The Shmuz

Falling in love is the most pleasurable and powerful experience most of us will have in our lifetimes. And it comes so naturally, too. Just look at any chosson and kallah.

Loving Hashem takes more effort, but the reward can be even greater. After all, His love is all-powerful.

Lofty as it sounds, we can all achieve dvaykus with HASHEM. This Shmuz shows us how to turn that spiritual goal into practical reality.

Making decisions is a challenge for many of us. Some people stall themselves into inaction. But more often, people just jump into things without thinking them through. The younger you are, the more likely you are to do this.

But rushing into things is no way to live your life. Chances are, all youll end up with is regrets. And thats why each of us needs the advice of someone older and wiser a rabbi or mentor.

This Shmuz, with its amazing and even eerie stories, proves that seeking daas Torah is the most intelligent decision you can make.

Nobody in the entire Torah was as arrogant as Pharaoh. He actually believed he was the Creator! But his delusion, though in an extreme form, is common in human beings. Weve seen it in dictators like Hitler and Napoleon. We see it in larger-than-life tycoons like Donald Trump. And sometimes, we see it in ourselves.

With a breakdown of why this middah rears its ugly head so often, this Shmuz motivates us to work on its antidote: humility.

When we look at Pharaoh and his pagan beliefs, we usually write him off as primitive. The same goes for all idol worshippers. But surprisingly, they were tuned into spiritual secrets we modern folks tend to ignore. They just made one fatal error.

Modern science isnt all that different. Scientists have uncovered some astounding facts of nature. But for all their sophistication, some of their beliefs are downright silly.

For Pesach or for all year round, this Shmuz brings home the war of ideas between Pharaoh and Moshe and the war of ideas we face today.

HASHEM gave everyone a unique set of talents. Some people are strong, others smart, and others musical. But no matter which talents you have, HASHEM gave them to you to help you accomplish a specific mission in this world.

The trouble is, people often lose sight of this. They credit themselves for their talents and even expect praise and honor because of them. Not only does this make them seem obnoxious, it guarantees that they will fail to use their talents as HASHEM intended.

This Shmuz teaches us to view ourselves and our abilities with honest humility. Only then can we achieve the greatness HASHEM meant for each of us.

Davening is an amazingly powerful tool, and any of us can use it. Hashem loves us so much, its as though He cant resist our prayers. Yet somehow, most of us dont believe it. We think were too small to be noticed or that if we ask for too much, its kvetching. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This Shmuz gives us a taste of just how much HASHEM loves us. With that clear in your mind, youll be more enthused about davening than ever before.

Often we think of onaas devorim of not saying cruel things to people as referring to big things, like tearing someone down in public. In reality, its much more subtle. People hurt each other with callous remarks all the time. And usually, they didnt even mean to.

Those callous remarks cost. Even when we forget what weve said, our victims dont, and neither does HASHEM. He makes sure well feel the after-effect one way or other.

This Shmuz will heighten your sensitivity to your fellow human beings and keep you from stumbling into the ever-present trap of saying the wrong thing.

Making a kiddush Hashem isnt just about the big things like sacrificing ones life for the sake of a mitzvah its something we can do every day.

Ultimately, every Jew is a billboard for Torah. When we behave properly, we have a ripple effect on the people around us. Our simple mitzvos make the world a better place.

Its a heavy responsibility, but also a rewarding challenge. This Shmuz shows how your honesty and courtesy have the power to transform you, your family and friends, and even total strangers.

Parsha in Depth - Acharei Mot-Kedoshim