TIforOA

Sanctify yourself through the permissible... Yevamos 20a

Divrei Torah to provide Chizuk in the struggle to balance spiritual and physical needs.

L'Iluei Nishmas Mirkah Bas Yosef




Wednesday, March 30, 2011

By knowing what and how to clean, Passover cleaning needn't be a chore.

There are so many Passover preparations that are done unnecessarily, where if you want to do them for extra credit, that's fine. But it's important to understand what is necessity and what is voluntary.
from "Passover cleaning made easy" on Aish.com by Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz

for the details go to:


http://www.aish.com/h/pes/l/48970611.html

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

True Freedom

Pesach is a time of freedom. What is freedom? Is it to be free to do whatever you want? No, it is to be free to do the right thing, Hashem's will. Hashem took us out of Egypt to become his people, to do his Mitzvot, not to do what ever we want. Freedom brings responsibility.
How free do you want to be. Do you want to be weighed down by your old baggage, that prevents you from doing the right thing, or do you want to be truly free?

We can use the power of the month of Nisan to be truly free to do Hashem's will.

From an OA meeting.
I am reposting this, this year because it really talks to me.

Our focus-

Everything that Hashem gives us is not given for our physical pleasure, but to help us to grow spiritually.  This has to be our focus when we make decisions.

from: Parshat Tazriah: Narrow Vision
Teacher: Mrs. Shira Smiles Class: Parsha Topics - 5768

Monday, March 28, 2011

Yosef Simcha ben Zakah Basya

had brain surgery -please daven for him! I heard that he has woken up from the surgery and they are waiting for further results.  Please continue to daven for him.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

A women's Spiritual Growth

The process of a man's spiritual growth is Torah and Yiras Shamayim. learning Shas in breadth and depth-while the process of a woman's spiritual growth consists of just one thing: to be for Hashem alone.

from the book, "Nefesh Chaya" by Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus

The nature of fear

Sefer Avrei Nachal tells us (Parshat Vayeitzei), "Fear is like a magnet that attracts metal.  It has the ability to direct the object of a person's fear toward that person.  As the Passuk says (Iyov 3:25) "that which I feared has overtaken me."  That is the nature of fear:it draws forth the object of our dread and makes it real."

...A person does not protect himself, only Hashem can protect him.  Fear serves no useful purpose for man.  It merely intensifies our negative emotions and can potenially bring adversity upon us.

from "It's all in your Mind" by Sara Yosef

The more that I read of this book the more that I see just how well it strengthens the message of OA.  In the fourth step we examine our fears and look at how they are effecting us.  Rebbetzin Yosef sums it up so well.

Friday, March 25, 2011

The danger of becoming involved in any dispute

is that it is often difficult to know which side is right. What one side sees as a valid complaint, the other may see as nonsense. As the saying goes, “There are two sides to every story.”

How, then, does one handle this kind of situation? The Chofetz Chaim cautions us, “Ponder the matter carefully, in accordance with the laws of the Torah and [only then] decide which side is the baal machlokes (instigator of strife).” Apparently, the Chofetz Chaim is telling us to consult someone whois learned and, with his guidance, sift slowly and carefully through the information to determine if one of the disputants can be classified as a baal machlokes.

This is not an easy task. The Chofetz Chaim says that if, after examining the situation carefully, we cannot determine which side is guilty, then we should refrain from becoming involved.

If, on the other hand, we have determined that one of the parties is a baal machlokes, then the Torah allows us to publicly voice our condemnation of this person as a means of convincing him to end the dispute. We are speaking specifically of a case where the baal machlokes will most likely back away from the battle when he realizes that public opinion is against him. On the other hand, if this person is impervious to public opinion, then there is no constructive purpose in publicly declaring him a baal machlokes, and doing so would constitute speaking loshon hora.

The Chofetz Chaim lists three additional prerequisites before one speaks against a baal machlokes:

1. One must have accurate firsthand information regarding the dispute.

2. One’s intention must be strictly for a constructive purpose and not because he happens to dislike this person. If a previous animosity exists, one is not allowed to become involved. This point will be clarified later in this volume (see Day 83).

