YouTube - A Real Life Saver!

"Safety, aha aha, safety - safety is the Torah way" (Uncle Moishy?)

Are you glued to your tube?

Rules are meant to be broken. Or are they?
Perhaps one of the many characteristics that personify childhood is the attraction of breaking rules. Children question why they even exist, and often carefully tread upon the threshold of transgressing one or even several of them. And, to add an additional level of restriction, we have the Torah and Rabbinic laws that further confine us to a set and strict plethora of extensive regulations.
How can we explain the value of these laws in simple terms? How do we transmit to children the importance of remaining steadfast to the Torah by adhering to all of its requirements, and moreover, how the Torah itself provides us with the personal protection and comforting state-of-mind to not only survive in this world, but to become successful and happy members of society and the Jewish People?

While discussing an upcoming trip with my children, one that will include swimming, my 7 year old daughter questioned, "Do I have to go into the pool with a tube like last year? Why can't I just swim without it? It will be so much more fun!" 
"Of course you do," I replied. "You don't know how to swim yet! If you don't go in with the tube, you will be in danger, chas v'sholom!" 
Although I assured her that I wanted her to enjoy herself, I tried to lovingly explain that it wouldn't be much fun without the tube! The tube would save her from certain harm, thereby allowing her to utilize her time in the pool for the best fun possible - for her. 


But don't adults swim without tubes?
Just as children are dependent upon their parents and other means of support, so are Jews dependent upon Hashem. Conversely, non-Jews swim without "tubes" - without Torah requirements to "restrain" their actions and behaviors - seemingly without harm, since their survival is not dependent on their fulfillment of mitzvos. We, on the other hand, are bound by different rules. Different standards. Since we rely entirely on a Higher Being, our existence and preservation is therefore contingent upon His rules. For our safety and benefit, Hashem has given us a tube - a Torah to envelop us with fortitude and protection. Ultimately, we can have the most meaningful and lasting experience in this world due to the very thing that people often unfortunately view as a hindrance. Thus, the Torah does not hinder our lives - it enhances it!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, thank You for the Torah - I appreciate all it means to me!"

Babies 'R Us

“She's got a smile it seems to me reminds me of childhood memories … I hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain … Oh, oh, oh, sweet child o' mine, oh, oh, oh, oh, sweet love of mine” (GnR)

He's helping us from Above -   
to take that step closer towards Him.

Students ask good questions. Sometimes, even great questions. One common, insightful question initiated by students (albeit in simpler words) is, "If there were so many saintly rabbis in previous generations, yet were not successful in bringing about Moshiach, then why are we so confident that we can accomplish this feat? If they could not bring our Final Redemption, how can we?" A great question, indeed.

Children are precious, especially our own. When that magical moment arrives and a new child enters the world, we are filled with an indescribable sensation of joy, gratitude and pride. Naturally, our every waking (and often sleepless) moment is spent on gazing at our beloved child and attending to his or her needs. In the initial days and weeks after birth, the child requires the most intense and consistent attention, which dissipates over time. As the child grows, they advance in stages from complete dependence to greater independence. Concurrently, the child becomes more able and skilled to take care of himself. From crawling to walking, mindlessly mumbling to speaking, the child develops into a more functioning person.
Every parent can remember their child's first word. Their first intentional movement, such as a smile or kiss. The camera's flash doesn't cease when a child waves for the first time. However, why is this wave any more meaningful than the wave their 20 year old offered when he went off for the summer? Why is that motion of love, that smile, of an infant so much more memorable that one of an adolescent child? Is it because the wave or smile was a milestone for the infant and not the grown child?
Perhaps, the reason for the excitement is because the infant, so incredibly limited and fragile, just demonstrated monumental step of growth - demonstrated an independent action of connection. For a 20 year old to wave is not much of an accomplishment. A 20 year old is expected to be able to wave. To smile. However, a parent's expectations of their infant or toddler is far lower. Therefore, when such a child does in fact smile or wave, they have a accomplished something so much great than their older sibling doing the same action. This, in turn, offers the parent the greatest, most intense joy and pleasure.

We are that infant. Although our more advanced older siblings of yesteryear far surpassed us in terms of saintliness and personal greatness, we stand to offer our Father infinitesimally greater joy and pleasure. As we know, the heartfelt prayer of a child can possess greater power and effect than that of a notable sage. Thus, our tefillos - the tefillos of a generation of "youngsters" - have the capacity for greater results. Our every mitzvah and word of Torah study earns our Father immeasurable satisfaction. He derives far more delight in a single, noble and dedicated deed of the simple Jew today than perhaps many more such deeds of those who came before us.
He is watching us - always. Just as a parent who remains constantly and lovingly fixated on their toddler as they address every single need that arises, Hashem similarly observes our every move - our every thought - with compassion and infinite adoration.
He awaits our smile.
Our wave.
Our first word of "Shema Yisroel."
And when we're all ready to reach out and muster the courage to boldly take that monumental step towards Him, He will be there with a proud, fatherly smile and open arms - to grasp us and bring us closer to Him.
To receive His children in everlasting happiness and bliss.

