A Trip to the Nursery (Parshas Shemos)

B"H

So Today's your turn to pick up your son from his nursery. You finish
up work, grab your keys, and head to the school. Without traffic, you
reach the nursery 5 min.'s early and enter your son's class, taking a
seat quietly by the entrance. A few children play with toys by your
feet, and babble some words to you. Busy with your blackberry phone,
you hardly pay notice. Suddenly, your attention is caught grabbed!
Your precious son (brought over by the nursery teacher), is babbling
incoherently about some exciting thing occurring now in his life. You
smile with great joy, overflowing with the love for your child...

A Jew may wonder: "What does the great G-d care about
my actions. G-d is so far beyond physicality, beyond caring about what I do.
Why would a good deed I perform, prayers I pray,
or candles I light, truly matter to the Almighty G-d?!"
From our perspective, at 1st glance, maybe it doesn't. But from G-d's
Perspective, little do we know the immense joy and pleasure we bring
Him. To his Father, what His child does, is truly precious.



If you'd like to read further, here are 2 short, Beautiful teachings
from this week's Torah Portion- "Shemot"

The Torah says: "And Moshe was shepherding the sheep." Next we
read how Moshe saw the burning thorn bush, where G-d tells him that the
time has come for the Jewish People to be redeemed from Egypt. What
does Moshe's life as a shepherd have anything to do with the
subsequent revelation of G-d and directive to become leader and
savior of the Jewish People??

In the Midrash we find something that gives us insight into what the
Torah is saying here. One day, as Moshe was shepherding his sheep, 1
darted away from the flock. Moshe chased it and chased it, until he
found it drinking from a stream. "If only I knew you were tired,"
thought Moshe. He then hoisted it on his shoulders and carried it back
to the flock.
G-d Said: "If Moshe cares for this 1 sheep with such care, I will
entrust him to care for My Flock"-the Jewish People.
Thus we read next how G-d Revealed Himself
and Commanded Moshe to redeem the Jews...

But what is the lesson for us now?
In order to merit a "revelation from G-d", a true closeness to Him,
one must give oneself over, and truly worry about, G-d's Sheep- a
fellow Jew.
--------------------
We find a very interesting fact about our great leader Moshe:
How can it be that he grew up in Egypt, and was raised in a purely Egyptian
home and culture of Pharaoh's daughter's home?
(he was found by her in a basket on the river and adopted).
How can it be that Holy Moshe grew to such greatness there?

This fact teaches us something very profound:
SPECIFICALLY in Egypt, which opposed all that Moshe stood for;
THERE the Savior of Israel had to be born and grow up, in order to become so great!
This point answers another famous Question: "If G-d Wants that we
should learn Torah and perform the Commandments,
why did He Put us in an Exile, full of troubles and concealment of G-d?!"
The answer is, that SPECIFICALLY here, where we find ourselves
in the "Land of Egypt"; yet where we overcome our struggles
and make for G-d a Dwelling Place down here;
here we can truly be considered to have "grown."
-Adapted from the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Shabbat Shalom!

-Daniel

Success! Parashas Vayechi

B"H

What's up everyone! Hope all is well, staying joyful and positive as you
bask in your good weather while I freeze here in New York :)
Here's A short idea on this week's Torah portion "Vayechi":

Our great ancestor Yosef, was sent in chains into slavery in Egypt. Later he was
imprisoned on false charges and spent 14 yrs. in prison. Suddenly
Yosef is called to
interpret Pharaoh's dreams, and is appointed as 2nd in command,
essentially ruler over
all of Egypt; and as master over the entire food supply during a
global famine-ruler over the fate of the entire world. After Yosef is
finally reunited with his father Ya'akov, his father oddly blesses
Yosef's 2nd born son-1st, and then his 1st born son-2nd! But let's not
get too ahead of ourselves...

After leaving prison and becoming ruler, Yosef married Asnat and had 2
children: Menashe and Ephrayim. His 1st-born he named Menashe, b/c
"G-d has caused me to forget ('Nashani') all my hardships and all that
was in my father's house" (41:51). This expressed Yosef's pain at the
fact that he found himself in a place which caused him to forget his
father's house. His 2nd son Ephrayim, was named this b/c, "G-d has
Made me fruitful ('Hiphrani') in the land of my subjugation" (ibid.
52), expressing Yosef's success in Egypt.
Since the Torah and its stories are lessons for every Jew in every
generation, what can we learn from these names of Yosef's sons?
Menashe and Ephrayim represent the 2 different reactions a Jew has to
being in exile: on one hand, he longs to leave this exile and return
to "his father's house." But on the other hand, since he finds
himself-by Divine Providence- in exile, he realizes that there is a
mission to be carried out here, a mission given by our G-d, and he
toils to succeed.
Menashe was the 1st-born b/c 1st of all, a Jew needs to feel "out of
place" in exile, to ensure that he doesn't assimilate, and to realize
that this situation is not my true "home." But the primary purpose of
being in exile is to succeed in Divine service there- which is why
Ya'akov wished to bless Ephrayim first.
-(Based on the 'Gutnick Chumash's' interpretation of a talk by the
Lubavitcher Rebbe)

By growing every day in Judaism, living the life of a Jew in San
diego, LA, on college campus, wherever-we are fulfilling the entire
purpose for G-d's Creation of us and the world, reminding G-d of the
greatness of His people, and hastening the final Redemption through
Moshiach, which will bring everlasting harmony to us and the entire
world, may it come now!
Shabbat Shalom

-daniel

True Joy

B"H

Happiness (for more on this topic, see: chabad/jewish/Joy-Happiness)

"Man can never be happy if he does not nourish his soul as he does his body" -- The Rebbe

The Rebbe once encouraged a gifted student to use his free time to inspire his fellow students to pursue not only their academic studies but their spiritual studies as well.
"My schedule is already so full, I don't know how I could possibly add anything more to it," the student said. And then, realizing that the Rebbe's own schedule was far more crowded, he said, "Frankly, I don't understand where you get the strength and stamina to work as you do."
"Every person has both a body and a soul," said the Rebbe. "It is like a bird and its wings. Imagine if a bird were unaware that its wings enabled it to fly, they would only add an extra burden of weight. But once it flaps its wings, it lifts itself skyward. We all have wings--our soul--that can lift us as high as we need go. All we have to do is learn to use them."

