What Does God Want From You?

In today's "Random Torah" we take a look at a teaching from the Tanach - from the prophet Michah. Here he shares with us an amazing teaching. He tells us what God wants from us - in just one sentence!

A Lesson in Speaking and Listening to Derogatory Speech - A (Less Than) Two Minute Animation

It's FREEZING! What Would You Have Done? What Would You Do?

The excuse is always what we will do "one day" that counts. We all talk about the times when we'll have the money - just how many people we will help! How many times have we heard this from others? The future is open and when the good times come - we'll be giving to everybody! Then of course, are the times when we see what others have done - and say the same thing! If we were there, then we too would have done the exact same thing!

But life is about the now. It's about doing what counts right this moment - to those who may need more than we do. What would we do right now, if we saw the situation truly needed something? Would we be there to help - or would we talk of the past - of doing what others have already done? Or perhaps we would talk of the future - of just how much we will help when we have it all (if we ever do.)

Let's see what others really do do - in this beautiful video clip. This is reality. Here are the real people of the world. Are you one of them? The situation demands immediate attention. Are we willing to give in - right away? So many do. To see it happening is an inspiration. Don't forget, you can always be one of these people. It takes courage to stand out from the crowd - to help the other when they are in need. But that's what it's really all about. It's not about discussing what work they're doing at the time, nor criticizing why it is that they're now freezing ("you made your bed...") It's about real action. It's about now. That's what's required - from every one of us. There really are no excuses - when it comes to doing an additional kindness for someone - without demanding answers - when they're suffering.

Appreciating Kindness and Truth

Yesterday was a big day for me as I changed the banner to my blog. It's been some time and it was worth the face lift! It got me thinking again about the beautiful values of kindness and truth - Chessed Ve'Emet (the name of our organisation) - what everybody should stand up for. The world is built on kindness - says King David (Tehillim 89:3,) and in 85:11 he says "Kindness and truth met, righteousness and peace kissed." They are the core values of life for any human being. At this time of year as we read about the building of the Tabernacle - the Mishkan - we become aware of the awesome wealth involved in order to make it what it was. And what exactly was it? It was a place for the Divine Presence to rest inside - ultimately shining Her rays into the heart of every Jew.

The Creator of the world wanted nothing less than the very best of material things - in order to rest Her Presence. More suprisingly, the Jews responded with a hearty "YES!" They all contributed. Some gold and some silver while others took part with materials. It was an awesome project that brought G-d into the world bringing blessing to all(!)

Our focus must continue in this same direction. We must admit to the beautiful values of truth - and we must be prepared to be kind - because that brings out a necessary truth in itself - one that acknowledges the need of the other - as much as we want it for ourselves. The Jews did not compromise in building the ultimate palace for G-d - and it is a lesson to  us to never slacken in contributing goodness and kindness to all others too.

Of course, if one feels one just cannot be kind - then at least do be quiet!

Someone once said that there are three sets of beautiful words that can instantly make a woman smile - "You are beautiful," "I miss you," and "I love you." They are not just for women - they will make anyone smile.  When said with meaning, these are words of kindness and they are also words of truth. It's kindness and truth that makes all the difference - to everyone.

Experience the Tabernacle. Experience the effort all went through to make it beautiful - because it is a place for G-d. So too is each individual a mini-Tabernacle needing the best of everything, the love, the kindness, the genuineness of the other and their caring.

Try it some time soon. You will see that the other will smile. 

Podcast - Assisting Orphans to Marry - with Reb Eliyahu, Shoshanah & Errol Ballen (Radio Protea)

For those new to our activities, enjoy this wonderful podcast as Errol Ballen from Radio Protea interviewed us last night discussing the variety of activities we are involved in. You'll hear more about the Torah outreach we do, our Mitzvah projects - and most notably, the Bayit Chadash Wedding Project - assisting orphans to marry. We come in at about 47:10. Enjoy! Do be in touch with us to find our more about becoming a partner in kindness together with us!

Popular Entertainment Internet Radio with Radio Protea on BlogTalkRadio

Assisting Orphans to Marry - Rabbi Avraham Sutton Talks to Reb Eliyahu

Imagine preparing for the excitement of your wedding day! Everything seems set to go and the day arrives. It's not quite as big as you expected with just 50 guests - but it will have to do. There's no new suit for the Chatan. In fact there's nobody really taking care of the wedding except for the Chatan and Kallah themselves. That's because at least one of them is an orphan.

Imagine - it's not far off - the guests don't have the means to assist the couple either - so the gifts they'll receive will be few. After the wedding, the couple will find themselves entering a home without a fridge, without a stove (or oven), without what many consider a necessity - a washing machine. Imagine entering your bedroom after the Simcha - to find - there are no beds. In fact, nobody actually cares whether you have them or not. Your first Shabbos sees you without a Challah board - not to speak of the fact that there's no table to put it on.

Go back to the scene of your wedding again. Imagine your Simcha with guests who have no interest in dancing - because you're an orphan - and it's you who must get things going so that somebody will dance - at your Simcha! Imagine there's no budget for a photographer - and nobody really interested enough to take a beautiful picture of both Chatan and Kallah together - one that could be framed and put on the table (not yet available!)

Imagine the embarrassment and pain of it all. But it's not fantasy. This is a reality...

Chessed Ve'Emet saw the urgent need to develop a unique project and a unique fund aimed at giving orphans the blessings they need and certainly deserve at the time of marriage. Whether "friends" take part or not - Chessed Ve'Emet is doing its utmost to see to it that those lacking should never feel the shame or embarrassment (and humiliation after the wedding from those who wish to further add insult to injury!) from not knowing how to even begin life and their homes at the time of Chuppah and thereafter.

