Ahhhh, Refreshing!

Made from the best stuff in Heaven!
Torahaid, thirst quencher! Perform!

You got game?

Back in high school, I had a rebbi that told us a most powerful mashal - one that I would forever remember. It had such an impression upon me, I tell it over every chance I get and think about it often - especially after playing ball or working out. Although it isn't very elaborate, the short message will certainly make an imprint upon you, too.

You just finished a fast-paced, ultra competitive game of basketball, and you feel really knocked out. You come inside the kitchen and reach for the refrigerator door. Hoping to find something to truly quench your thirst, you look around at your options.
Soda? No way. Not after a game. Maybe for supper, but not to quench your thirst.
Juice? All that sugar will make it even worse! Maybe with a snack, but not to quench your thirst.
Wine? Gosh, I hope not! You don't want to pass out, do you? Maybe for kiddush, but not to quench your thirst.
What's left?
Water. Plain, simple, cold and refreshing water. Ahhh, that will hit the spot! Rejuvenate!
THAT will quench your thirst!

Throughout life, people do all sorts of things for excitement. For thrills.
Entertainment. Vacations. Fancy resteraunts. Sports. And the list goes on and on. Those are the different flavored drinks. Each one with a different kick. A different style.
People have a natural "thirst" for meaning. To accomplish and achieve great things.
People search for fulfillment. They want something exciting. Something lasting.
Something to "quench their thirst."
These activities that they run after will never - can never - quench their thirst.
They go from one fantasy vacation to the next.
One ballgame to the next.
One incredible steak to the next.
Does it last? Or do they need to do it again? And again? And again? Form one to the next.
Don't get me wrong. We all do these things. But do we at least recognize what has true, lasting meaning?
Go ahead. Try to remember what that juicy steak you tasted like last year. Last month. Yesterday.
Can you still taste it? Does it still fill you up?
Now think about the best, juicy piece of Torah you ever learned. Ahhh! Still feels good, don't it?
Now that really hits the spot! I told you before - it's made from the best stuff!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"I love Torah! It really makes me feel good!"

The Best Motion Picture - Ever!

And the award goes to ... Hashem for best picture! (sorry, I know it's pretty corny)

Who truly deserves awards?

It sure is nice to win an award.
It sure is nice to get recognized.
The only question is - what would you like to be recognized for? Do you want to be recognized for making believe you are someone you aren't? In a place that never existed, within a story that never happened, with complete strangers acting as your beloved family and close friends?
The greatest distraction from real life is creating a life that never was and never will be.
Is it entertaining? Sure.
Is it real? Certainly not.

The famed "Maggid of Yerushalayim," Rav Sholom Schwadron, once saw people gathering and entering a building. Curious as to where everyone was going with such excitement, he quietly followed them inside. Little did he know that it was a movie theater. Walking down the hallway, Rav Sholom opened one of the theater doors and was taken aback by the darkness inside. As he peered around the room, seeing the interested faces of those gathered, he took notice at the constantly changing pictures being projected on the wall. He quickly rushed over to the entrance wall and turned on all the lights.
Aghast with surprise, the people began shouting, "Turn back off the lights! We can't see anymore!"
Rav Sholom innocently turned to one of the viewers and asked, "But don't you see better in the light?"
The man responded abruptly, "Don't you know? The movie isn't real. It really isn't there. If you turn on the lights, it all disappears! That's why we have to be in darkness!"

What's the best motion picture you have ever seen with the lights on? Ever take a look outside?
There it is!
Life!
Brought to you by the best Director of all - Hashem!
So if you vote on Hashem for best picture, we all earn best supporters!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, thank you for the most incredible, beautiful world!"

Talk to You Later

"Sorry, but I'm a bit TIED up right now and can't talk. Please leave a message, and I PRAY to get back to you later."

Who are you talking to?

The phone rings. You pick up and the person on the other line says, "Good morning, this is Mr. Barak Obama calling. I wanted to speak with you for a few moments about some of your thoughts - if you have the time. Can I have one of my drivers pick you up and bring you here to the White House?"
Stunned and confused, you agree. You spend the time in the car thinking about what you'll say to the President once you arrive. After all, if you have the chance to speak to the most powerful person in the country, you sure want to make use of it.
The car arrives and you're led through security, making your way to the oval office. Once inside, Mr. Obama warmly greets you and asks you how you've been and what he can do - if he could - to make you a happier person.
After your discussion, before leaving the oval office, you turn to some of the security personnel and start making small talk. A few minutes pass by, and when you're done, you turn around, exit the room, and you are driven home.

