Accessing Your Best Self with Devorah Vale

In this final class on the Shema we discuss the power of the eyes and heart that leads us astray! How do we become holy like Hashem? What does Holiness mean? As we conclude the Shema we reaffirm our commitment to our mission as a Jew in this world.

The Gemarra asks, 'where do we find Haman in the Torah?' He is found in the verse in Genesis when G-d asks Adam and Chava if they ate from the tree that was forbidden. What is the connection between the two? 

Why do we need to wear tzitzit? What do the white threads represent? What does the blue thread represent? How is the wearer of tzizit protected and supported in his observance of all the mitzvot? The Talmud lists 5 commandments mentioned in the 3rd paragraph. What are they? 

King Solomon says in Mishlei, 'He who loves money will never be satiated by money'. Whether its fashion, the news, or addiction to food, Taiva creates a pursuit - we chase after whatever it is we think will bring us satisfaction and tranquility...but instead it leads to more desire. The soul can never be filled by the material pleasures of the world. They are meant to bring us tranquility. If they are not, the we need to ask why and create more balance in our lives. 

In this episode we focus on the second paragraph of the Shema which deals with reward and punishment. What we do matters! Hashem responds. Our material well being and whether the Land of Israel remains in our hands is dependent on the mitzvot that we do. . We are in the driver's seat. Deciding to learn Torah and do mitzvot is the one thing that is completely in our control in a world that seems, now more than ever, out of control!!!

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In this class we go deeper in exploring the role of pleasure in avodat Hashem. We need a certain amount of it to help us to do mitzvot and overcome challenges which is the purpose of life. acciording to the Ramchal. When we become addicted or a slave to certain pleasures, when pleasure becomes a form of escapism or distraction from our purpose, that is when we need to ask ourselves, 'Is this really taking me closer or further from my spiritual goals?

Why do we wear tefillin and put a mezuza on our door? How does this increase our love and connection to our Creator? Being G-d obsessed means that the Torah animates your very thoughts and all your activities. .When you are lying down and getting up, whether you are at shul, inside your home or out and about, involved in the business of the day. The Torah lifestyle encompasses every aspect of life. ''Where is God?' asked a great Rabbi. His answer: Wherever you let Him in!!! 

Each of us is unique and we have our own distinct battles and challenges. For one person it is staying away from the urge to fall victim to emotional eating, while for another it is refraining from that nasty comment which your intellect knows has no place in a relationship you are trying to build. Taiva is characterized by 2 thoughts. Before the act, you think, 'I really shouldn't do this! And after the fact you ask, why did I do that? Torah wisdom teaches us how to develop more self control. 

The theme of Paragraph 1 of Shema is to love Hashem with your heart, soul, and all your possessions! Throughout history, Jews have given up their lives to sanctify G'ds name. As hard as that is, to die for Hashem, to live for Hashem is often even more difficult. Dying is a one time act, living is constant devotion and direction towards all one's thoughts, feelings, and actions being devoted to Him Alone. Not so easy!

Where does Haman's name appear in the Torah? When does the yetzer hara come into a human being? At birth or conception? In this class we explore the challenges that impulsivity create? The past and the future disappear when one is caught in the moment of taiva - desire. How do we escape or channel these impulses and develop more control?