Do watch this video with Rabbi Avraham Sutton and Reb Eliyahu discussing this important Mitzvah. But don't just watch it because it all sounds good, meaningful or emotional. Watch it so that it makes such a difference that sharing it with others is just the start - making a meaningful donation to actually assist is the next and immediate step. You can find out more about our project by visiting the Bayit Chadash Wedding Project, where you can make an immediate donation to our project today. Your donation is urgently needed as we head into the new year hoping to assist at least 15 orphans this year - with everything that they require.

Our New Magazine - "Yibaneh Yerushalayim" (Animated Video about It!)

You too can be a part of it! Advertise, share a quality article, sponsor someone else to write (and support those living in Israel,) or assist us to be able to do even more! Enjoy the video!

Pesach - A Time to Give. Four Cups of Milk! (Video Clip of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Included)

One of the Mitzvot preceding Pesach is the Mitzvah of "Kimcha DePischa" - or "Pesach Flour." The Mitzvah includes not only the giving of charity for the sake of flour - so that the poor can have Matzah on Pesach, but also the much needed charity to allow others in need to be able to celebrate the festival with joy. Without life's most basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, most individuals find it difficult to celebrate a festival like Pesach with joy (or to celebrate any part of life for that matter!) 

We offer you the opportunity to enjoy a video clip of the Lubavitcher Rebbe speaking about the great value of giving at this time of year, and then the additional opportunity to make an actual difference in the lives of some families living in Israel in actual need of food, clothing and other - to make their Pesach one filled with joy.

We hope you'll be a part of it - helping another to feel the true freedom that Pesach gives each of us - and in return that you too should be blessed with a Pesach that brings you the freedom you need in all of your own life's trials.

You can donate by simply clicking on the donate button below, or alternatively by visiting the "Bayit Chadash - Wedding Project" and learning more about our assisting newly married couples to be able to set up their own homes together without the additional crisis of having to deal with financial worries at the very start of their marriage. Should you wish to find our more, all contact information is available on those pages. Remember, though the Bayit Chadash project is about helping couples to marry - this also includes setting up their home - and giving them the opportunity to pay for their most basic expenses - such as the Pesach Seder and more - as they build their Bayit Ne'eman Be'Yisrael.

Enjoy the video!

FOUR CUPS OF MILK?!

One of the Mitzvot at the Seder is to drink four cups of wine. It happened one eve of Pesach, that Rabbi Chaim of Brisk heard a knocking at his door. He opened the door to find a poor man who had a Halachic question to ask of the great rabbi. "Rabbi," said the man, "Can one fulfill one's obligation for the four cups - by drinking four cups of milk?" Rabbi Chaim thought for a few moments... He then turned to his wife and asked her for five rubles which he immediately gave to the poor man and wished him a happy Pesach!

After leaving, the rabbi's wife asked him why he had given the poor man such a large sum of money. In fact, he had only wanted to know if he could fulfill his obligation by drinking four cups of milk! In any case, even one ruble would have sufficed for providing the man with wine throughout the entire Pesach holiday! Rabbi Chaim replied, "Since the man is asking about fulfilling his obligation on wine, he had hinted to two things. The first was the fact that he could not afford the wine. The second - which required a little more concern and thought - was that he had asked about fulfilling his obligation on milk. Surely - if he had asked about milk, he also lacked the money to purchase meat (which would have been forbidden to eat together with the milk!)" Rabbi Chaim had heard a question that was not being asked. He had heard the other asking for something needed - but for the additional embarrassment of asking - was avoided! 

We so often see others asking for assistance etc. and even in their asking, they seem to require just a little something basic. To such a degree that we feel we can even discharge our obligation to give by giving just that small amount necessary.

But it takes a sensitive soul to hear the true words of the one asking for "flour for Pesach." Surely, if they are lacking the means to own flour, they may also lack the means to own beautiful new garments for the festival. They may even be in need of a fridge to store their food. They may lack a stove upon which to cook. And who knows... they may even lack their own home to eat in...

Kimcha D'Pischa - teaches us the true meaning of sensitivity. When we give, we let the other know that the money is there to help them buy Matzot. But what we really mean to say is - "Here... take this wealth and see to it that you have meat too. See to it that you and your family have brand new clothing... See to it to buy that fridge that you've never been able to afford. See to it to purchase a stove so you can have hot food! See to it that you own a home so that you can eat your meal inside of it - like a king and queen!"

Pesach is the time for our freedom. A time to turn to each other and love the other truly as we would love ourselves - desiring for other the same freedom in life as we strive for ourselves.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

The tragedy in Ithamar just a few days ago (last Friday evening) needs no introduction to anyone who keeps up with world events. 

What many people might not be aware of are some of the follow ups after this tragedy. For example did you know that the PA may well be in the process right now of naming a square in "honour" of the terrorists - for the horror (our language) ("success" - their language) that they have perpetrated? Or did you know that Iran Praises the Savage Murders:

"Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency told Iranians that the attackers “managed to kill all the five Zionists who were in the house…. The Palestinian combatant has returned home safely after conducting his mission successfully." - Arutz Sheva

But many don't know something else... While there were those looking to destroy innocent people for their own delight, one young innocent boy - Yoav Fogel HY"D (11 years old) saw life differently. In fact, following a Torah way of life - learning it and taking it to heart, he had placed a special card above his bed. Perhaps he looked at it before he went to sleep, and again when he awoke - and perhaps a few times during the day too. Being by his bed - one can imagine how important it was to him.

On this beautiful card (included in picture above), the following is written:

"A Prayer about loving one's friends

May it be Your will Hashem, my G-d and the G-d of my fathers that You should make me meritorious to be able to love every single Jew as I love myself, and to fulfill in the best possible way the Mitzvah of 'Love your fellow as you love yourself'

And so too may it be Your will my G-d and the G-d of my fathers, that You should put it into the hearts of my friends that they should love me with a powerful love and that I should be accepted and favoured by everyone. And I should be beloved and charming and find favour in all those who see me.