I hope you wouldn't do that! How could you be so disrespectful to the President - in his office?! Couldn't you have just waited to leave before talking about such mundane matters? How insulting that would be!
Each morning, as we complete our davening and begin taking off our tefillin, we must remember where we are. What we are doing. We are still standing before Hashem - in His home. Just because our conversation with Him may have already ended, it would be terribly disgraceful to make small talk with our friends while still in shul.
And it would certainly be worse if you were still speaking to Hashem! But yet, so many people interrupt tefillah.
How? How could we do that?
Think about it. Is it right? Is it proper?
So, the next time someone wants to make conversation with you in the middle of davening or while taking off your tefillin, kindly tell them, "Sorry, but I'm a bit tied up right now and can't talk. Please leave a message, and I pray to get back to you later."

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Tefillah is my time with Hashem, and I appreciate my time with Him!"

Be a Little More Melo!

Here's a valuable, little NUGGET for life: There are a lot of deals and trades out there, after all - everyone wants to win in the game of life. But you can't get caught up in the hype or lose control over the events we are dealt - or you may just get KNICKed bad enough to disrupt your entire life. Sometimes you just have to be calm - and MELO out!

Are you ready to be a star?

When life slams you a challenge, be calm. It's a test. Instead of a fast break into every situation, mellow out a bit and let it all settle in.
Not every difficulty has to be an emotional turnover.
Calm down.
It'll pass.
Remember that the Coach has put you in the game because you're a star!
He has faith in you!
You have talent - use it!
Look up to the sky. Do you see the scoreboard?
The clock is ticking.
There's no time for complaining.
Rebound from whatever happened and get over it.
If you want to win, it's now time to score .. and every mitzvah counts!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Today, I will be calm and mellow, regardless of what happens!"

He's Watching You!

Every step you take, every move you make, He'll be watching you.



Hashem is always watching over us. Everywhere, all the time.

Isn't that an amazing feeling?
We're never alone. If we were to always remember this, we would be forever hopeful.
Forever assured that everything - yes, everything - is for a reason. And we would realize that our lives are being guided by a loving Father who only wants the best for us.
Each time a difficult situation arises, we should think to ourselves, "Hashem is doing this for a reason. I may not understand it, but it is for my good."

Try to imagine our greatest of Avos, Ya'akov Avinu, running for his life, trying to escape his vengeful brother, Eisav. Leaving his beloved parents behind, he journeys alone. Along the way, he is met by a nephew, Elifaz, who has been instructed by his father, Eisav, to seek him out and murder him. Elifaz, who truly does not wish to commit this heinous crime, agrees to take all of Ya'akov's wealth in order to fulfill his father's command (as the Gemara teaches us, a destitute person is deemed as though he is dead, thus Elifaz would fulfill the mitzvah of honoring his father).
Still fearing for his life, and now penniless, he arrives at the home of Lavan. Agreeing upon terms to work seven years for the merit of marrying Rochel, Ya'akov begins his years of hard labor. In the end, we know that Lavan tricks Ya'akov and marries him off to Leah.
Let's reflect upon what has happened thus far. Ya'akov is pursued by him murderous brother. His life's fortune is striped away from him, leaving him with nothing bu the clothing on his back. He works for seven years for the "wrong" wife.
How would we react? I believe that most of us would have been complaining for years - if not have completely given up all hope in Hashem.
Not Ya'akov. Not Ya'akov Avinu.
He had sustained faith.
And where did that faith lead him?
To Rochel, Leah, the holy 12 sh'vatim, and the entire glorious future of the Chosen People!

How virtuous is a life with complete faith!
Never give up hope - Hashem is always watching you!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, I know You're watching over me - thank you!"

Welcome Back Home!

We'll leave the spark on for 'ya.

Can you feel YOUR flame?

Every Jew has a bright and everlasting spark within him. Since it is an actual part of Hashem, this flame can never be extinguished. Regardless of how far a Jew may wander away from Hashem, he is never too far away.
Imagine for a moment the following mashal:

Picture a teenager who is forever furious with his parents. After years of disgust with every decision they make, the rowdy and free-thinking youngster storms out of the house, screaming at his parents that he'll never return. Roaming the streets late at night and joining groups of delinquent juveniles involved in every form of dangerous activity, the teenager begins to forget his parents. Although they sit each night, painfully crying hot, bitter tears for the safety and return of their beloved, yet confused son, he is partying away without a thought of his miserable and loving parents. Each evening, they stand at the window in the hope to see their boy come back home. A day doesn't pass without the pain. Without the tears. Without the prayers. Without the hope. Although their son may have forgotten about them, they will never - could never - forget about him ... and long for his ultimate return home.

