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The holiday of Shavuous is almost here, the time of the giving and receiving of the Torah, the Eternal Truth.  Not only is truth and light being freely given, but we must also be ready to receive it, open and available. A huge part of receiving truth is the ability and willingness to Listen. To listen truly we enter silence and absorb what is being said to us. We don't listen to the mad mind which contradicts itself constantly, but to the larger voice of the Divine, which is waiting to guide us. And then as we Listen, we take the directions, and Live them. A great teaching in this respect is "Do and You Will See." Not only do we Listen, but we make the teachings real in our lives. Then Blessings for all follow relentlessly.

During the Passover Seder four children are discussed, The Wise Son, The Rebellious Son, The Simple Son and The One Who Does Not Even Know How To Ask A Question. Usually we all want to be the wise one. This is the one who knows so much, studies, listens, follows directions. But is this all needed for true wisdom? The four children mentioned in the Seder are parts of all of us. We all contain each one, and all must be integrated. The Simple Son, and The One Who Do Not Know How To Ask A Question, bring another form of beauty and wisdom to the Seder and our lives. They do not rely on the intellect and rational mind. The One Who Cannot Ask a Question,  may not need to. He or she lives instead, in faith, joy and trust. They accept life, are available, and certainly free from arrogance. Not better than any other child. The Seder depicts the inner journey we all must go through to freedom and oneness, knowing and honoring all parts of ourselves.

The Mitzvahs have many beautiful functions, and one is to rescue us from Time! They prevent us from lapsing into doubt, fear and hesitation, wondering which way to go next.  As we do that, the moment i lost, and part of our precious life is gone. This Mitzvah explores the way to break through the miasma of confusion and doubt and take complete action without  hesitation,  right now! 

This talk explores the nature of constriction and our slavery to time.  Based upon Passover and the splitting of the red sea, we see what it is that has brought plagues into our lives, and what is truly needed to go from freedom to liberation.

Believe it or not, this is one of the most important and central mitzvahs. Your entire world and the world of others revolve around it. The mitzvah is guiding us to look for and focus on only that which is favorable, beneficial, uplifting in others. Of course we all contain many  aspects, but what we perceive in others we bring out in them. Not only that, what we perceive in others, we also see in ourselves. The mind constantly looks for what is wrong, bad or difficult. But, perception is a matter of choice. We look for that which we want to find. Look for that which is good, pleasing, worthwhile. Not only will your own life flower, but all those you interact with will find that which is best and beautiful in themselves.

Most of us have no idea the power of Happiness in our lives. We would also never imagine that the Mitzvahs are The Path of Joy. Mitzvahs lift us above circumstances, good or bad, and offer a  constructive way to respond to whatever is going on. Rather than react blindly, we learn how to respond fully. We also learn to celebrate, be joyful, and find all we have to thank.  Our focus changes. This not only changes our personal lives, but brings harmony and well being to all. The more we take the Path of Mitzvahs the stronger we become and the  less power stray circumstances have over us. Our response to circumstances, based on the Mitzvahs, is in our hands.  And the Mitzvahs affect the well being of the world as well.

The Mitzvah today is from the Wisdom of the Fathers, which gives three precious steps to stop us from falling into confusion, destruction and pain.  As soon as we stop and contemplate these questions our choices and actions change. The mitzvah lifts us out of our temporary circumstances and causes us to see how we are spending our precious time. It also reminds us that whatever we do and do not do, brings consequences. These consequences may not be apparent now, but inevitably one day, we will face them completely. Life is not random and meaningless. We are responsible and not only that we are able to choose the best for all.

it's easy to stay close to others when things are going well. We enjoy happy times together, wonderful companionship, parties, beautiful days.. But when that person falls into need, perhaps psychologically, financially, or socially, most so called friends disappear. It's painful to accompany the person through distress, to watch their fall or to not join in with others who might be now  finding fault with them. This mitzvah brings loyalty, courage, and the true experience of what it means to be a friend. It also shows how to live, truly, without seeking a  personal reward. The power brought into the world by this mitzvah is beyond imagination.. The great art of standing by another, accompanying them is the source of never ending  wisdom and strength.

We often confuse wisdom and information, or knowledge of all kinds. Knowledge can be acquired, skills developed, and we gain the ability to acquire many things in this world. But that does not necessarily create fulfillment or meaning in our chaotic world. While knowledge is important, it never takes the place of wisdom. And it is easy to confuse the two.Wisdom is different, it is the very essence of who we are. True wisdom is a food that nourishes us deeply, creates the ability to be clear and joyous and live a blessed life. And to our surprise, wisdom is readily available, it is waiting for us from every person we meet.  To find it, we must understand the true  nature of our encounters and approach them in  a different way.Come listen to the podcast to explore.(This quote is from The Wisdom of the Fathers).