Just as water mirrors a face, so too does the heart of one man mirror the heart of the other. And everything should be for the sake of Heaven.

To fulfill Your will AMEN!"

There is a natural commitment to loving one's fellow Jew... but loving another like oneself can be extended to all of G-d's creatures as Hillel taught - Be one of the students of Aharon HaKohen, love peace and pursue peace, "Ohev et habriot" - love all creatures, all people and everything that G-d has created in the world - and bring them closer to Torah.

Isn't life so different for so many people?! What makes us different as a Jewish nation? The Torah!

While on one side of the world, an innocent child awakens each morning to want nothing more than to pursue peace - wherever he can, on the other side of the world, there are those who awake to plot evil conspiracies against purely innocent people - the very people who try so hard to work on themselves to desire nothing more than to love another like themselves.

This is the nature of a Jew. It is his nature because his soul is great. But even with that, he does not settle for what is given to him as a Divine gift. He realises that contrary to popular belief about everyone just "being a good person" in life without a need for some objective law book (an understatement for the value of Torah), he is completely dependent upon the values that it teaches.

With our own minds, we can make anything up. We can turn the most violent behaviour into a Mitzvah and even receive praise from the rest of the world for it. To continue upon such a path of life - to believe that one can come to be a "good person" based upon one's own limited thinking, is to eventually end up "on the other side of the world."

The good, the bad and the ugly... You decide who fitted into which category in this last tragedy. As for me, I'm grateful I have the Torah. There is nothing in it - except for life, goodness, kindness and beauty. If you're not already "connected" and involved in a Torah path, do yourself a favour, turn to the very first words of the Torah, "In the beginning G-D created the heavens and the earth," and begin to give up on the "wonders" and "brilliance" of the human mind, and appreciate that becoming humble to G-d, means one becomes humble to truth, goodness and kindness. There's much to learn in the Torah from basic history to law, from stories - to the deepest secrets of the universe.

Of course, there is "the good, the bad, and this ugly" all the time... but every day,  each of us will need to confront it and ask ourselves *honestly* if indeed we have our values right or whether or not we must strengthen ourselves not just in thought and speech but most importantly in action - in making a difference in the lives of others. 

How do we know what to do?! The answers can only be found in the Torah - for everything is in it. Turn it over and over... for everything is in it.

If you are needing help in making a commitment to Torah study or Mitzvah observance, check in at http://lovingkindness.co and contact Rav Eliyahu for one-on-one online lessons or make your commitment to help newly married couples set up their homes. Now is the time as we remember all the Achashveiroshe's and Haman's of the world, and use what goodness we have to give over - to help those in true need. It is our surest way of defeating those who continue to plot against us every single day!

Wake up each morning to think goodness, speak it and do it. Remember it always! Sharing the tragic stories such as these will be of help only when we push ahead to increase in goodness and kindness and not just discuss it.

The Watchmaker of the World (with video included!)

It is hard to believe, but with the progress of technology and so many wonderful things in the world, there are still so many that believe that worlds appear from nothing (by themselves of course!) and frogs appear from thin air. These frogs some day turn into apes, and within millions of years, these apes eventually become men (though one may think things to be just the opposite!)

With all our knowledge, we turn to the intricate makings of the inside of a watch. Filled with cogs, wheels, screws and springs - all perfectly aligned with each other so that the hands of the clock work perfectly enough to make sure we know what time of the day it is (though we once again find so many who simply never know this either!) Asking the great scientist of today whether these wheels and cogs could come together of their own - perhaps through dropping the screws and wheels from one's hands in one shot, one would be met with a seriously creased frown which would immediately follow with a finger positioned close to his brain area as it would automatically rotate around and around as he would shake his head and walk off, perhaps even allowing a few silent words to escape his lips.

But ask this same genius whether the world could come together on its own, he would pull out thousands of proofs to show how such amazing creations as the miracles of this world could come about - all on their own.

Isn't life amazing?! It's filled with so many different types of people - who so often to their own disadvantage forget their own inconsistencies - in life itself.

This beautiful video below puts so much in perspective. So next time you look at your watch to see what time it is, remember to think about the real value of time - as it is so directed by a Creator who has given us this moment in life to achieve a goal that He desires from each of us. If you're serious enough about life to appreciate that, you'll also know that that "tick" of life is to be directed to learning Torah, to fulfilling another Mitzvah and bringing goodness and kindness into the world. Tick-tock... Tick-tock... The Watchmaker is watching.

~ The Watchmaker ~

Go on... Take it with a Pinch of Salt (Parshat Vayera.)

This weeks Parsha – Vayera – relates the famous story of the city of Sodom as it is turned completely upside down and burnt in every which way one can think of. What lead to its demise? 

We are taught that the city of Sodom was a most unscrupulous city! It simply had no values. The type of people living there however, were certainly well off! To live in the city of Sodom – one had to be on the very top of the Wealthiest of the World list. Sodom was all about the good things in this physical world – and if you wanted to be a part of it – you had to bring your own things with you.

There was no such thing as giving anybody anything in a city filled with the millionaires of that day. There was no reason to give to anybody. Everybody already had! And nobody thought twice that there could ever be a situation that somebody didn't! If one would dare to enter the city with a lack of funds, one would be thrown out immediately at best – and killed at worst. Sodom did not want poverty. In fact, it didn't even want to know that such a thing existed. Life – for those of the world of Sodom – was all about enjoying the luxuries of the physical world – without a thought that there might be anything or anyone else on this planet experiencing the slightest tinge of suffering!

Lot – the nephew of Avraham – and his wife on the other hand had obviously learnt a little about the act of kindness, and it seems that they were ready to help – so long as nobody else knew about it! But why did the entire city of Sodom deserve its most ignoble fate?