Our Father in Heaven loves us dearly. We are His beloved children. And as far as we may drift away from Him and His fulfilling path of Torah, He cannot and will not ever lose hope in us. Although there are perhaps millions of His children who have left their home and forgotten their dear Father, not a day passes without His pain filling the Heavens and beyond.
Without the endless ache.
Without the misery of a lost child.
For each every lost child.
Not a day passes without His hope for their return. And although they may not think about Him, they have a piece of Him within them.
A flame.
A spark.
And all that is needed is to blow on that spark, and a powerful and magnificent fire will become ablaze, warming the cold, bitter weather of hopelessness, despair, and confusion. A fire to enlighten the mind and enrich the soul.
It is our flame within that always brings us back home.
Isn't it time for us to return?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"I have a very special soul. I am Hashem's beloved child!"

Some Fresh, Natural Water

Great news! I just saved 15% on my life insurance by switching to Torah!

Enjoy a fresh glass of Torah!

We say that "Torah is the tree of life," and indeed it is. And you save much more than a measly 15%!
You're not convinced?
When the Romans decreed that it was forbidden to study Torah, our great Sages studied anyway. When asked how he could act directly against the law of the land, the holy Tanna, Rabbi Akiva, responded, "A Jew without Torah is like a fish out of water."
Have you ever seen a fish taken out of water? He doesn't look dead. He flaps around quite energetically. You may even mistakenly think that he's more alive than ever.
But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. Give a few more minutes and he'll be sleepin' with the fishies.
We may witness people walking through life with all the pleasures and luxuries in the world - and without Torah knowledge. They appear pretty successful.
Remember the fish flapping around on land? (This doesn't mean that everyone successful without Torah falls under this category - they can have numerous other merits supporting them.)
Our eyes are limited to seeing the physical. We cannot see beyond what is in front of us. Only Hashem can plan and see what is truly going on.
But rest assured - Torah keeps us alive.
Like a fish in water - the waters of Torah. And just like the waters are endless, so is Torah.
So - when are you switching to Torah?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Today, I will make sure to learn some Torah ... and make it meaningful to me!"

A Minyan of 10 WINS

Give Him 22 minutes, and He'll give you the world!

Have you davened 3 times today?

There are 24 in a day, right? That gives us plenty of time to do everything we want. Between sleeping, eating, and working, we should be able to find just a little while to thank the One who has given us the means to everything else - Hashem. All He asks for us is that we spend some time with Him three times a day. In total, this should take an hour and half on average. Using advanced mathematical skills, that leaves us with 22 and a half hours for us to fill.
Shacharis, even on a Monday or Thursday, takes approximately an hour.
Mincha? About 8 - 10 minutes (although there are those who would appreciate a bit longer!)
That leaves us with the third tefillah of the day. At this point, I hope that you're not scratching your head and asking, "Huh? There's a third one?"
Ma'ariv. The one at night.
Remember?
I hope so.
Out of the hour and a half, we're left with - about 22 minutes.
All He asks is three times a day. Remember? Can we give Him that much?
Hasn't He given us enough to deserve at least that?
He's given us the world. All He asks is for us to show our appreciation for it!
Have you davened Ma'ariv tonight?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Today, I will thank Hashem for everything I have in life!"

He's Fallen and He Can't Get Up!

When we see a fallen siddur, which has the written Name of Hashem within it, we are pained at the sight as we quickly lift and kiss it lovingly. How much more so must we feel great pain at the sight of a fallen Jew, who has the very image of Hashem upon him, and quickly lift him up and kiss him with care and love!



Lend someone a hand!