3. Obviously, if one can speak privately to the baal machlokes and convince him to desist, then that is the path which one is required to take. However, the Chofetz Chaim recognizes that in the case of the baal machlokes, rebuke may be a double-edged sword. By rebuking him in private one may lose his status as an impartial party and become aligned in the instigator’s mind with his enemies. The instigator may then move quickly to thwart any attempts to rebuke him publicly. If this scenario seems to be a real possibility, then one should not attempt to rebuke the baal machlokes in private.

from:
dcompanion@chofetzchaimusa.org

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Moshe Sharon has left a new comment on your post "What’s happening in the world, and why?":

The Parsha Shemini is about the completion of the inauguration of the Tabernacle. The number seven represents all things occurring within the natural construct of this finite world, while the number eight represents all things beyond nature, or infinity. According to Rashi, the eighth day was the day of re-establishing the eternal connection with the Almighty that we had lost when we stumbled and fumbled with the golden calf. Here at the beginning of this portion, we are witness to the momentous occasion of our reconciliation with our Creator, who is beyond all things natural and supernatural. Once Aaron had achieved atonement with the final offerings of the eighth day, the Shechina descended into full view and all of the people fell on their faces. G-d resumed His place among His people. Thus the Torah reminds us that we are a Holy people whose very existence as a nation is beyond nature. Therefore, the prime minister would do well to remember that G-d is the Guardian of Israel and that destroying Jewish homes gives the impression to our enemies that the Israeli government has abandoned the Jewish people who remained in Samaria leaving at the mercy of the Arab cutthroats. The only way to prevent more killing is for the Israeli politicians to back up the Jewish heroes who are establishing their homes on Jewish land in the face of Arab hatred and, worse yet, Israeli government apathy. More at http://moshesharon.wordpress.com

Shelanu: Solution Oriented Communication

This Shiur by Dr. Shulem Boruch is so powerful that I can not recommend it enough.  It is from Aish.com.
You go to the speakers part and search on Shulem, Dr. Boruch.  It is one of the Shiurim from Aish that you can listen to for free.

The advice that he gives can really make a difference in your life.

http://www.aishaudio.com/search/results.php

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

Am Segula !!

Every day of Shiva – Rami Levi ( who owns one of the larger supermarket chains in Israel) comes by the shiva house in Itamar and fills the cupboards and refrigerator himself with food for the family and guests.

Today - one of the relatives expressed their appreciation to him and he said you will get used to my face. I have committed myself that every week I will deliver food and stock your home until the youngest orphan turns 18 years old.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

What’s happening in the world, and why?

 What’s the connection between the chaos in the camps of Ishmael in the Middle East (which will eventually spread to the camps of Ishmael in Europe and other points west) and between all the natural disasters? The answer is simple: the earth is trembling, and all the trembling are Messianic labor pains. As in labor before childbirth, the world now experiences excruciating contractions and pains, which ultimately lead to the birth of a new and more spiritual world, the world of Moshiach, Redemption, and our Holy Temple, soon and in our days, amen. That’s why our sages called this era chevlei Moshiach, or the era of Messianic labor pains, for the challenges of this generation resemble the pains of childbirth.

In light of the above, we should ask ourselves two questions:

1. What’s our task with all the chaos surrounding us?

2. How can we safely weather these difficult times?

from

http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/

We are witnessing a cosmic lesson in humility.

The animalistic tendency of man is being checked and subdued. A force far greater is reminding us of the higher purpose of creation: “And it was good.” When we make it less good, it comes to bite us. ‘ The Kabbalistic teachings describe the physical features of life as shards of a broken Divine container that humans have been given the privilege to raise up and restore. And not just a privilege – but an absolute duty, loosely described as Tikkun Olam – the 613 Mitzvot that repair the world.


Jewish people have a 3500 year tradition of response to supreme adversity. It is called Teshuva – returning to the norm. In the place of fear and repair, the onlooker of tragedy has to visit his/her own heart and commit to a life of high values, true Hessed (compassion), real nurture of family and friendship, meaningful contribution to the welfare of others and community, and expression of real love – even for the stranger.