"The world is built on kindness" – says King David (Psalms 89:3). G-d built a world of give and take. It was His desire that there should be givers and takers. After all, G-d Himself is the ultimate Giver and we – human beings (and other creatures too) the ultimate Receivers. We have nothing we can give to G-d. We can only take. How embarrassing for any human being to consider then the idea that he choose never to give to another because they are poor! How embarrassing – when after all, even he has nothing – without the kind grace of G-d!

Sodom was not destroyed because it was up to no good. It was destroyed because it already had no existence! After all, if it was a city that could not abide by the law of the world – Kindness – the Law of Giving – the law of building the world – the very foundation of life – then it had no existence of its own in any case. The physical manifestation of a city going up in smoke, was no more than the reality of showing the world the true spiritual essence of the city. A city that has crumbled spiritually – is also a city that has crumbled physically. The physical occurrence was merely the reality of what the city was already in a spiritual sense. It had no life. It was not a part of it. Life is about kindness. The world continues to exist because of kindness. A city that does not abide by such a "law" is obviously not a part of this world at all! Demolition to such a city can hardly be considered anything more than a showing up of the reality of its "life."

The strong contrast of life in the city of Sodom against life today, points clearly to the low moral life system which the barbarians of the Bible era lived vis-à-vis ourselves. Today, those with wealth are sharing it with the world. Nobody is left homeless or without food. All are – thank G-d – clothed and continually feeling the kindnesses of those who have been blessed materially in abundance! In stark contrast to that city of Sodom, the world of today has learned about moral values. It seems that in today's times even those with wealth want others to share the same luxuries they have – whether it's fancy cars, large yachts (and all the parties that go on them too) – or whether it's owning a mansion in every country. What types of lessons could the civilized of today ever learn from those barbarians who lived in the times of Sodom?!

One might wonder why it was that Lot's wife was stricken with a death sentence that ended up turning her into a pillar of salt! Perhaps an insight into her ignoble death may help us in understanding the similarities (if we can stretch ourselves to see them) between the city of Sodom and the world which we live in today!

The Torah teaches us that, as things turned out, visitors would (try to) frequent the area for assistance. Some – apparently had the chutzpah – to ask for a pinch of salt (perhaps even just a grain!) The Torah doesn't tell us about everyone's reaction to these terrible crimes of the city of Sodom. It does however tell us that Lot's wife refused to part with her own share of this rare delicacy! 

A brief consideration of the condiment salt will make us aware that though much food can be eaten without any necessary toppings, salt does have a way of bringing out the extra taste hidden inside the food. It's not a necessity – granted! But it's much appreciated and makes all the difference of the concept between eating to live – or living to eat! Call it a luxury if you must! Our former case speaks of one who will settle for a piece of bread – if it will help in keeping him alive. Our latter case speaks of the person who feels the need to experience some goodness and taste in the world. Though the extreme of this case is certainly a danger – most people in the world need some sort of spice to keep their spirits in life up! Nothing big… just a grain of salt – sometimes!

The "Lot's wives" of the world however think differently about the salt of others – especially the poor. They consider it a tremendous encroachment on their own lives when the poor man asks for something so "large." In fact, one might even find the "Lot's wives" of the world claiming that they too lack this precious and rare commodity – and that is why they cannot give any of it away. If that is not the reason, they will be forthright in explaining to the one who lacks – that while they (the "Lot's wives") do in fact have this grain of salt (to help keep their spirits in life up which they exclusively need – unlike others), they just don't have enough for everyone. Besides… the poor man can do with the piece of bread – even if it doesn't have the flavour the salt adds to it! In this way, a slamming of the door in the face of the poor man is forthright in coming!

We must judge the "Lot's wives" of the world favourably. It could be quite probable that they too lack the grain of salt after all. It could even be that they don't have enough. (It may after all actually belong to their banks!) And perhaps after all – the poor simply do not need the same sophisticated lifestyle as the wealthy.

With fire and brimstone (literally) G-d turns the entire city upside down. For some reason – perhaps because of their better Middot (character traits), G-d saves Lot and his family – on condition that nobody looks back at the city they once came from. It is not for those who have actually taken part in the criminal activities of a city to be given the right to see its destruction if they have been granted immunity as a gift!

Sadly Lot's wife turns around and is immediately turned into a pillar of salt. Not a pinch and not even a grain… an entire pillar. The reason is clear. This is truly what she was. Her very essence contained nothing less than the desire for the absolute good things in life – and she had plenty of it. (It didn't belong to the bank after all!) In fact, not only this, but she had so much of it – that there was enough to give to everybody who asked her. Many must have come through asking for help. But they were turned away. The "Lot's wives" of the world understand that it's not the question of having or not… there is indeed plenty to give. It's just a question of concealing it from others that counts most.

Of course, those that tread this path of concealment must understand that one day things might truly be turned upside down, and instead of everything looking just right, one might find oneself turned into a pillar of salt for everyone to see. It will be clear then, that all the things that were constantly spoken about as being lacking – were actually there. The only concealment taking place was in the form of a lie!

What was wrong with Sodom?! Let alone parting with a grain of salt, they would steal – everything and anything from someone who already had nothing! But in particular they did it with cunning. Amazingly the entire city would rob a man walking through – with each person taking just a Perutah – one cent away from him. In this way, the courts could not prosecute anyone since theoretically no real crime had been committed. After all, would any judge today judge monetary cases of a victim claiming someone had stolen a cent from him?!

But G-d could not tolerate such behaviour. It is the very essence of the breaking up of society. When those who have are able to take – even that little extra small amount from those who don't – and still claim honesty… this is a city deserving of destruction. It is not because of a small crime. It is because the very purpose of the world has been lost. The kindness upon which the world is built has been destroyed. The "thief" is prepared to take even a cent that doesn't truly belong to him. And the victim must part with it without being able to cry over his loss – because nobody will listen!