To further this comparison, here's an interesting halacha. If you're in the middle of Shmone Esrei and a Chumash or Siddur falls before your feet, you are not to interrupt your tefillah to bend down an pick it up. However, if a fellow Jew falls in danger while you're davening, you must certainly rush to his aid.
We must ask: Does Hashem care more about His sacred texts or His dear creations?
Perhaps we can give a similar scenario. Suppose you open the box to a new item you purchased, and the box falls out of your hands with all of its contents come crashing to the floor. There at your feet is the brand new item and its instruction manual.
Which one are you going to grab - the item or the manual?
Which one are you going to grab - Hashem's child or our manual?
Somehow, we tend to give more respect and honor to a Sefer Torah than our fellow Jew. Yet, if a shul is G-D forbid burning down, it would be murder to allow a single Jew to perish inside in order to save the Sefer Torah.
How precious is each and every Jew!
If you see a Jew has fallen on the floor - he may not even recognize that he's there!
Pick him up!
Show him love!
He's a beloved child of our Father in Heaven!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Today, I will try to find and fulfill the needs of others!"

Life Is Short

Life is short. Play less.

Just do it!

Society is filled with an endless array of mixed messages. Now more than ever, we are innundated with commercials, billboards, and advertisements that seek to convey to the public the need to buy or act in certain ways.
"Do you have the all new 2012 model?"
"Coming soon to a theater near you."
"Save today, so call now!"
"Your dream vacation is waiting!"
It has become difficult to ignore all the hype of the new car models, new smartphones, and new styles. But, after a few moments of thought, we would realize that that there is one common denominator - immediate gratification. The now. What I want - now.
Let us imagine that you buy the new car. The new phone. You anticipate using it each day. The excitement builds - for a while.
A day goes by.
A week goes by.
After a month, perhaps, the joy is gone. The excitement is over.
You drive down the highway, and then it hits you, "The iPhone 5 is coming soon!"
Your heart drops. Your palms become moist. Your throat becomes dry. Thoughts begin rushing though your mind, "I gotta get it!"
What happened here? What about the iPhone 4? Wasn't is the best smartphone ever? Didn't you dream about it day and night for a month before you bought it? Didn't you wake up at 3am to be one of the first to reserve your iPhone from the limited stock before going public?
Now it is worthless. Now there's a new one. A better one. Now the process begins anew.
How many times does this happen throughout our lives? How much energy to we dedicate to filling this void of satisfaction?
Perhaps it's high time to realize how much time we spend on these matters, and think about what we should be utilizing our time to accomplish.
"Life is short. Play less!"
Can you hear me now?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Today, I will make sure to do what's truly important in life!"

Believing Is Seeing

They say seeing is believing. Well, do you see? Then believe!

Hashem is right there before our eyes!

People often walk through life with doubts. Their faith in Hashem and His Torah is weak or even sometimes non-existent. They say, "If only G-D would perform an open miracle, I would see Him firsthand and believe in Him!" They want to see proof, after all, seeing is believing.

A man once approached the saintly Chofetz Chaim and asked, "How is your faith in Hashem?"
The Chofetz Chaim lovingly walked the man outside, and pointed to the sky.
"Do you see the sun up there in the sky? As clear as the sun is to you, that is as clear as Hashem is to me!"


The truth is, we don't really need an open miracle to believe in Hashem. In fact, we should ask ourselves that if we were to witness a miraculous event, would our faith last the test of time? We must ask, "When was the last time I heard an incredible, inspiring story of a miracle that occurred in our times? Did I daven better the next tefillah?
Were my brochos more meaningful?
Did I learn more Torah that day?
And if so, how long did it last?
Since we all know the painful answer to this question, we must wonder of it is an open miracle that we truly need in order to believe.
Let us think for a moment about everything around us. Nature. Human existence.
Pretty miraculous, no?
Take a spoonful of soil from outside. Did you know that there are more living organisms on that spoon than people in New York City?
Pretty miraculous, no?
Look at someone in the eye. As you glance at his eyes, think how they are the most advanced cameras in the world - that cannot be duplicated by our most advanced scientists and engineers.
Auto focus. Red eye reduction. Night vision. The works.
Pretty miraculous, no?
So if seeing is believing, and we indeed see well, shouldn't we believe?
We can say even better. If we believe, shouldn't we see - see Hashem in everything?
Do we see the magnificent sun up there in the sky? Now do you see Hashem?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me see you wherever I look!"

Good Eye, Good Eye!

Let's review a very important rule: Eye before "EEE!" except after see

Everyone should have a good eye!

To have an ayin tova, a good eye, is very important. Whenever we witness the actions of others, we must remember not to be quick to judge them poorly. Rather, we must look into each deed to clarify what we saw, which usually leads us to realize that we misunderstood what happened.
So, before we react with great disgust and disappointment - "EEE!" - we must remember to have a good "eye" ... "Eye before EEE!" - and then "see" into the event and we will "see" our mistake ... except after "see."

