Think of any difficult situations that are likely to arise today. Mentally prepare yourself right now to handle them with clear thinking.
The world needs to know the true facts.
IMPORTANT FACTS!!
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
It's our land... by Benjamin Netanyahu and Mentally Prepare
Think of any difficult situations that are likely to arise today. Mentally prepare yourself right now to handle them with clear thinking.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Machu Picchu and Give It Your All
As an opportunity to do an act of kindness arises, ask yourself, "If I were going to view this as my final opportunity to do one last good deed in this world, what would I do?"
As you contemplate this question, you will experience its amazing power. Because eventually we will be faced with that actual last opportunity. And we never know when it will be.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Afghanistan, Terrain, Roads and Vehicles and our Temporary exixtence
by Rabbi Abba Wagensberg
Greetings from the holy city of Jerusalem!
This week's parsha, Masei, describes the journeys of the Jewish people during their 40 years in the desert. These wanderings from place to place are as a lesson about the transience and temporality of life in this world. According to the Degel Machaneh Ephraim (based on the Baal Shem Tov), the 42 places that the Jews encamped in the desert represent the 42 phases within each person's life.
This idea seems to follow the statement of the Nachmanides (Genesis 12:6, citing Tanchuma 9) that "the actions of the forefathers are repeated by their descendants." In other words, just as the Jewish people in the desert were transient wanderers, constantly moving from place to place, so, too, is our existence in this world temporary.
A hint to this idea is found in this week's parsha, yet in order to understand it, we must first go back to the beginning of Creation. The second verse of the Torah (Genesis 1:2) reads, "And the earth was EMPTINESS and VOID, and DARKNESS was on the face of the DEPTHS, and THE SPIRIT OF God hovered over the face of the waters."
The Midrash (Bereishis Raba 2:4, in the name of Reish Lakish) interprets this verse as a prophecy about the future exiles of the Jewish people. EMPTINESS symbolizes the Babylonian exile; VOID refers to the Persian-Medean exile; DARKNESS represents the Syrian-Greek exile; and the DEPTHS refers to the current Roman exile. THE SPIRIT OF God alludes to the spirit of the Messiah, who will ultimately redeem the Jewish people from exile. (See the Midrash for numerous verses that support these correlations.)
This Midrash shows that G-d, in addition to creating the laws of nature, made the exiles of the Jewish people an integral part of Creation. This idea is very difficult to understand. Why would God decree the exiles before creating the world? At the outset of Creation, there weren't even any Jews! Why would God punish the Jewish people before they did anything wrong - and even before He created them? For although God knows from the beginning what the outcome will be in any given situation, He still relates to us on our own terms.
FOUR EXILES
We could suggest that the purpose of exile is not to punish us for misbehavior. Rather, the purpose of exile is to remind us that this world is a transient, temporary place. The many upheavals and expulsions throughout Jewish history have forcibly prevented us from ever feeling a sense of permanence.
According to the commentator Nachal Kadumim, this idea is hinted to in the first verse of Parshat Masei, Eleh Masei B'nei Yisrael - "These are the journeys of the Jewish people" (Numbers 33:1). The initials of these four Hebrew words stand for the four exiles that the Jewish people have experienced throughout the ages: Edom (Rome), Madai (Persia-Medea), Bavel (Babylon), and Yavan (Syria-Greece). The exiles are hinted to in this parsha because they convey the same message as the 42 places that the Jews encamped in the desert. Both teach us about the transience and impermanence of the physical world.
Let's give some examples of this idea. Imagine taking an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building. Would it ever occur to you to vacuum the carpet or polish the mirrors in the elevator? You'd never bother, because you know you're going to get off any minute. This world is like an elevator (and we hope we're all going to get off at the top floor)! What is the use of getting overly involved in material pleasures? As our Sages say, "This world is like a lobby compared to the World to Come. Prepare yourself in the lobby so you will be able to enter the banquet hall!" (Avot 4:21)
A related story is told about a man who was traveling across Europe about a hundred years ago. When he reached Poland, he decided to visit the town of Radin, where the great sage the Chafetz Chaim lived. He took his luggage from the train station and went straight to the Chafetz Chaim's house, where he was graciously ushered in. Once inside, the traveler couldn't believe his eyes: the home of this great rabbi was practically bare! No pictures hung on the walls, and overturned milk crates sufficed for a table and chairs. Incredulous, the traveler asked him, "Where is your furniture?"
The Chafetz Chaim replied, "Where's yours?" The traveler was surprised by this strange question. "Me?" he asked. "I'm just passing through!" "So am I," responded the Chafetz Chaim. "I am also just passing through."