Today's stores sell goods at 3.99 "Bob" or even 3.98 in order to attract attention. When one arrives at the till to ring it up, the cashier will charge 4 Bob without giving change. Of course the marketing manager for the goods is happy to stick the price tag with the cheaper amount displayed to give the impression that the item is cheaper, but the finance manager is required to collect that little extra – even though it is not actually written anywhere. Many times the final amount of goods will come to an amount ending in a 5 e.g. 3.95 Bob. When the purchaser pays his 4 Bob – he may never receive his 5 Bob change – for a lack of 5 Bob coins. The owner of the store once again comes away with an extra 5 Bob for every single purchase – amounts adding up to hundreds of thousands of extra dollars during the year! But does the 5 Bob actually count – and is there any theft involved?! Many stores will not include a price – or even tell you one, until the item is rung up – forcing one to pay whatever the cost.

And yet others will claim that while their regular price is ten times as much – it has been brought down now as a discount just for you! When these statements are said without any proof – they too fit into the category of theft. Of course, nobody can ever sue those involved in such transactions because the crime is far too small to warrant any court and judge setting up time to deal with such petty instances in life. In fact, even one's own friends might laugh at one's feelings of dissatisfaction at those making up statements regarding their charge of service or product… Yet the buyer may well feel the pain – immensely!

The bus driver may clip an extra ticket "by mistake." There is never anyone to complain to, but the purchaser must pay. It's only a few Bob… get another ticket!

Was it only the Sodomites who knew about petty theft that never hurt anyone?! Was it only the Sodomites who understood that the wealthy have no obligation to help the poor? Was it only the Sodomites who "didn't really have"? Or do we find that perhaps there still are some in today's world who have modelled the character traits of the Sodomites down to a "T".

Perhaps it is time to revisit the story of Sodom. To revisit the life (and lifestyle) of Lot's wife. To examine if perhaps we can find anything in it that may resemble something of life today. And then – to take a true accounting of ourselves to see whether we can appreciate the real needs of the other – to see our lives for the blessings we have and what more we can do to make sure the other is able to live their life as wonderfully and with all the physical blessings that we live our own. Perhaps we need to learn more about what real honesty is - and what real theft is. Perhaps we need to learn the laws of business, the laws of kindness and the laws of caring for another.

We are All Beggars

The Chofetz Chaim – Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan (1839-1933) wrote some of the most well read works in Jewish law today. His Mishna Berurah – a commentary on the first section of the Code of Jewish law – the Shulchan Aruch – is accepted as being one of the most studied works in regular Yeshiva life today. In today's times, when it comes to understanding day-to-day Halachah, it is to the Mishna Berurah that we turn.

In addition to this masterpiece, the Chofetz Chaim wrote additional authoritative books, including a work encompassing all the laws of forbidden speech taken from the entire Talmud (and other works) – entitled "Chofetz Chaim" and a work encompassing the entire gamut of Midrash related material sharing the beauty as to the importance of observing these laws of forbidden speech – entitled "Shemirat HaLashon."

There is however another beautiful work that is in need of much study. "Ahavat Chessed" is the Chofetz Chaim's summary of the laws of kindness towards a fellow Jew. He takes one from the laws of loaning money to simply dealing with what kindness is all about. Of course all these books mentioned above are in need of study on a regular basis, and in fact there are structured programs allowing one to finish studying them every single year (and so should they be!)

At the very beginning of his second section of the book, the Chofetz Chaim awakens us into appreciating a fact that most of us never really think about. 

Let's first put ourselves in our own shoes as we hear that knock at the door… We all know the feelings we get on seeing a "beggar" at the door. Thousands of thoughts fill our heads immediately as we begin to come up with excuses as to why not to give. "Why can't he get a regular job?" or perhaps, "Why can't he manage to live on less?!" Then we think up such things as, "Why must *I* always be the person to help when others have so much more than I do?" We even go so far as to perhaps recommending an entire plan of action as to how he/she should live his/her life and actually tell them to their faces – often with a most unwelcome slamming of the door in their faces.

It seems we're all authorities when it comes to the financial lives of others, knowing exactly how they should be living (and when they're demanding too much from us wanting more than their due!) We often know where they should go to shop for cheaper things. We can often give them tens of phone numbers to call of people who "can help." In short, we much prefer telling others off and making them clearly aware that as for ourselves, we're all taken care of! Now… it's up to them to "get a life" and stop becoming burdens on society!

But are we really all taken care of?! Even the most wealthy?! Are they really as independent as they think they are? Or is it maybe – somewhere possible to imagine that just like this beggar – they too are beggars in their own lives?! Perhaps the man at the door is simply a little worse off. But when it comes to real life, we are all in fact in exactly the same boat.

And so the Chofetz Chaim comes in to tell us the truth of each of our lives. In fact, loving kindness is an attribute we all best take to heart – immediately. The reason? We all need it! Every single one of us. The poorest of the poor, is in reality – no less independent than the wealthiest of the wealthy. Though the false illusion appears to distract us from the reality, every single one of us is in need of someone else, of something!

When G-d created man, He created him in His own image. But what exactly is the image of G-d?! G-d is the very Essence of good – of kindness, of the aspect of giving. If there is one trait clearly visible it is the fact that He gives. "G-d is good to all" (Psalms 145:9) and, "He gives bread to all flesh – for His kindness is everlasting" (Psalms 136:25). 