Say to yourself ten times today:
"I will try to see the good in everyone today!"

Money Is Time!

They say time is money. But if the really knew the value of time, they would realize that money is time!

Time is flying by - catch the moment!

Money comes. Money goes. In fact, the Gemara's term for a coin is zuz, which means move in Hebrew, as money moves from place to place, person to person. It is temporary, just like life itself.
Time, however, is far more precious. Although as each fleeting moment in time passes, it is gone forever, we can fill each moment with the means to earn eternal reward.
We dedicate much of our time in our pursuit of money. Certainly, we need to utilize our time to make a living. Yet, a free minute of time spent on Torah, tefillah, or any other mitzvah, yields far more gain that a few dollars.

It is told that Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt"l, completed Shas 404 times throughout his life. Yet, upon the completion of Shas one particular time, he appeared exceedingly excited by the siyum more than any other. Upon inquiry, Rav Moshe explained:
"This round of Shas that I am completing at this time wasn't studied in the Beis Medrash. It wasn't learned in my study or shul. Rather, each time I found myself waiting on a line, sitting at a function, or traveling, I took out a Gemara and learned. In this manner, I completed Shas!"

Most people don't even finish Shas once in their entire lives, though Rav Moshe completed it while waiting on lines and traveling in cars! He utilized his time to the greatest degree.
Instead of spacing out on line and looking at the scenery while traveling, perhaps we can do the same as the great Rav Moshe. To even review a Torah thought, reinforce a good character trait, or review our daily actions, would be infinitely beneficial to our growth and our future.
Time is ticking. Let us use it right!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me make good use of my time today!"

Purim - The Time Is Now!

In this time of great joy, we reflect upon the story of Purim and recognize how it all came to be through our honest and wholehearted Teshuva, Repentance.

What if we all watched this short video?

What if we all followed through with its message?

What if we did exactly what the Jews of Shushan did?

What if? 
What if I was the first person to proudly call out, "Hashem - I am Your servant" and return to Him?

What if others saw me, heard me, and returned, as well?

What if? 
Let us each search within ourselves and boldly make the change from "What if" to "What IS!"

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me do what's right and correct what's wrong!"

Couldn't Be Better!

A man once approached the saintly Chofeitz Chaim, clearly looking downtrodden and discouraged. The Chofeitz Chaim greeted his guest, "How are you?"
The man replied despondently, "Could be better!"
With a caring and loving tone, the Chofeitz Chaim quickly responded, "If it could be better, it would be better!"

If we are faced with seemingly difficult experiences, then these events are designed by Hashem with the intention for us to grow from them. By saying, "Could be better," we are claiming that what has happened was uncalled for or occurred by error, G-D forbid. Therefore, the Chofeitz Chaim insightfully replied that what the man was experiencing was EXACTLY what was decreed from Above! "If it could be better, it would be better!"

We oftentimes find ourselves in situations that are frustrating, painful, or emotionally draining. Our initial response to the inquiries of others is the standard - "Could be better." Yet, is this really true? If we were to think of the words we say, we would realize that such a comment questions the Divine Providence in this world.

Say to yourself ten times today:
When something difficult comes your way, think, "I couldn't be better!"

Over Weight?

Life is weighted - the stronger a person gets, the heavier the weight ... which makes him even stronger!

How much can you lift?

Life's tests are like weight lifting - the heavier the weight, the stronger you grow. The stronger you grow, the more weight you lift to get even stronger. It may hurt, but it hurts less when you know you're going to get stronger FROM THEM - strong enough that next time, the previous weight will seem lighter than a feather!
We should all be given the strength to overcome each of life's tests as they come.
There is no test that is too difficult for us to handle.
Hashem only gives us what we can achieve - it is all weighted!
We can lift the weight - we can overcome the challenge!
Be strong!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Whatever comes my way today, I will be strong and positive!"

Firmly Rooted in Our Faith

When the wind blows, a person must hold onto his yarmulke tight. The stronger the wind, the tighter he must hold on.
So when the turbulent winds of sin storm our way, we must hold on tight to our faith - or it may just fly away!

How firm are your roots?