Read the signs well and make a change in your life. The tsunamic flood seeks a Noachide response of principle and brotherhood - Ahavat Yisrael.

by Laibl Wolf

Monday, March 14, 2011

Creating your own personal Megilah

This Purim you should create your own personal Megilah.  Look back at your life and see the tragedies that turned into Bracha.  Write it down and celebrate it.  This will help you to be strong going forward because it helps you to appreciate that Hashem has a plan for us, and it may not feel good while it is happening, but we can often look back and appreciate that his plan is for our good.
from a Shiur by Rabbi Berkowitz about Purim

Who is causing your problems?

When a stone is thrown to a dog, the dog will attack the stone without diffferantiating that there really is a person behind this action. ( he is basically thinking the stone hurt him)


The Chovos Halevovos states: that a believing Jew knows that no human power has the ability to hurt him only if it was decreed from Shomoyim that he has to go through pain.

This means that anytime a human being is hurt, belittled, pained, wounded by another person, he is only a Shaliach and our anger to him changes into Pity that Hashem has Chosen him as a Shaliach.

If a person is not succesfull in some accomplishment, it is because he has doubts about it and doesn't belief fully in the issue he is trying to accomplish.

It would not dawn upon a believing Jew to pick up Dairy after having eating Meat, because he is convinced and knows this is Halacha and there is no other choice.

This is exactly the principle of OA. If I truly belief that I am powerless over food, If I truly belief Step one: I have a chance to recover, however as long as I doubt it, and I think there might be another way I will pick up.
Heard in the name of Rav Shach.Z"L

Thursday, March 10, 2011

"We live in a Sesame Street world"

We live in a world were we are bombarded by information from so many sources, and at such a quick rate that we do not internalize the information that we receive.  We are always looking to move on and to hear and learn more.  Our children might "know" a lot about Tehillim, but our grandmothers knew how to cry over a Sefer Tehillim.

We have to learn to slow down, and internalize what we are learning.
from the Shiur on Naaleh: Adar: Achieving Alignment
Teacher: Mrs. Shira Smiles Class: Jewish Calendar II (Chanukah and Purim)
Added: March 07, 2011 Time: 60:18

It is interesting that 27 years ago I decided to get rid of our television because of Sesame Street.  I watched my child watching it and decided that I don't want some stranger deciding how and what to teach my child.

"Hashem Gave Me Back My Licther"

Sometimes we feel like we are all alone in the world. It is times like this when Hashem often sends us a clear message that he is still with us.  The following story happened while I was there so I can vouch for it being a true story.

A tzedakah agency held a Chinese auction.  They spoke to the women who won the silver candlestick about her claiming the prize.  She said that she had just separated from her husband and he had taken back her lichter.  By winning this prize, she felt that Hashem had given them back.

Some people see the glass as half empty, they hear this story and get upset at the man who took it away.  I like to look at the glass as half full, and see that even when a person hurts another, Hashem caused some measure of healing.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Connecting to the Source from Bilvavi Miskan Evneh

There will always be challenges, and there is no guarantee of success, but if we are more connected to the source, it will be much easier.

The innermost point of the soul can not only help you cope with problems, it can also become a source for new strength.  If we would stay in touch with that source, we would be less confused, just as water is clearer the closer it is to its source.  Mort important than this peace is the ability to build yourself up on a calm foundation.  The other forces of the soul will draw you away from the source at different times, but we shouldn't wait until we become confused and doubtful before we return to it.

from "Getting to Know your Soul" by Bilvavi Miskan Evneh. page 88

Real growth comes from connecting to Hashem,  everyone in OA knows that real success comes from connecting to Hashem and admitting that we are powerless, and turning to Hashem for help. 


Friday, March 4, 2011

Using our unique talents.

Every Jew is gifted with a unique ability, quality, or special power has a responsibility to use it in a productive way to help the Jewish people. This is what Mordechai told Esther and this is what we need to learn for our own lives, whether in our professional, personal, or general interactions with people.

from: Purim Inspiration: Esther’s Role


Based on a Naaleh.com shiur by Rabbi Beinish Ginsburg

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

In this week's Parsha parshat Pikudei in says the following


"Vekavod Hashem maleh es Hamishkon"

Rav Tzadok Hakohen explains the following:

When (a jew) merits to uproot the yetzer hara from his heart, that heart becomes a dwelling place for the Shechina...

We can translate this to our program, By staying abstinent we create a void,an emptiness and an opportunity to fill it with Ruchnius




from this week's Binah Magazine


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