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Date Posted: 22:40:04 08/22/12 Wed
Author: t
Subject: fb205


5 Elul 5772 / August 23, 2012 Torah Reading: Shoftim



* DAILY LIFT
* TODAY IN JEWISH HISTORY
* GROWING EACH DAY
* ASK THE RABBI



#555 Put On Your Best Act

Instead of complaining about someone's behavior toward you, it is more constructive to work on your own behavior toward him.

Ignore another person's grouchiness and anger, and speak cheerfully and with compassion. If you find this difficult, pretend that you are an actor on stage. Adopting this attitude can keep people from much needless quarreling and suffering. Do it consistently and you will see major improvements in their behavior toward you.

Be flexible. People differ greatly on what they evaluate as "positive," and it is necessary to understand the unique needs of each person you're dealing with. If one approach is unsuccessful, try other approaches. But keep trying.

(Rabbi Pliskin's Gateway to Happiness, p.137)


See Rabbi Pliskin's new book "Life Is Now"




5 Elul

In 1915, the Jewish Battalions of the British Royal Fusiliers was formed, consisting of Jewish volunteers from America, England, and Israel. Their goal was to join the efforts of the British Army in World War I to liberate Israel from Turkish rule. The idea was first proposed by Zev Jabotinsky, and by 1919, some 5,000 Jewish volunteers were participating in the battalions.



5 Elul

If one wishes to add on more restrictions than the law requires, one may do so for oneself, but not [make such demands] of others (Shulchan Aruch).


Some people employ a double standard. One set of rules applies to themselves, and another to everyone else. The Shulchan Aruch, the standard authoritative compilation of Jewish law, accepts this policy - but on one condition: the more restrictive set of rules must apply to oneself, and the more lenient apply to other people.

Guidelines exist for many things, such as the percentage of income that one should give for tzedakah. Many tzaddikim, righteous people, retained only the barest minimum of their income for themselves, just enough to provide for their families, and gave everything else to the poor. However, they would never expect anyone else to follow their example, and some even forbade it.

Our minds are ingenious in concocting self-serving rationalizations. Sometimes we may have excellent reasons not to give more liberally to tzedakah, even if it is within the required amount. We may project into the future, worry about our economic security, and conclude that we should put more money away for a rainy day. Yet we often criticize people who we feel do not give enough to tzedakah.

We should be aware of such rationalizations and remember that the more demanding rules should apply to ourselves. If we are going to rationalize, let us rationalize in a way that gives the benefit of doubt to others.


Today I shall ...
...

remember to be more demanding of myself than I am of others.


See more books by Rabbi Abraham Twerski at Artscroll.com


5 Elul

Assimilation – Causes and Solutions

I am doing research for a Jewish studies course in my university. Today, with "Jewish continuity" such a priority (as it is in every generation), can you answer the question: What has been the secret of success for Jewish communities throughout history?
The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah provides us with two insights: First, in Genesis 46:28, when the Jews move down to Egypt, Jacob sent Judah ahead of everyone in order to make advance arrangements. The Torah describes Judah's preparations as "li-horot" – "to teach." The Midrash says that before even a synagogue or a JCC, Judah established a Jewish school. For a thriving Jewish community, Jewish education must be the number one priority.

Second, the Midrash says that when Jacob's family first arrived in Egypt, they made a pact amongst themselves in order to prevent assimilation. They agreed not to change their names, style of dress or language. With these safeguards, they were able to keep a healthy distance from the fads of secular society.

Using these principles, Jews have managed to stay strong all these millennia. But in today’s world, we are finding more of a challenge, and the consequences are devastating. Young Jews are apathetic and disinterested.

But we can break the cycle and turn our ship around. How? By renewing our commitment to Jewish education and Jewish observance. The Torah offers literally thousands of opportunities to express Jewish identity on a regular basis. Light Shabbat candles, or say the Shema. Listen to audio classes while commuting, or start a lunchtime study group at the office. Speak Hebrew, play Jewish music, or pay that long-overdue visit to Israel.

Another key element in combating assimilation is to reach out to other, less affiliated Jews. It is a Torah principle that if you know a piece of wisdom, you are obligated to share it. If we can’t rely on those who care, then who can we rely on?

Project Inspire is an organization (started by Aish HaTorah) which provides user-friendly tools for Jews to reach out and inspire other Jews. See more at: www.kiruv.com

If you are reading, then you care. So don't hesitate. The options are endless. The reward is eternal.



Featured at Aish.com

* Cosmo & Helen Gurley Brown
* The Power to Change
* Q&A for Teens: Stop Staring at Me


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