SHOPPING SPREE
One more example should make the point abundantly clear. Imagine that you've won the grand prize on a game show: a shopping spree at Macy's. For 15 minutes, you will have the entire store to yourself, during which time whatever merchandise you collect will be yours for the rest of your life. Try to picture what you would look like during those 15 minutes.
Now, imagine how you would react if, in the course of your frenzied shopping, a friend were to tap you on the shoulder and say, "I'd love to chat with you, just for two minutes. Can we go get a cup of coffee?" Most likely, you wouldn't even take the time to respond - or perhaps you'd just shout, "No time - I'll explain later," as you dashed off to the next department.
This imaginary shopping spree is comparable to our experience in this world. We each have an individual expiration date, but until that date arrives, we are in a candy store of Torah and mitzvot, and whatever we collect is ours for eternity. If we truly lived with this awareness, we would have to be reminded to eat, drink and sleep. Our physical considerations would pale in comparison to the importance of stashing away goods for eternity, and we would be constantly on the lookout for opportunities to accumulate more spiritual "merchandise." I have yet to hear anyone on their deathbed say, "If only I'd spent a few more hours at the office..."
May we be blessed, as we move from place to place on our journeys through life, to focus on what is truly important and not get distracted by fleeting temptations. In this merit, may God soon redeem us from our exile and afford us the opportunity to be involved in purposeful, meaningful, spiritual endeavors forever.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Barstow California Museum of the Old West in the USA and Having your Needs Met!
"I have exactly what I need," the Spiritual master told a former student of his.
The student who had not seen his teacher for a number of years visited him to seek advice on a complex matter. The student was financially successful and was grateful to his teacher for what he had taught him in the past and for the advice he just had given him.
"My dear teacher, my business is going well and I would like to repay you. Please accept a check from me as a token of my gratitude."
"My beloved student," the great spiritual teacher replied, "I see that you sincerely want to give me a large amount of money. But I truly have all that I need."
"But look how few amenities you have in your house. And everything you do have is old," the student insisted. "Please take this check. I already have enough money to retire. It would give me great pleasure to help you out."
"But I don't need to be helped out. What I have is exactly what I need to have to fulfill my mission in life. I will be very pleased if you gave the money to a young couple about to get married who need to set up a home. But I lack nothing."
The spiritual awareness that you have what you need is a foundation for happiness. You might feel you need more and have a right to put in the effort to try to acquire what you wish. But before, during, and after your efforts realize that whatever you have is exactly what you need. When you truly need more to fulfill your life's mission, you will get it. But the Power Above is the only One Who really knows when and what that is. Your trusting Him will ensure you a happy life
| You are invited to view Yehuda's photo album: Barstow California Museum of the Old West in the USA
Message from Yehuda: An old west museum that showed local history of the 20 mule borax team as well as fossills that are said to be 14 million years old. This was on the road where we stopped to get coffee, and discovered this lovely old place. I |
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Invitation to view Yehuda's Picasa Web Album - July 09 trip to Las Vegas and Having it all!!
Judaism has two terms for tranquility - "shalvah" and "menuchah." While they might appear to be similar, they really are different.
Shalvah refers to a situation in which a person is not missing anything in life. He has everything he wants and therefore has no worries. He has a nice house with all the furnishings he can ask for. He has a large amount of cash handy to purchase whatever he wants. His business is going well, and all of his property and possessions are entirely safe. He has no enemies who would want to cause him harm. There is peace in his world. He is entirely healthy. He is respected and people accept his opinion. He has no competitors who are striving to diminish is stature. He has no obligations to others. He is successful at whatever he does. This is shalvah. In English we would say he has it all.
And it could be a negative trait.
Why? Because if you feel that everything must be perfect, you are in danger that if things go wrong, you will suffer. The many difficulties that arise in your life will prevent you from experiencing pleasure and peace of mind.
Menuchah, on the other hand, is a virtue. It is a state in which a person lives with peace of mind since he does not need anything! Not because he has all he would wish for, but because his attitude is one of accepting his present situation. He will be aware that all benefits and damages in life are dependent on the will of the Almighty. He has trust that whatever is decreed for him is what will occur. If he has what he would like, that is good; and if he is not able to get it, that, too, is for the good. He does not feel anxiety about possible misfortunes. He knows that "every bullet has its special address," and he wants only that which the Almighty chooses for him. If you attain the trait of menuchah, you will feel inner peace regardless of your financial situation and whether or not you have the approval of others.
The person who has reached this level of not needing all that he would wish for is saved from all kinds of frustration. People will not have anything to criticize him for. Even if someone does wrongly accuse him of anything, he does not take it to heart. He knows that he is being accused in error, and is able to feel an inner joy. This level is called menuchah.
