Emuna Beams

In today's lesson, Rebbe Nachman teaches us how to neutralize inner turmoil and to be at peace with ourselves.

After last week's introduction to the Book of Psalms, we now learn the first three Psalms. King David is a role model for all of us. His soul was a kaleidoscope of all of our souls. Therefore, as Rebbe Nachman teaches, each one of us can see ourselves in the Book of Psalms. They reflect our pain and struggles. The Psalms open our hearts and enable us to express ourselves from deep down inside.

Humility is a basic requirement for developing a genuine relationship with the Almighty and with other people. Rebbe Nachman teaches us four types of humility, each one vital...

As the "all inclusive" soul, King David's soul was a kaleidoscope of all our souls. His suffering was a compendium of all of our suffering. David's song, his Book of Psalms, is therefore our song, for every person on earth for posterity. No wonder that the Book of Psalms is by far history's greatest best-seller. These Psalms are capable of arousing the heart. So much so, that tears often well up in our eyes when we recite them. Those who say Psalms with sincerity can literally find themselves and their own circumstances within David's holy words. Here's why...

One good deed, or mitzva, that one person does for someone else has the power to invoke miracles. This particular good deed, on Highway 34 in the south of Israel, ultimately saved three lives.

Can there ever possibly be peace in the world? Rebbe Nachman answers an emphatic "yes" and shows each of us what we must do.

In Israel, there's no longer anyplace to hide. With missile attacks now reaching every area of the country, everyone is exposed to potential danger. Increasing threats of antisemitic violence overseas means that there's no escaping from the storm of stress and anxiety anywhere in today's world. Yet, there is one place where a person can find quiet within the storm. Open up Psalm 62...

Earlier today, a Hezbollah missile struck a number of civilian vehicles near the northern community of Dovev, near the border with Lebanon. Six of the casualties were Israel Electric Corporation employees who had arrived to repair damaged power lines. Such an attack against civilians would cross any nation's red line. Yet Israel, despite daily threats to Nasrulla and Hezbolla, still acts in restraint. In stark contrast, the narrative of Samuel I:30 is uncanningly similar to today's war. Let's see how King David reacted after consulting with the Almighty. The lesson of Ziklag is the Tanach's definition of deterrence.

Life's challenges are like a thick fog. We often can't discern or understand what's happening and we lack clarity. Most people try to escape the fog. Rebbe Nachman says charge right into it.

Anxiety and even panic often occur when a surprise trouble or challenge hits the unsuspecting victim. Unfortunately, most people are unprepared when life's unpleasant surprises ambush them. Some rise to the occasion, but many others crack under the pressure or fall into despair. We don't want that to happen. In that respect, this lesson is a life-saver, literally.