Emuna Beams

Expressing gratitude reveals the light of truth, for gratitude is truth. Going a step further, Rebbe Nachman teaches us that truth perfects our speech. In that respect, gratitude leads to perfect speech.

What do you do when your heart is breaking? How do you cope when you feel all alone and no one understands what you're up against? Pick up King David's Psalms. King David dealt with the same challenges you deal with now. He has the right words for you, especially in Psalms 14 – 17.

We all know that when a person encounters danger, his or her heart pounds. One can easily identify physical parameters of the cardiovascular system, such as pulse and blood pressure. But spiritually, what's going on inside the heart and the blood stream? Rebbe Nachman explains…

The four highly dramatic Psalms 10, 11, 12 and 13 were King David's cries from the depth of his soul. He felt all alone. He couldn't understand why the evil people were succeeding on all sides and the righteous were downtrodden. His heart ached at the success of the tyrants at the expense of the meek and the helpless. He couldn't understand why Hashem seemed to be closing a blind eye to evil, crime and blasphemy. Then, when all seems lost, King David makes his comback. We can all relate to these four Psalms. Reciting them is a ticket to salvation.

Rebbe Nachman teaches that a people are capable of uplifting themselves from the pits of depression with no outside help. What's more, they can even taste paradise. We learn today how to bask in the light of the World to Come already in this world. This is a level of happiness that no one can attain by material means. It's attainable too.

King David reveals deep secrets of the soul in the Book of Psalms. In today's lesson, we learn how unborn babies and newborn babies have the ability to communicate with the Almighty in prayer. These prayers are so powerful that they generate Divine salvation. As in every other aspect of emuna, we must put logic and intellect aside. Emuna defies logic.

Chanukah is a time of gratitude. It's also one of the best opportunities for soul-searching and self-assessment. Sitting by the flickering candles of holiness, we open a window to our souls. Let's look inside and ask ourselves why we're not happy...

The more we elevate Divine glory, the more lights of glory illuminate the earth. Rebbe Nachman teaches the act of bringing others closer to Hashem elevates Divine glory. People who gain enhanced proximity to Hashem therefore brighten the world. We conclude Torah 14 by learning that Chanukah is that very same aspect. Chanukah candles are lights of glory that illuminate the world.

King David teaches us how to live in security, both on a personal and national level. He also provides us with timeless advice for making our prayers much more powerful. These three Psalms are conducive for protecting ourselves against our enemies, both physical and spiritual.

Rabbi Lazer wounded soldiers in Barzilai Hospital, Ashkelon yesterday, December 6, 2023. This hero has a bullet lodged in his hip bone and needs a major op to get it out. The missile attack siren is blaring in the background; he can't get out of bed, so the rabbi is shielding him with his body while saying Psalm 23. May Hashem give a speedy and complete recovery to all our heroes, amen!