Seek to live a life of menuchah.
| You are invited to view Yehuda's photo album: July 09 trip to Las Vegas
Message from Yehuda: All work and no play makes Yehuda a dull boy. The bible teaches to enjoy all the pleasures of this earth (as long as it is done it a spiritually healthy way--with the restrictions of the bible). Love Yehuda |
Friday, July 10, 2009
Shabat Shalom in Peace and Increase your Empathy
In order to empathize with the suffering of others, make mental images. When someone experiences suffering and pain, make a picture in your mind as if it were happening to you. Whatever you would want other people to do for you in such a situation, you should do for others.
This is the way to master the attribute of compassion and sharing the burden of others. Compassion may cause us a bit of pain, but it enables us to alleviate the far greater pain of others. Because when someone sees that you are suffering with him or her, it helps alleviate some of their pain.
Today, think of someone you know who is in great pain. Then ask yourself how such a person would most appreciate your help.
Love Yehuda
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Feeling Wealthy and the Jewish Fast day of the 17th of Tammuz (today) from Las Vegas
To feel wealthy, you need to feel you have everything you want. A person who overcomes his desires for things he cannot afford or obtain considers himself wealthy regardless of how others would rate him.
The period of the Three Weeks begins with the fast of the 17th of Tammuz (from dawn on Thursday, July 9, 2009 until nightfall.
The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy Temple. This also marks the beginning of a 3-week national period of mourning, leading up to Tisha B'Av (another religious fast day). The 17th of Tammuz is the first of four fast days mentioned in the prophets. The purpose of a fast day is to awaken our sense of loss over the destroyed Temple - and the subsequent Jewish journey into exile. Agonizing over these events is meant to help us conquer those spiritual deficiencies which brought about these tragic events. Through the process of "Teshuva" - self-introspection and a commitment to improve - we have the power to transform tragedy into joy. In fact, the Talmud says that after the future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, these fast days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity. For as the prophet Zechariah says: the 17th of Tammuz will become a day of "joy to the House of Judah, and gladness and cheerful feasts."
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE 17TH OF TAMMUZ?
Five great catastrophes occurred in Jewish history on the 17th of Tammuz:
1. Moses broke the tablets at Mount Sinai — in response to the sin of the Golden Calf.
2. The daily offerings in the First Temple were suspended during the siege of Jerusalem, after the Kohanim could no longer obtain animals.
3. Jerusalem's walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
4. Prior to the Great Revolt, the Roman general Apostamos burned a Torah scroll - setting a precedent for the horrifying burning of Jewish books throughout the centuries.
5. An idolatrous image was placed in the Sanctuary of the Holy Temple - a brazen act of blasphemy and desecration.
(Originally, the fast was observed on the Ninth of Tammuz since that was the day Jerusalem fell prior to the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. However, after Jerusalem fell on the 17th of Tammuz - prior to the destruction of the Second Temple - the Sages decided upon a combined observance for both tragedies, the 17th of Tammuz.)
HOW DO WE OBSERVE THE 17TH OF TAMMUZ?
1. No eating or drinking is permitted from the break of dawn, until dusk.
2. Pregnant and nursing women - and others whose health would be adversely affected - are exempted from the fast.
3. Should the day coincide with Shabbat, the fast is delayed until Sunday.
4. Bathing, anointing, and wearing leather shoes are all permissible.
5. The "Aneinu" prayer is inserted into the Amidah of Shacharis and Mincha by the chazan. Individuals insert it in Mincha only.
6. Slichos and "Avinu Malkeinu" are recited.
7. Exodus 32:11, in which the "13 Attributes of Mercy" are mentioned, is read at both the morning and afternoon services.
8. Isaiah 55:6 - 56:8, which discusses the renewal of the Temple service, is read as the Haftorah at the Mincha service.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Happiness is Healthy and Jewish Baseball Stars in time for the All Star Game
Sadness and depression cause many illnesses and much damage. It is of utmost importance to think positive thoughts and obtain happiness.
By Mason Levinson
July 2 (Bloomberg) -- Jewish fans of baseball -- fascinated with Hall of FamersSandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg and Lou Boudreau -- may have a new crop of athletes to dote upon at this year's All-Star Game.
Ryan Braun, Kevin Youkilis and Ian Kinsler lead in balloting for the squads, and pitcher Jason Marquis had the most wins in his league through June 30, meaning the four Jewish players are favorites to earn invitations to Major League Baseball's All-Star Game on July 14. It would be the first time four Jews were named to the event.
