True Strength

Nearly 2000 years on and we are still mourning. 

Surely Judaism is about serving Hashem with joy and happiness not sorrow and mournfulness?

Says the Slonimer Rebbe - Indeed it's not the past we are mourning. It is the present. We are mourning the fact that TODAY we still do not have a Bet Hamikdash. 

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During these 3 weeks we are supposed to be mourning the loss of the Bet Hamikdash.  

But how is it even possible to mourn something we never had? 

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Ingratitude is something we have struggled with throughout our long history. Hashem's response is always the same. He withholds His blessings till we once again learn to appreciate His goodness. But then we slip and the cycle repeats itself.

Why is it such a struggle for us to remain grateful? Why has it been so difficult to learn the lessons history has taught us?

Listen to this weeks podcast and discover 2 new ideas how to strengthen the muscle of gratitude.

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Two people can witness the same event yet draw totally opposite conclusions. How can this be?  

The answer is because there are 2 parts to every event. The event itself and the interpretation it is given. This interpretation is totally subjective to the mindset of the individual witnessing or experiencing the event.   

Most of what happens to us is out of our control but how we perceive it, is. We have the ability to change the meaning from one of dis empowerment to one of strength and courage.  

Rabbi Rafi Bitan

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We dream, we aspire and we toil and yet often as hard as we try, what we want doesn't come about...

How is possible not to be disappointed and even resentful when this occurs time and time again?

At Har Sinai the nation as one declared Naase Venishma!

In that historic moment we successfully freed ourselves from the chains of our own limitations and attached ourselves heart and soul to the will of Hashem. By doing this we infused the physical and finite with the capacity for greatness and the potential for infinity. 

True trust  can only be achieved when a person totally negates any other causes or factors as contributors to any particular outcome. Hashem is solely responsible for everything that happens in the world. He alone decides on the fate of every individual.

Simple as this may sound this principle is probably one of the greatest challenges of Bitachon because everywhere we turn we see human initiative and endeavour devising and creating giving the impression that it is us humans who  determine the world’s progress and development. No doubt, we believe that Hashem is behind everything but we can’t help but think that we play an active role too.

However nothing could be further from the truth. The fate, destiny and outcome of everyone and everything is down to Him and Him only.

The Sefer Chovot Halevavot lists 7 factors that all contribute to developing trust in another. 

Hashem is the only one who possesses all 7 and in an infinite measure. 

1) Hashem loves and cares for each and every one of us infinitely.

2) He is  watching over us 24/7 and actively taking care of all our needs. 

3) No one, even ourselves, knows better than Hashem does what is truly good for us. 

4) Hashem has infinite resources to help us whenever He so wishes in whatever way He wishes.  

5) No one can harm or help us if Hashem doesn’t wish for it to happen. 

6) He has been there for us since the moment we stepped into the world and He will always be by our side right until our final moment

7) There is no one more kind, compassionate and caring than Him

The lockdown continues with no end in sight. The pressure is  unbearable. The negativity is threatening to overwhelm..

What can we do to battle these feelings?

Fear paralyses. Faith empowers. It is crucial therefore that we replace the instinct of fear with that of faith. 

Thoughts and words of faith are great but it is only acts of faith that have the power to create real and lasting change. 

The virus has presented us with huge challenges but it has also gifted us with a unique opportunity - an opportunity to strengthen our muscle of faith. 

The choice is ours. Let us utilise the opportunity in front of us so that even when the virus goes and things return to normal, we will never be the same.