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the strength and courage to take one step closer to You today!"

Bring Home the Runners

"You better stand tall when they're calling you out, don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down - It's my life, it's now or never" (BJ)

You're up ... up to you! Be a game winner!

People often talk about the End of Days. As Jews, we are trained from a young age to anticipate the coming of Moshiach, as well as frequently discuss what will happen when he finally arrives. Naturally, we are intrigued by the topic. We cannot wait until the day when there will be global peace, unity and universal glorification of Hashem's singular sovereignty upon the world. However, one thing is for certain - we must deserve it!
This requires a collective effort. As we diligently strive to fulfill our Torah obligations, we must always keep in mind that our personal observance and accomplishments alone will not earn our Final Redemption, rather we must assist others to achieve the same objective.
It's a team effort. And a lot rides on each player.

It's the 9th inning. Two down. Bases loaded. Down by four. And we're at the bottom of the order.
But before the game ends, let's take a quick look at the key moments that led up to this crucial batter. We've left several runners stranded. Although we scored several times, we also had many other failed opportunities. One of your star teammates sacrificed earlier to deep right, moving up the base runners and scoring one. But our defense made some critical mistakes. Though we had some big hits, those errors cost us dearly.
But forget about those now. That's in the past. The game is on the line ... and you're up!
We cannot afford another sacrifice. You need to get on! And you need to come home safely!
 Focus. Concentrate. 
Put in all your power and knock that ball right out of the park! The game is in your hands!

Go on. Bring home those runners! 

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, give me the will-power and strength to be a star player on Your team!"

Let It Settl-Lin a While

"It's gonna take time, a whole lot of precious time, it's gonna take patience and time ... to do it right child" (GH)

Do you want to be an overnight
sensation or truly great?

A good steak takes time to grill. A fine wine takes time to age. A baseball glove takes time to break in.
True greatness takes time. A whole lot of time.
People of often quick to buy into the new fad. The new style. Everything is quick to become "the best ever" overnight. Yet, as we have seen through the ages, true greatness is almost never just born. Lasting greatness takes time and perseverance.

We witness one spectacular phenomenon all the time. Whether with super-power nations on a big scale or one-hit-wonders on a small scale. Throughout recent history, the world of sports, entertainment and music have certainly produced some beloved icons that have demonstrated a rise to stardom and glory, however long their fame lasted. From enduring stars such as Michael Jordan, Joe Montana and Clint Eastwood to Bill Cosby, Babe Ruth and Mordechai Ben David (?!), there have been a comparatively select few who retained their celebrity status over time compared to the thousands more who quickly faded from the public eye.
What will be with the new talent? The new phenomenons? The Tim Tebows and Jeremy Lins? 
Only a fool will immediately pronounce the long-term talent, but only an ignorant historian will doubt the possible potential. 
Time will tell. 


After 3,000 years, time has certainly proved the lasting capacity of two entities that have endured countless obstacles, infinite tribulations and boundless opposition - the Torah and the Jewish People. The mighty Greeks are no longer. The pompous Romans have long fallen. What was once perceived as timeless was proven mortal once and again.
As the years pass and the generations ensue, we continue to remain the true beacon of greatness.
And great we will always be.

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me to be great today - truly great!" 

What a Brees!

"We're leaving together ... It's the final countdown" (E)

We're down to the wire. Are you
ready to set a new world record?

We live in a world of opportunity. In a world of means. With so many powerful tools and endless resources at our fingertips, we are at the peak of civilization.
Right?
Electricity was just the beginning. We have phones - cell phones, high speed Internet, 1080p LCD HDTV plasma mumbo jumbo screens, and the list goes on and on. We feel pretty smart, hey?
Turning from the physical world of technological advancements and moving to the religious world, the picture may shift a bit. Or a bunch.
Contrasting ourselves to the greats of the recent century, like the saintly Chofetz Chaim, and certainly to those long ago, such as the Avos and Imahos, we pale in comparison. Their lives were dedicated to the service of Hashem. Their accomplishments far surpass anything we can possibly achieve. With all of the wisdom we seem to have demonstrated in developing state-of-the-art, cutting edge technology, we cannot even come close to the perfection and sacrifice of Avrohom Avinu by Akeidas Yitzchok, the unbreakable commitment of Yosef ha'Tzaddik in Mitzrayim, or the complete faith of Moshe Rabbeinu through the years in the Midbar.
Or can we?