"We're in a glory time for Jewish baseball players," said Howard Megdal, author of "The Baseball Talmud: The Definitive Position-by-Position Ranking of Baseball's Chosen Players." "The fact that you have three stars in Kinsler, Braun and Youkilis all under the age of 30 and all seemingly continuing to improve is a very impressive thing."
Greenberg, Boudreau and Goody Rosen all were named 1945 All-Stars, though the game wasn't played due to World War II. Jewish players Mike Lieberthal,Brad Ausmus and Shawn Green each earned the honor in 1999, and last year, Braun, Youkilis and Kinsler were selected.
Youkilis, who turned 30 in March, was raised in a conservative Jewish household, as was Marquis, also 30. Braun, 25, and Kinsler, 27, both said they consider themselves representatives of the Jewish community after being born to Jewish fathers and Christian mothers.
Both Kinsler, the Texas Rangers' second-baseman, and Youkilis, a first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, lead the American League voting at their positions. Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers is second in the National League outfielder voting, with the top three earning starting positions.
Rockies' Marquis
Marquis, who is 10-5 for the Colorado Rockies, two days ago became the first NL pitcher to win his 10th game this season. The All-Star starters will be announced on July 5.
"I don't know if it's a heyday or what you'd call it," Youkilis said in an interview. "Hopefully, there's more to come after us."
Youkilis, who is batting .314, isn't hesitant to joke about his background with fellow Jewish players.
"He'll throw little comments at me every once in a while if I reach first while he's playing," Kinsler, who had 19 home runs through June 30, said in an interview. "He'll just say, 'Happy Passover,' or something stupid like that. He's pretty into it."
160 Jews
Just 160 Jews -- those who either had a Jewish parent or considered themselves Jewish -- have played in the big leagues, according to the Jewish Sports Review, making up 0.9 percent of the approximately 16,900-man all-time roster. While Jews make up 2.2 percent of the American population, according to the American Jewish Yearbook, the 11 active pro players account for 1.5 percent of today's major-leaguers.
With books on Jews and baseball, as well as a documentary and even some college classes, the sport provides a way for Jews, and all Americans, to think about the way the world works, said Rabbi Rebecca Alpert, who teaches a course titled "Jews, America and Sports" at Temple University in Philadelphia.
"It's a way of Jews feeling like we belong," she said. "If baseball is the national pastime, it's kind of a way of saying, 'We're part of that too. We're part of that story.'"
'Jewish Sports Legends'
The generalization of Jews as non-athletes was parodied in the 1980 movie"Airplane!," when flight attendant Elaine Dickinson, played by Julie Hagerty, asked a passenger if she would like something to read. When the woman asked, "Do you have anything light?" Hagerty's character replied: "How about this leaflet, 'Famous Jewish Sports Legends.'"
"There is this kind of self-image that somehow Jews were not (athletes), either because of a religious dislike of blood sport or a historic sense that Jews were supposed to be studious," Alpert said in a telephone interview. "Jews kind of get counted out of the history of sport, and if you look back, it isn't quite so true."
Megdal's book ranks every Jewish major-leaguer by the position he has played, using modern statistical analysis to compare generations. He found that Greenberg narrowly topped Koufax as the greatest Jewish ballplayer, and that third base was the weakest Jewish position.
Third Base
"Third base is a paradox for the Jewish people," according to Megdal's "The Baseball Talmud." "Given the lack of Jewish players at the position, you'd think the bag was made of pork."
"That's pretty funny," Braun said in an interview when read the excerpt. Rather than Kosher considerations, he suggested that the inactivity and tendency for short hops at third base were the reasons he struggled there for a season before being moved to left field.
Among those more famous for a Jewish background (thanks partly to an incorrect mention in Adam Sandler's "Hanukah Song") is Hall of Fame inducteeRod Carew. Though Carew married a Jewish woman and raised his children in the religion, he never converted or identified himself as Jewish. Had he, he would have joined Ken Holtzman and Richie Scheinblum as a Jewish threesome in the 1972 All-Star Game.
Megdal predicts that Braun will retire as the third- greatest Jewish player, with Kinsler and Youkilis also making the top 10. Carew, whose 3,053 hits are 22nd all-time, isn't on the list.
"Unfortunately not," Megdal said. "He'd be nice at the top of the order."
To contact the reporter on this story: Mason Levinson in New York atmlevinson@bloomberg.net.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Spread The Irony and Use a Pleasant Voice
Use a pleasant tone of voice when speaking with others.
We all sound much different when we speak with our best tones of voice that we do at our worse. You recognize this more when someone speaks to you. Every time you don't like the tone of voice that someone uses when speaking to you, let it serve as a reminder to speak in a pleasant tone of voice to others.