In the endlessly compulsive racing of our minds, and lives, no matter how much we do, and who we meet, deep down we feel  it's not enough and that ultimately, we are alone. There is never time to do enough, or meet those we want to see. The sense that we are missing something haunts us endlessly. But what is it that is missing? Be Still and find out. This simple, direct, one minute mitzvah guides our lives in a new direction. It also shows us what it means to truly "know" something and how to directly realize that we are never alone.

All day long we receive gifts, encounter others, move from action to action. Mostly, though, the days seem ordinary, just part of our routine. However, when we are able to take on this mitzvah, we no longer can go on automatic. We must pause to truly see who is before us, what they need and are asking of us, and give thanks for the opportunity of this meeting. Everything we meet is sacred and precious, and as we learn to encounter it truly, deep thanks arises naturally from the bottom of our heart. Then, the gate of divine energy is opened and floods both others and ourselves. 

We take many actions we think are helpful or  to prove that we are good people. However, many of these actions do not bear fruit or leave us distressed. That is because we are being helpful mostly to ourselves. Sincere Service is different. This podcast explores what it mean to be sincere. Sincerity itself is a mitzvah, when our deeds, thoughts, actions and heart are aligned. When we do not look for the outcome of our actions, but offer ourselves to it whole heartedly. Again and again. 

How do we spends our days and years and lives? Who are we serving, where does our attention, energy and devotion go? For many we serve our small selves, the one who is always demanding, complaining, upset and unsatisfied.. This mitzvah asks that we turn that around and Serve the Divine. See God in each person and situation that appears and turn around and serve That. Listen for the voice within that brings Light and Love to all.

This powerful mitzvah is the basis of our entire life, and especially the theme of the upcoming holidays. It asks that we Turn Around. Only takes a minute to take the first step. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, stop and turn around in a new direction, towards the spirit that is waiting for you. Just as one mitzvah brings another, one step brings the next. Even one step in a new direction is a powerful message to yourself that you are ready and willing to life a life of true meaning.

It seems as though we are accosted with endless challenges all day long. Confusion develops along with a sense of helplessness. But the mitzvahs come to correct this instantly. They return us to true strength and understanding on how to proceed . This beautiful mitzvah shows us how to stay free of the forces of confusion by turning our attention and action to the divine.

As we prepare for the great journey of Passover from bondage to freedom this great mitzvah tells us to clean our house! Eliminate all the yeast! Whatever puffs us up and makes us proud. The journey to freedom comes as we let go of arrogance and hardening if the heart. Both our external and internal homes must be prepared.

It's very easy to find many things to complain about. The mind naturally looks for what's wrong, how we can fight it,  who is to blame! But this beautiful mitzvah asks us to do something different. It asks us to find something good about whatever happens and offer thanks. Sincere thanks. Our thanks includes everything. So much that we receive is taken for granted, a smile from a neighbor, a simple breakfast. Beyond that, stretch further and give thanks for what may seem like a painful event as well. See what you are learning from it, and the ultimate good it may bring into your life.

Surprisingly, it is an extremely important Mitzvah to pay your worker, (or for a service) on time. We are not aware of the need of another or how badly they may be hungering. They have earned their wages, given to you, and it is crucial not to leave them worrying, chasing you for what is theirs, the payment, feeling humiliated, losing faith. We are seldom aware of the needs of others and this mitzvah comes to wake us up, to protect the self respect and pride of others, to make sure their faith is not abused. As we keep our word impeccably, the world becomes a living temple.

 We have no idea why love leaves our relationships, things take a downwards turn, or why we get ill? But the power of our words is overwhelming. When we engage in gossip and slander, either by speaking or listening, we are tearing down the entire world. There are three who suffer greatly when gossip and slander go on, the one who speaks, the one who is spoken about and the one who listens.Give up gossip and slander for one week and watch what happens!

"If you notice the animal of someone you dislike lying under its load, you must make every effort to help him." Usually we pass by those who have buckled (including their animals), especially if we dislike them.. Focused only on our own burdens, we are blind to the needs of others. This wonderful instruction asks us strongly to do the opposite. Stop in your tracks, extend yourself to them, and unload their burden. Don't place any extra burden on them either. Be there with open hands and heart. The power of this mitzvah, this incredible instruction, extends not only to others and yourself but can remedy the entire world.