The world around us, nature, people, everything – it is all something that G-d has brought about – for us. To be created in His image is to be built with the quality of kindness, of giving. To push this aspect of ourselves aside – ever – is to remove (at least at that moment in time when it is actually needed) the image of G-d that has been imprinted into each one of us. Our very being is about doing an act of kindness to another. The entire world exists – only because of kindness. As King David teaches, "The world is built upon kindness" (Psalms 89:3)

In fact, the entire world exists solely on acts of kindness – nothing else! Every day, every moment, every person and every thing – exists solely because of some force of kindness that is acting upon it at that point in time. Even the wealthiest cannot exist without a constant force of kindness acting upon them (though they not even be aware of it!)

The Chofetz Chaim points out regarding the well known story of Sodom and Gemorrah. Here was a self-sufficient town filled with only the wealthiest of the wealthy. In fact the entire area was sealed off – except to those who already had wealth. The poor man would not dare to enter – lest he be killed. Poverty was not for these cities. Anybody entering the city in the hope of someone else giving him wealth – may just as well have entered an inferno!

Sodom and Gemorrah had absolutely no need to interact with any other city in the entire world. It was completely self-sufficient. There would never be any need for political fighting of any kind – because they kept solely to themselves. They neither took from anyone (having everything already!) nor did they give to anyone. They simply existed on their own… It was *this* very thing that lead G-d to destroy the city. It was a city that could not exist, because to put it simply – there was no kindness. Nobody was willing to give to anyone. Everyone felt that they already had, and therefore had no need to give to another. This is not G-dly. This is not the Divine Will of this world. This is the antithesis of what G-d wants – a world filled with kindness – with everyone continually giving to everyone else!

Today, there is no longer a trace of those cities. They could have no existence today – because they never had any existence – even then!

Let's now view our own lives for just a moment. As we do so, we will see that there is not a moment that goes by without us needing the assistance of another (and hence why solitary confinement is such a superb punishment to make the greatest of the great go absolutely mad!) 

Of course, we can always turn our heads up at the beggar who "begs" for help. We can tell him how he should live his life – and stop depending on society with such burdens! Or we can realise, we are no different…

Every person goes through a variety of life experiences. To each experience, he will need assistance. Sometimes, one needs the financial help of a friend. Even the wealthy require financial help. Many times they wish to expand multi-million dollar businesses and must consult with big loan companies in order to acquire the finance they need to become even bigger. But do they ever consider this to be a form of begging – after all they are wealthy enough as it is?!"

Sometimes a person needs the help of another to find work. And even when wealthy – if work does not constantly come through (if clients do not constantly come through) the wealthy man will become poor… soon! Here lies the positive Mitzvah of, "And you shall strengthen him… and he should live *with* you" (Leviticus 25:25). Of course, this includes every single person!

Sometimes a person requires the kindness of his friend to help with his bodily needs, for example when he has a Simcha! It won't be much fun if others are not around to enjoy it! What good would a wedding be if there were no guests, no band, no caterers?! Everybody realises then that they must get help from others in order to have their own happiness in life!

When one is sad, one needs the assistance of friends to console him and to speak gently to him. Here we see the Mitzvah of Nichum Aveilim – comforting mourners (for example.) And such a person needs the friendship of others to help cheer him up! 

Sometimes one must travel. Here too one needs the assistance of others. It may be that we need help finding our way around a new place, or assistance in finding out where to eat, the cost of things etc. Often one may even need the assistance of another for directions – or even to find a bathroom in a hurry! Hopefully there will be someone who will help us when we need such things in an emergency situation!

When we are invited as guests, we need the help of the host to make us feel welcome. When one is ill, one needs the help of others – to visit him and to help provide him with his needs, as he may be confined to bed. One can then surely realise just how much we are dependent on others. Even the wealthiest of the wealthy can find themselves confined to bed needing the assistance of those – who lack money, who have barely enough to live on… Yet it is their assistance that he may need. This falls under the commandment of Bikkur Cholim – of visiting the sick.

And when each of us dies, we need the most ultimate kindness of all. The Torah calls this the Kindness of Truth, because it is a kindness to which nobody will ever be repaid. When one dies, one is in need of the assistance of others to see to one's burial. The body will not manage to clean itself and walk to it's grave by itself – and then cover itself with soil. Rather, it will be through the kindness of others that after death, a person's body will be dealt with honourably until the last mound of dust is placed upon it.

The short of it is that the world would cease to exist were it not for the attribute of kindness. Were it not for kindness, none of us would be able to get through life – because it is through the constant kindness of others that we are fortunate enough to manage to get through our lives and obtain the things we need. Not even the wealthiest man in the world would be able to attain all these things with just his wealth alone.

And therefore, when we encounter a man who asks for nothing more than just some money to live – we should do well to consider how life is made up of continual kindnesses. Today, he is in need of the kindness of wealth (no matter how much!) Tomorrow, the giver of that money may be in need of assistance as he lies in bed. And who knows? The next day, the "beggar" may be the very person who takes care of, and buries the wealthy man… But will the wealthy man then feel disgust towards his "intruder" the previous day?!

Our obligation is to strengthen ourselves tremendously in this awesome attribute. Our obligation is to realise that even if we are doing fine in terms of wealth – we are all in essence "beggars".

Of course, the real beggars can find out for themselves if they ever feel that way. As we stand in Shul on the holy day of Yom Kippur – a day filled with prayer, repentance – and forgiveness, we realise that actually, without the kindness of G-d, we are truly nothing. At that point in time, as we stand praying, we identify well, that all is in His hands… the wealth we will receive in the coming year, the health… our family life and children… all is in His hands. Will you be asking for something this year?! Might there be a smudge of "begging" going on?! Can it be that we could ever be beggars? Even the most wealthy?!