We are taught that the world stands on three pillars - Torah, Avoda, and Gemilus Chasodim.
But that's the world. WE stand on one pillar - FAITH!
And we must constantly reinforce our faith in Hashem each and every day. Wherever we look, thousands of sights have the capacity to ignite our everlasting faith in Him - the trees, the clouds, the sun ... your pinky finger.
Everything in life screams of a Creator. Everything.
But what happens if we don't think this way?
What happens if we don't remind ourselves of Hashem, and that He stands behind all of existence?
What happens if our faith isn't strong - isn't deep rooted?
Well, what happens to a tree with weak roots when a fierce wind comes its way?
It topples over to its demise!
Is our faith strong enough?
Will we be fortified when the winds of sin and assimilation blow our way?
Will we be strong?

Say to yourself ten times today:
"I believe with a complete heart that everything is for my very best!"

We Have Hashem!

‎"Don't tell Hashem that you have difficulties - tell your difficulties that you have Hashem!" (based on Rav Sholom Arush).

Let's Thank Hashem!

Let's think to ourselves: if we were to be honest with ourselves, how many times do we thank Hashem for all the good that we have in comparison to the times we complain about various events in our lives?
Honestly.
Are we not quicker to point out what is bad than what is good?
And if we're really religious, we plea and cry to Hashem in our tefillos about all of these difficulties. We beg Him to help alleviate all of our aggravation and pain.
But maybe we're looking at it all wrong. Perhaps, instead of telling Him how bad life is, we should remind ourselves that Hashem is always with us.
Brighten up - Hashem loves us dearly ... and will never forsake us!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me see the good in all that You do!"

A Real Great Read

Don't judge a book by its cover - judge its cover by the book ... such is life.

A must read for every Jew!

We often judge what we see - from the outside. As they say, a first impression is everything. We are all guilty of painting other people and situations at first glance.
But that isn't right. Before we judge a person from the outside, first we must learn about the person - inside out.
After all, we don't read the cover - it's the content that matters!
This is especially true about our fellow Jews. All too often we see or meet other Jews from different walks of life and make assumptions about who they are and what they stand for.
But that's just the cover!
What about the book?
Their book is the same as ours!
It's the same story!

Say to yourself ten times today:
When you see another Jew, any Jew at all, think, "I love that Jew!"

GPS - Guide to Personal Success

A GPS can only take you where you want to go - not where you NEED to go. No machine can take you there.

Where do YOU need to go?

We spend our days and nights going to places we wish to go. We enjoy many things in life, and pursue them with all of our energy and excitement.
These are the places we WANT to go.
But how many times do we stop and think, "Where do I NEED to go in life?"
Do we question our goals and objectives each day?
Do we ever take a step back to ponder what we NEED to do with the life we've been granted?
For this journey, a GPS serves us no good. Rather, the Torah and the transmition of our great mesorah leads the way. If we follow the lead, we will surely arrive at our destination. Simply follow the Map, our Torah, and the road signs, our wise spiritual leaders, and we will successfully arrive at our goal.

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me find positive meaning in my life!"

Still Searching ...

What's the most powerful search engine? If you answered Google or Bing, then perhaps we're not searching for the same thing. What are YOU searching for?

What are you really searching for?

If you're searching for information or a picture, you can find it on Google.
If you're searching for a biography for class, you can find it on Bing.
These are search engines. Just engines. Machines.
But, if you're looking for meaning, fulfillement, and true happiness, you can't find it in any of these places. No engine in the world can do that.
The only place to search is in the Torah!
Every word contains countless lessons and messages for all time.
Each letter.
For all situations.
For all people.
It's all inside!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"I am looking for You, Hashem. Please help me find You!"

Life Is Sweet!

Life's a box of chocolates - everything inside gets a bracha ... the sweet and the bitter.

Don't be a Grump! Be thankful!

If everything tasted the same, then there wouldn't be a variety. With each and every event in our lives, we are kept guessing. All we know is one thing - Hashem, who has lovingly granted us the box of chocolates, has done so with great care and compassion.
Each one tastes good in its proper time.
Enjoy ... and don't forget to thank Hashem for it!
Thank you, Hashem! Again and again!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Thank you Hashem for all the good in my life. I really appreciate it!"

What's Wright is Right

The Wright brothers' first plane only flew for a few moments - but they saw that it worked so they built another one. Have you ever said even just a few words of davening? Well, if you said just a few, then it worked - keep it up!

Up, up, and away! Open it up!

Sometimes, people give up when they cannot read the words in the siddur or understand what they're saying.
Start off slow!
If you have tried to daven and understand - even if it was just for a few moments - then you've been successful!
It works!
Now that you know it works, continue building - and you'll end up flying in no time!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Today, I am going to say as much as I can in davening, and I'll be proud of myself!"