FAQ page

       Over 20 filter options, and everything a person could want to know about filters

       Important links

       A section on the 12 steps

       A "Kosher Isle" to help people find entertaining and more productive things to do with their time

       Download here a powerful PDF file, translated from a Hebrew book called "The First Day of the Rest of My Life", to help people break free of sexual addictions

       A Rehab Option in Florida

       Many Therapy Options

       An inspiring Music Page, to chase away the impurity and inspire thoughts of Teshuvah

       A "Wall of Honor" page, to keep track of your sobriety and get group support

How Can You Help?

Source: GuardUrEyes

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Daily Writings on Kabbalah and Torah 3rd Elul 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 use of a Pur (lotto) by Haman

–  By using a lotto the essence of a person effects the outcome.
–  A person is active in the choosing, he does the actual action of choosing.
–  When Nebuchadnezar and Hadrian wanted a test they tried shooting arrows in directions other then Yershlaim, the arrows then redirected themselves towards the city.
– They also tried other methods of divining, such as lighting a candle and seeing where the flame pointed.
– In all these tests a person is totally removed from the process.
-Haman was from Amalek.
– Amalek is the anti-thesis of Yisroel. Just as Yisroel is the leader on the side of good, so too Amalek leads the other side.
– Technically Amalek does have the power to fight Yisroel.
– Haman wanted his input.

Source: TrueKabbalah.org

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Teachings of the Sages 3rd Elul 5769

 

ON GOOD AND EVIL

R’ Pinchas said: “A man cannot be consciously good unless he knows evil. No one can appreciate pleasure unless he has tasted bitterness. Good is only the reverse of evil, and pleasure is merely the opposite of anxiety. … And G-d said: ‘There can be no goodness in man while he is alone without an evil impulse within him. I will endow him with the ability to do evil, and it will be as a help-meet to him to enable him to do good, if he masters the evil nature within him.’ Without the evil impulse, man could do no evil; but neither could he do good”.^*

^*Nofeth Tzufim, p. 52 (A), cited in The Hasidic Anthology: Tales and Teachings of the Hasidim, by Louis I. Newman, p. 97. Reprinted with permission of Ann Newman (B)

By Rebbe Pinchas of Koretz

Source: Two Tzaddiks

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Rabbi Nachman Sayings and Teachings 3rd Elul 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 Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum

The Essential Rabbi Nachman

This elegant, easy-to-read pocket-size volume is a comprehensive treasury of the most inspirational sayings, profound teachings, parables and stories of 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. For more details, CLICK HERE

• To order (international shipping), click here

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• To browse the FREE Internet version, click here

HITBODEDUT MEDITATION AND PERSONAL PRAYER – A settled mind

It is a great achievement to be able to settle your mind for a period of time each day and regret what you must. Not everyone is able to attain mental calm and tranquility for a time every day. The day flies past and is gone, and a person finds that not once in all his life did he have time to settle his mind.

Make every effort to set aside time to review your life calmly. Think about all your different activities and interests and how you behave. Consider carefully if this is how you should spend your days.

Someone who does not meditate cannot attain wisdom. He may occasionally be able to think clearly, but not for any length of time. His power of concentration remains weak and unsustainable . He will never realize the folly of this world.

But one who has a clear, settled mind can understand that everything is madness and vanity.

Sichot Haran #47

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

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SOURCE:

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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On this day Limud yomi for 3rd Elul 5769

 

Courtesy of gicleegallery.us

Limud yomi

Daf yomi: Bava Batra 2
Yerushalmi yomi: Shavuot 38
Mishna yomit: Ohalot 17:1
Halacha yomit: Orach Chaim 328:20
Tanach yomi: Daniel Seder 3
Shabbat parshiot: Ki Teitzei

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 3rd Elul 5769

 

 

I heard from my master (the Baal Shell Tov) a simple adage that encompasses everything: If you wish to belittle any creature, belittle yourself. And if you wish to praise anyone, praise G-d all the more.

(Toldos Yaakov Yosef, Vayeishev)

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Daily Torah Quote 3rd Elul 5769

 

 

Prayer serves as the key to a Heavenly vault of blessings. With proper concentration and pure intent, words of prayer unlock treasures from Above that descend to earth.

Arvei Nachal

From: Breslev.co.il

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