It can! And if so, we must certainly reflect hard in our hearts back at our thoughts and our speech as we turn to "open the door" each time we encounter another asking for help. As we do so, we realise, we are truly no better than they. Perhaps – they are even greater than we – though they seem to ask us for our help! Perhaps they will help us tomorrow. Who knows, it may be their very kindness that one day ensures each of us is buried honourably and given the respect each of us is truly due. Today he is but a beggar worth nothing… Tomorrow – he is our "life saviour!" let us think twice before slamming the door, before advising him how he should live his life, before demeaning or embarrassing him. We are no different to him. Just that today we are on the inside of that door and he is on the outside. Tomorrow, however, things may be quite different.

You too Can Merit the Revelation of Eliyahu Hanavi – Elijah the Prophet (with video clip!)

There are few people in the world who may not wish for that extraordinary experience in life! It's true, many are happy to live their day to day physical lives. But then there are the rest of us wanting to connect with the Source far above us! How ever are we to do it?! The Kabbalistic tradition teaches us not to fear – but to know that when our deeds are worthy enough, we are all able to merit a variety of super ordinary experiences in life that bring us further in touch with the Creator of the world.

The Prophet Elijah – Eliyahu HaNavi – testifies himself in the book "Tanna Devei Eliyahu" when talking about the prophetess Devorah, that, "I bring the heavens and the earth to testify, whether Jew or non-Jew, whether man or woman, whether slave or maidservant – everything in accordance with the deeds that one does – so too will the Divine Presence rest upon him." (Tanna Devei Eliyahu 9:1)

Indeed the revelation of Eliyahu HaNavi is a reality. It's a blessing. And it comes to all who sanctify themselves doing that much little extra in turning themselves into G-dly people. All are capable and all can merit that this great prophet appear before one to teach one the secrets of the Torah!

But those striving for such lofty goals constantly moan and cry out regarding their plight – wondering if they will ever succeed. Will they ever become so holy as to merit the revelation?! Can they *really* do it?! Or did they perhaps misunderstand the vivid words that Eliyahu HaNavi himself already said?!

Rosh HaShanah has passed. Yom Kippur approaches… and then it's Sukkot, and still we find ourselves with a feeling of hollowness inside, wishing that we too could merit such a sighting. Oh… to be one of those great Tzaddikim who merit the revelation of Elijah the Prophet!

But do we really know what it is all about?! After all, if we have never actually seen Eliyahu HaNavi – do we know what to expect? Do we know when to prepare for the visitation?! Will we need to be awake at midnight as we recite the Tikkun Chatzot prayer and thereafter spend the rest of the early hours of the morning immersed in learning both the revealed and more mystical inner parts of the Torah?! And if we don't know what to expect, how can we best prepare to make it an actuality! Will we need to be wearing all-white garments immersed in a meditative state?! Must we be wearing our Tefillin and Tallitot (if men)?! Should we be in a state of a full week fast?!

How can *we* merit to have Elijah the Prophet appear to us?

In Pirkei Avot 1:17 Shimon ben Gamliel teaches, "Action is the main thing!" Eliyahu HaNavi reiterates this as he teaches that Ruach HaKodesh – the Divine Spirit comes only to one who is involved in actual deeds. If Elijah the Prophet teaches this, then it is certain that it is through our deeds that we will merit the revelation of Elijah the Prophet himself!

But will we indeed merit Eliyahu HaNavi?! Is it guaranteed?! YES! Sometimes, however, it takes a little lateral thinking…

So… if after watching the video below you are interested in a visitation of the great Prophet Elijah, make a contribution to the lives of a couple about to be married… a woman needing funds to immerse in a Mikvah… a Torah scholar in need of books… A Torah scholar simply wanting to spend his days and nights learning without interruption and the need to have to earn a "regular" living, a Yeshiva needing to begin… Baalei Teshuva ("returnees" to observant Jewish life) in need of getting a head start on proper Jewish observance... or a number of Bnei Torah in need of Lulavim and help with Sukkot expenses… or simply visit http://lovingkindness.co and acquaint yourself with some very special Mitzvah projects – and make the difference in life you would expect Elijah the Prophet to make… in your very own life…

Enjoy the clip – as Yaakov and his Rebbe reveal the secret you've been waiting to hear!

Givers and Takers

GIVERS AND TAKERS

The Jewish year is drawing to an end and we look forward to the good things to come in 5770. Personally I spent some time reflecting about the year that's been. As I considered my own growth in certain areas, and lack of it in others, I thought of the many types of people I met this year. Who were those that inspired me the most, and who were those who taught me the value of staying far away from? I considered the work we've been doing on our websites and blogs and the response we've had.

It's certainly been filled with variety. I thought about the "old school" and the new. How we're changing as people in the world. Technology is on the upswing (in spite of the fact that the world says there's no more money!) And people are buying it! And a lot more of it than they did when the economy was booming! They're also using it! And in abundance!

We've "met" anonymous donors to our projects who have given to our projects without batting an eyelid. It's been phenomenal and incredible! The kindness generated by people across the world donating to our causes – and this having thereafter been transferred over to others in need has been extraordinary! There seem to be those unique individuals in the world – who, when they see a project that's in need of assistance, come through – no matter what. There's never a question as to how to arrange the funds. Those wishing to give, notice the "Donate" button, click on it, enter their "magic" credit card details, and the money is transferred. From this point, this "virtual action" (or so it seems) is transferred into real money, into real physical items which benefit others.

Yet, we've also met people (in the real world!) who we've done work for who have out-run us with the abundance of excuses physically possible – as to why they simply could not manage to get payment to us. We've sometimes had to travel to far off places to receive money owed, though in today's times, checks work well (and can be sent to a postal box), depositing money into another's bank account is a cinch, and even doing a direct deposit using the online Internet banking facilities is as simple as 1,2,3 today – and the costs are even cheaper than the previous two! Aren't people different?!

Personally, having become a lot more connected with people using the powerful resources on the Internet – I've also got a good look into how others work. It's not an intentional thing of course… but when one connects to Facebook or the like and sees 10 new posts posted by one's friends, one does become a little curious at what's really going on.