B"H
>
_____
> Spread the Irony
>
>
>
>
> Only in America ......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to
> the
> back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can
> buy
> cigarettes at the front.
>
> Only in America.....do people order double cheeseburgers, large
> fries, and
> a diet coke.
>
> Only in America.....do banks leave both doors open and then chain
> the pens
> to the counters.
>
>
> Only in America.....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in
> the
> driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
>
>
> Only in America......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns
> in
> packages of eight.
>
> Only in America.....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille
> lettering.
>
>
>
> EVER WONDER ...
>
> Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens
> our skin?
>
>
> Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
>
>
>
> Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
>
>
>
> Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
>
>
>
>
>
> Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
>
> Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing
> liquid made
> with real lemons?
>
> Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
>
>
>
>
>
> Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
>
>
>
>
> Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
>
>
>
> Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
>
>
> Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
>
>
> You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why
> don't
> they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
>
>
>
>
> Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
> Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
>
>
> If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
>
>
> If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
>
>
>
>
Monday, July 6, 2009
Fourth of July (on the sixth) and Gauge your Empathy!!
For a gauge of your empathy level, ask yourself: If a newspaper writes derogatory information against someone, do you enjoy reading it, or do you feel the pain and suffering of the person who it was written against?
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Sunday, July 5, 2009
Wow! man can fly (see U-tube video) and Peace and Pleasure and Michael Jackson
All the possessions and pleasures of the world are only valuable to the extent they are accompanied by peace of mind. A person who has tremendous riches and can gratify all of his desires, will nevertheless suffer if he lacks peace of mind. See the example of this in our daily lives with Michael Jackson.
As a rule, the power-hungry and the status-seekers lack this obvious realization. Why work on obtaining power and status when you have the ability to work on something that is much more precious? A peaceful mental attitude and serenity of the soul are the most important factors for happiness.
It is related that when an ancient emperor was about to sail for Italy, an advisor asked him what his ultimate plans were. "To conquer Rome," he replied. "What will be after that?" "To conquer Carthage, Macedonia, and Greece." "And after you have conquered all that, what are your plans?" Then I will be able to spend my life in peace and comfort." "But," queried the wise advisor, "why not be in peace and comfort right now?"
Love Yehuda
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Pope and Golf, and Responsibileness--The Greatest Gift
Responsibleness - the Greatest Gift
Your attitude toward limitations and disabilities determines to what degree they cause you suffering.
Rabbi Elchonon Hertzman writes that he once met someone who was especially intelligent and knowledgeable, and also partially paralyzed. Although he moved around in a wheelchair, he was extremely calm and patient. He ran a large business and accomplished great things.
One day Rabbi Hertzman heard his story: The handicapped man came from a wealthy home and his parents could afford all the help they wished. Nevertheless, they planned that they would not allow their son's physical defect to be a deterrent factor in his life. They forced him to do everything by himself. They made him cook and clean and do everything he needed without the assistance of anyone else. From the fact he learned responsibility for himself, he became a self reliant person, whose disability did not define him.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
Show you Care for Others and some inspirational Quotes
Show You Care
A caring person is an elevated person. It is a great act of
kindness to express your caring for people who might not realize that you care about them.
Today, think of three people who would greatly appreciate your sincere caring. Be resolved to let them know that you care about them as soon as possible.
Love Yehuda
Sir Isaac Newton said...
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
That's what Great Quotes from Great Leaders allows all of us to do...stand on the shoulders of giants. We can read their words of wisdom, and apply them to our everyday lives.
:
1. "Well done is better than well said."
Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790)
2. "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on."
Winston Churchill
(1874-1965)
3. "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
Mother Teresa
(1910-1997)
4. "Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."
George Washington
(1732-1799)
5. "The time is always right to do what is right."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
(1929-1968)
6. "All the adversity I've had in my life has strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
Walt Disney
(1901-1966)
7. "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today."
Abraham Lincoln
(1809-1865)
8. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."
Vince Lombardi
(1913-1970)
9. "It is better to light the candle than to curse the darkness."
Eleanor Roosevelt
(1884-1962)
10. "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
Dwight Eisenhower
(1890-1969)
11. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Nelson Mandela
(1918 - )
12. "We must become the change we wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi
(1869-1948)
13. "The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart."
Helen Keller
(1880-1968)
14. "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
Henry Ford
(1863-1947)
15. "Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music."
Ronald Reagan
(1911-2004)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Will You Finish Strong? and Joy the Natural State
The natural state of a human being is joy.
| Please watch this video! It will touch your heart. There are so many amazing People in this world. |