Yehuda Lave, Spiritual Advisor and Counselor : Why Our Grandparents Were So Happy...and Great people

Study and Emulate Great People

Here is a tool for greatness: Watch a truly righteous person very carefully and observe what he does in order to emulate him.
Today, think of three great people that you know, heard of, or have read about. What can you learn from each one?

Love Yehuda Lave

7 Ways to Connect to G-d

If there is one primary lesson we are to take from the Purim story it’s that even in times of darkness, when G-d’s face is hidden, He is still here, orchestrating events behind the scenes, moving the pieces towards His ends. Man plans, G-d laughs. The very thing you thought was going to wipe out the Jews is turned upside down and becomes the vehicle of their salvation.

Purim time is the opportune time to work on piercing through the haze and strengthen your connection to G-d. Here are seven ways you can connect to G-d, no matter who you are. Atheists are also welcome to give them a shot.

1. See G-d’s guiding Hand in your life

We’ve all experienced moments of serendipity – how that missed plane led you to meet your spouse. They don’t have to be so dramatic – finding a parking spot in New York City (or anywhere for that matter) can be a moment to feel G-d’s presence. Since G-d is One, nothing happens by accident; peel back the veil of nature that masks His presence and you’ll find God behind the curtain. Keep your eye open, and ask your family and friends to share their best stories of Divine providence the next you’re all together.

2. Have a heart to heart with G-d

Imagine a married couple living under the same roof but never really talking to each other. Unfortunately it happens. And unfortunately that cold detachment can describe many people’s relationship with G-d. When was the last time you had a real heart to heart with G-d? Not just recite the words in the prayer book, but tap into your inner core and share your deepest concerns, fears and thanks. Try it (not in public please) and see if you feel more connected to G-d afterwards.

3. Find beauty

Put down the iPad, the iPhone, the i-whatever and look at gorgeous world around you. When was the last time you took in a breathtaking sunrise or sunset? Cry listening to a piece of music? Be awestruck and the sheer brilliance and wonder of one of your amazing children? Did you see the incredible photos of the Niagara Falls frozen solid? The world is a reflection of G-d’s Infinite perfection and His fingerprints pervade the universe.

4. Learn Bible wisdom

Imagine getting hold of Einstein’s personal diaries where he lays out all the wisdom he attained in life. We would devour it, getting a glimpse of his great knowledge and feeling a far deeper connection to the man. Imagine getting a hold of G-d’s personal diaries. The bible is the blueprint of creation. It’s God’s instruction manual that contains all the secrets of the universe, including life-changing wisdom about marriage, parenting, how to be good and attain meaning. When we learn Torah, we are directly connecting to G-d, seeing the depth of His wisdom and learning to think how He thinks. It is a series of ongoing eureka moments.

5. Appreciate His\Her gifts to you

Who is more likely to express their genuine appreciation for dinner that your wife (or mother) makes: you or a guest? How many meals has the guest received? How many meals have you received? When we are the recipient of so much ongoing blessings in our life the terrible irony is that we start taking them for granted. Don’t. Appreciation is the bedrock for a loving relationship – with your parents, your spouse, and with G-d. Don’t be an ingrate. Who gave you your eyes? Your hearing? Your hot coffee this morning? Reconnect all the wondrous gifts you’ve received in your life back to their ultimate Giver, and feel the love that generates.

6. Trust Him\Her

The people you most love are the people you most trust. And vice versa. Think about something that concerns you, that is creating some fear and angst – financial pressures, results from a medical test, the boy your daughter is dating – and let go of the fear and trust G-d. “Cast your burden on God and he will sustain you” (Psalms, 55:22). Try to feel that G-d has your back. He’s aware of your difficulty. He has the power to help and He wants to help. Nothing is too big or too small for Him. So drop the worry; it’s all good. G-d didn’t abandon you; He’s right here holding your hand.

7. Do a Good Deed

Perhaps the most direct way to connect to G-d is to perform a mitzvah – give charity, visit someone who is sick. The word “mitzvah” comes from the word “tzavta” which means attachment. When we do a mitzvah, a commandment, we are performing with mind, body and soul ratzon Hashem, God’s will, thereby becoming like God and growing closer to Him. Since God is not physical, closeness is measured spiritually. The more we resemble Him by aligning our will to His will, the closer we become to Him.

NOW we know why they are referred to "the good ole' days."

Why Our Great Grandparents Were So Happy...

Have you ever wondered why our great grandparents all had such fond memories of their youth?
Well... I'm surprised they remembered anything at all!!!

Forget Tums & Tylenol. Forget Aleve & Benadryl.

Look at the cool stuff they had back then!

A bottle of Bayer's 'Heroin'.
Between 1890 and 1910 heroin was sold as a non-addictive substitute for morphine.
It was also used to treat children suffering with a strong cough.

Coca Wine, anyone?

Metcalf's Coca Wine was one of a huge variety of wines with cocaine on the market. Everybody used to say that it would make you happy and it would also work as a medicinal treatment.

Mariani Wine.

Mariani wine (1875) was the most famous Coca wine of it's time. Pope Leo XIII used to carry one bottle with him all the time. He awarded Angelo Mariani (the producer) with a Vatican gold medal.

Maltine.

Produced by the Maltine Manufacturing Company of New York . It was suggested that you should take a full glass with or after every meal. Children should only take half a glass.

A paperweight.

A paperweight promoting C.F. Boehringer & Soehne ( Mannheim, Germany). They were proud of being the biggest producers in the world of products containing Quinine and Cocaine.

Opium for Asthma:

At 40% alcohol plus 3 grams of opium per tablet. It didn't cure you... but you didn't care!

Cocaine Tablets (1900).

All stage actors, singers, teachers and preachers had to have them for a maximum performance.

Great to 'smooth' the voice.

Cocaine drops for toothache.

Very popular for children in 1885. Not only did they relieve the pain, they made the children very happy!

Opium for newborns.

I'm sure this would make them sleep well. (Not only the Opium, but also the 46% alcohol)

It's no wonder they were called, "The Good Old Days".
>From cradle to grave... everyone was STONED!