What stands out most is that in spite of the apparent awful economy we're in, people have more and more time to spend twiddling their fingers on their keyboards as they make known their daily activities: "LOL" or "I'm going to eat lunch now", or perhaps "I'm now putting food in my mouth" or similar totally irrelevant things. There are those who've used every possible application, like starting their own virtual farms, where they simply MUST feed their virtual animals – even on Shabbat! And if that isn't enough, because they may be observing the Shabbat – they'll try their best to find friends across the globe who are not into Shabbat yet – or who are just out of – so that their "precious" animals can be fed.

There are the "serious gamblers" who will spend all night involved in virtual gambling – and one wonders if they're any better off than real big time gamblers…

Then there are those who are simply bored with life. They'll let everyone know all about it. Their day is going slow, nothing happening. They don't know what to do with their lives. And if you think these are the "regular folk", you may find it a wonder to know that these people are often the more "important" members of the community too! (Have time on your hands, and bored? We have a wealth of projects you could join up with and make a real difference with your "bored" time.)

We have to wonder where we've come from, and where we are going to. Is life all about sharing a 140 meaningless message that gets sent into the nowhere world of cyberspace with none of the 20 000 followers interested in it? Is it all about letting our friends become aware of every single act we do – no matter how gruesome or ugly it is (often accompanied with a picture just to indicate the truth)?

Is life perhaps about taking care of virtual pets all day long – or perhaps adopting the sheep that leave another friend's farm?! Is life about giving others all sorts of virtual gifts… ALL day long?!

Is life about always "being there" for others, when all this really means is a brief two-liner message that says "… has sent you a virtual hug" or better yet "…has sent you a virtual Lulav" (because you can't afford one this year). These of course are all very real things that happen, and one wonders if this is what life is all about.

Yet, to go back to the start of things… it amazed me to see those with large hands and small mouths (the normal physical size reflecting the truth of what is actually more important,) whose "huge stature" far outweighed those stuck with the problem of large mouths and tiny hands (a strange phenomenon to see in the physical reality of things.) Indeed, it was incredible to see the many people who I had contact with who simply gave of themselves in so many ways.

These were no "virtual givers". The money was real. The kindness? REAL! The thoughts? SINCERE! There were those who simply made it happen. Who gave over something – just like the "old school" of life taught. These real doers allowed us to share together with them the ability to give to others lacking the means to live truly honourable lives – as every Jew is entitled to by virtue of simply living in G-d's world. (Every Jewish male deserves to own his own Lulav at Sukkot time, which surely outweighs his need to constantly have to take care of another's virtual pet on his Friday – someone else's Shabbat in another part of the world!)

Today we've become "sophisticated". We live in a world where if one doesn't send a virtual greeting card, it's something to argue about! If one doesn't respond to a Twitter message, it's an insult… and if one doesn't comment on the recently posted image of a friend's newborn baby (just moments after birth), still unclothed, then it's a sure sign of a lack of interest in the "important things" in the life of another.

Who are we really? What is life really all about?! Are we ready to embrace the important values of the Torah… to being a person whose sincerity and care for another is real? Are we ready to embrace truth? To learn and understand what real goodness is?

It's out there – for I have surely seen it. Seeing the real action of those who have helped – it has brought me to seeing just how wonderful the world of goodness and giving really is. The "virtual" livers (no pun intended) lack the inner core soul of life itself. They're helping the world in a variety of ways… so long as there's no need for food, clothing, shelter, love or achievement.

Of course, we have this free choice to decide upon every day. G-d too, has three books open before Him where He chooses to place each of us. Are we looking for a virtual gift from G-d, or do we want something real too? Will it be good enough if G‑d blesses us with a virtual house, a virtual car, virtual food, virtual clothing and a virtual lievelihood? Perhaps the virtual millions of dollar wins that appear in our inboxes as Spam are going to do the trick of bringing this world to a state fitting to be filled with the Divine Presence?

Would it be good enough for us to experience the "Facebook" version of G-d or perhaps even the 140 character "Twitter version" – or do we ourselves want the real thing?

If it's the real thing we're after, we best be tuning in to the most real values of life ourselves. Real life is about doing real things. Not just moving one's lips constantly preaching how others should live their lives… Real things – real actions – are good, positive, helpful, caring and filled with love and sincerity. They come about through speaking about real things too – words of goodness and kindness…only, and in turn, ultimately those good and beautiful words that are spoken are rooted in one's own thoughts… the most translucent of everything… the closest to what any virtual reality could be – though far greater than it. These are the root thoughts that bring actual tangible physical goodness into this world – for each other.

This is where it truly does all begin. Our first step is to acknowledge the reality for what it is, to realise that this is a world of concreteness – of physicality – though only in clothing over the ethereal. If we're going to be wanting the "real thing" from G-d Himself over this next year, perhaps it's time for us to consider others – and those closest to ourselves in particular – in the same way – real, in need of real physical things.

As the Baal Shem Tov teaches, when it comes to the physical needs of another – don't criticise them, (mis-)judge them, or tell them how things should really be and what they need to do – to be alright, rather consider the other's physical needs as your spiritual needs. Just as you would be most particular about that tiny spot on your Etrog this year – ruining your perfect Etrog – be concerned of the tiniest spot on another's coat – all the more so when the entire coat is in need of replacement.

When it comes to the others spiritual needs however, consider those needs as you would your physical needs. Just as you would do everything you could to get yourself the best of everything physical wanting nothing but the most luxurious of everything – desire and give over as much as you can to another (without overwhelming them) so that their spiritual needs can be taken care of – that they can learn correctly, understand correctly, grow correctly, and ultimately become the best person they are able to become during their time in this world.