For all the football fans around the country, 2011 proved to be a milestone year to remember. After 27 years of legendary quarterback Dan Marino's single season passing record of 5,084 yards sitting safely within the sacred record books, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints finally broke it this season (after nearly breaking it back in 2008). Together, they remain the only two quarterbacks to ever toss more than 5,000 yards in a single season. At first glance, Drew Brees would certainly measure up, if nor surpass, the great Dan Marino. If he broke his record, surely he is a better player. However, the critics question this achievement. Many have correctly pointed out a glaring red (yellow?) flag in this comparison. Over the years, the rules of the NFL have changed. Due to the league's concern for the safety of its players, especially the heralded and high-paid quarterbacks, they created greater precautions and limitations for the defense. The quarterback and wide receivers now enjoy more protection than ever before, in and out of the pocket, which enables bigger plays. More yards. Some would say, therefore, that although Drew Brees broke the record, Dan Marino remains a far better player.
However, regardless of this point, one fact prevails - the record has been broken ... and Drew Brees now holds that record.

We may not be greater than those before us - they were certainly leagues ahead of us. And although their achievements were borne out of hard work, sacrifice and self-perfection, we, with greater ease and far less sacrifice can accomplish the same - and perhaps even more. We can snatch the record by bringing the ge'ula shileima, with the coming of Moshiach - something nobody before us has accomplished!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the strength to be great today - truly great!"

We Have the Key

"So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key" (E)

Remember - the key is in our hand. Use it!

Everyone has moments and situations in their lives when they feel incapable of overcoming a terrible predicament or difficult challenge. Feeling powerless and unprepared, we often give up and give into the pressures we face. If only, we feel, something extraordinary were to occur to save us, we are doomed. Without a solution or option, we lose hope. However, how many times did we realize only after the event that the answer to our issue was right before our eyes all along, yet, due to our attitude, we failed to recognize it?

The other night, I was having some problems with my wife's disc player in her minivan and attempted to fix it. With several screwdrivers and various other tools in hand, I made way into the car and prepared for what I thought would be a quick job. I rolled up my sleeves, turned on the dome lights and got ready to work. 
After I took apart the dashboard and disconnected the ventilation system and dash electronics, I removed the disc changer. Once I unscrewed what seemed to be dozens of screws, I saw the issue - the CD's were jammed. Tugging, pulling and jabbing at the discs proved to be unsuccessful, and it dawned upon me that I would have to bring it to a more knowledgeable "professional" than me. All of the connections and parts were reinstalled, I turned off the lights and manually locked the door from the inside.
In the morning, I was met with a surprise - the minivan wouldn't start. It only took a few seconds before I realized what happened ... I had drained the battery by keeping the interior lights on for so long the previous night. I immediately called Chaverim (a Jewish volunteer group that are exactly what they're called - friends) to lend me a hand. When they arrived, I took out my fob to click the car open - but even that didn't work. The battery was completely dead!
"Now how am I going to get into the car?" I exclaimed in despair.
The Chaverim member smiled back at me and patiently answered, "Why don't you just use the actual key to unlock the door manually?"
I am quite the professional.

Instead of giving up, perhaps the solution is right there before us! In our very own hands!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please help me find the key to any issue that arises!"

That's the Goal

"Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you. Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out" (AM)

Are you ready to score?

Life is challenging  - by design. Each moment in our lives, we make decisions that have the capacity of altering and redirecting our future in unfathomable ways. Every word that is spoken, every gesture that is made, every action that is executed and even every thought that passes through the mind is a distinct decision - a decision that we either consciously or subconsciously make. Life wouldn't be the same without them. They enhance our lives, making us stronger, better and more experienced in this journey. The greater the decision, the greater the challenge. The greater the challenge, the greater the gain if we succeed. The greater we become. Without such challenges, we gain nothing.

One of the most influential and well-respected Torah leaders of the past generation in Eretz Yisroel was Rav Sholom Schwadron, tz"l, known as the beloved and famed "Maggid of Yerushalayim." His powerful and heartfelt talks remain etched in the minds and thoughts of the countless people that drank thirstily from his words. On one occasion, he was speaking with a teenager, and the conversation moved to the topic of soccer and the youngster's intense obsession with it.
"I don't understand how the game works," Rav Sholom innocently remarked.
The teen briefly explained the basic objective and rules of soccer, to which Rav Sholom simply responded, "If the goalie is blocking the net, why don't the players just come at night when he's gone and kick the ball in then!"
Though a bit frustrated, the fellow patiently and respectfully answered, "Because then it wouldn't be counted as a goal - the game would be over! The point is to get it in the net when it's being guarded! Otherwise, what would be the point?"

Exactly the point! We only score when there's a challenge! When the "game" is over, it's over!

Say to yourself ten times today:
"Hashem, please give me the strength to overcome today's challenges!"