Accessing Your Best Self with Devorah Vale

Bitachon teaches us to be grateful for everything we have. It also teaches us to be grateful for all the things we don't have. If we don't have it, we have to believe we don't need that 'house, car, good looks, bank account that my friend has. I have everything I need to accomplish my mission. These are the thoughts that we try to integrate into our life in order to have increased focus and serenity and reduce worry, competition and jealousy which robs us of our health and happiness. God does the best to those who leave it to HIM.

In this class we will explore the last of the three blessings of Praise which correspond to the 3 forefathers. The bracha whose theme is kedusha corresponds to Yaakov. What is holiness? What does it have to to with Yaakov and his name change? Why are we called Bnai Yisrael and not Bnai Avraham or Yitzchak? Join me as we examine these and other insights that the words of this prayer highlight.

How does having bitachon alleviate jealousy and competition? The more we understand that Hashem is unlimited and that His resources and Ability to give to us is also Unlimited, the more we feel secure that we will get exactly what is coming to us. Nobody can take away that which Hashem wants me to have. My success is not dependent on another person failing. Rather, Hashem will give each of us exactly what we need and by integrating this truth more deeply we can truly celebrate others success and improve our relationships.

Our class continues with a deeper exploration of the mitzva of Bitachon.

What is the difference between Bitachon and Emuna? Join me as we explore the benefits of having more bitachon in our lives. Trusting in Hashem means practically responding as if Hashem were taking care of things....everything! How do you respond when things don't go the way you want them to. With bitachon, we can acquire a greater equilibrium and respond to life's challenges with greater serenity.

Join me as we explore the meaning of the second bracha of Praise which is known as Gevurot. It corresponds to our forefather Yitzchak and expresses the future Day of Judgement.. If we have a hard time with the concept of Death. even more difficult is believing in the Resurrection of the Dead. The Rambam teaches that this is a core belief of Judaism.

How can bitachon help you to manage jealousy and improve your overall self esteem? When you realize that no one can take away what is coming to you it allows us to enjoy what we have and applaud others' success. Society teaches us that another persons success means our failure but bitachon teaches positive interdepence. This means that your success is mine too. Kol Yisrael Areivim zeh b'zeh - We are like one body and one soul.

Why is the first bracha of Shemona Esrei so important? How does Hashem's help depend on our efforts at times but at other times God acts as a Moshia and a Magen? Ending the first bracha with Avraham is key to understanding the basis of Judaism. Why? Join me and learn the answer to these and other questions regarding the powerful opening to Shemona Esrei.

How does the Splitting of the Red Sea teach us about Trust in God? Listen to my latest episode of the Bitachon Vaccine and discover why Trusting in Hashem happens step by step, putting one foot in front of the other.

Understand the structure of the most important prayer in the siddur. If you only have a few minutes to pray, our Rabbis teach that the Shemona Esrei comes first. Develop more kavana (greater intention) as we learn the meaning of what we are saying and the energy that flows through these ancient words that our ancestors have uttered throughout thousands of years of history.