What is your life like?
If you are like most people, it is made up of countless bits and pieces of fragmented activity: exercise, work, eating, conversations, entertainment, sleep. Add up the pieces day after day, year after year, and you end up with an entire life split into millions of fragments, with no connecting thread. Fragmentation rattles our peace of mind, creating untold tension and anxiety. Over time, the fragments pile up and begin to suffocate your soul, the inner you that craves focus, purpose and direction. Is it any wonder that after forty or fifty years of slogging through such disjointed days we wake up and suddenly wonder, "Is this what life is about? Am I really happy?"

A happy life is synonymous with a meaningful life, and we all want to live meaningful lives. We constantly strive to make our mark on humanity, to contribute something worthwhile to our world.

By acknowledging that within your body is a G-dly soul, a soul that can give your life purpose and lift it above the mundane pursuits of everyday life, you begin to put the pieces of your fragmented life in order.

By acknowledging that within your body is a G-dly soul, a soul that can give your life purpose and lift it above the mundane pursuits of everyday life, you begin to put the pieces of your fragmented life in order. You see your life from a larger perspective, sanctifying every moment of your life -- not only while you are studying or praying or doing charitable deeds, but while you are eating and sleeping, at home or at work, while traveling or on vacation. Instead of carrying out your daily activities by rote, you discover the G-dliness within each of them.

To key to happiness: uniting body and soul
To be a happy, wholesome and healthy person, your body and soul must work in perfect harmony. This means uniting the body and soul to fulfill the mission for which we were all put on earth: to lead a meaningful, productive, and virtuous life by making this physical world a home for G-d.

The body and soul, however, are in constant conflict: the body basically looking to satisfy its needs with the soul looking for transcendence and unity. The first step in dealing with this conflict is to acknowledge that the struggle exists, and be aware of the two distinct forces. Thinking that we are a single entity leads to confusion and despair: One day we are virtuous and the next we are selfish; one day we are motivated, the next we procrastinate.

The only way to unite body and soul is to accept that G-d is far higher than our limited selves. The soul, because of its transcendent nature, can rise above selfishness more easily than the body, and can discipline the body, through study and prayer, to recognize its true mission. Only then can the body rise to its true prominence -- when it serves as a vehicle for the soul instead of acting under its own power, with its selfish wants and needs. Once the body recognizes the soul's dominance and makes peace with its twin sister, the tension can be properly harnessed.

A happy life is synonymous with a meaningful life.

Happiness requires action
It is not enough to acknowledge your soul, you must actualize it by partnering it with the body to help a neighbor in need, to listen to a friend in distress, to help provide food or clothing to someone who cannot afford it. These become more than simple good deeds; they become vital nourishment for your soul and a means of putting your physical body to good spiritual use.

True happiness is the fusion of body and soul dedicated to a higher cause, a cause that benefits humankind and gives meaning and inner peace to the individual in the process.

When you awake in the morning, while you are still lying in bed, think for a moment: What does it mean to be awake and alive? Begin each day with a prayer; thank G-d for the new day. Acknowledge your soul. Think about what you would like to accomplish that would make today a meaningful day. If you train yourself to do this every morning, you will immediately begin to see your life in a new, sharper focus.

You should end your day just as you begin it. As you prepare for sleep, review the day and how you used it opportunities. Recognize that G-d has put you here for a purpose, and that all your activities should express that purpose. Go to sleep with the resolve that no matter how good -- or bad -- today was, tomorrow will be better. By doing so, your sleep will be more peaceful, and your waking more meaningful.

To truly be Alive

What does it mean to be truly alive?

A story is told, of a king who's son fell deathly ill. All of
the greatest doctors were brought in to the palace to try their luck
at finding a remedy for the sick prince. But to no avail.
As the prince's health worsened, the King was becoming more & more
distraught. Until finally one doctor spoke: "My king, there is 1
remedy that perhaps can save your son. It isn't for certain, and it
requires you to give up something precious. I need the crown jewel on
the top of your crown. I will grind it up and put it into water for
the prince to drink. Perhaps it can heal him."
The king answered, "for my only son! of course take it! what's the
point of my crown jewel if there isn't my only precious son!?"
This analogy was given by the "Alter Rebbe", the founder of 'Chassidus
Chabad', to explain why Chassidus, the inner dimension of Torah,
needed to be revealed. The Jewish people in these last generations,
under the constant attack of outside enemies, along with the inside
problem of assimilation, need this precious jewel to infuse our
Yiddishkeit with life and vibrancy.
SO what is Chassidus?

Just like our body needs food to nourish it and keep it happy, our
souls need "food" as well to feel satisfied. But the soul doesn't
enjoy ketchup and mustard. What it wants and needs is spiritual
nourishment. This "food" it enjoys is Torah; specifically, its inner
dimension, Chassidus. This is the essence of Torah. Therefore, because
of its nature as essence, Chassidus is often likened to oil: On one
hand, it itself is beyond any one thing (oil rises to the top of any
liquid it enters). On the other hand, it permeates every single
aspect. Chassidus is the secret dimension of Torah (oil is hidden
inside the olive). What are some of these secrets? Chassidus shows us
the uniqueness and preciousness of every Jew. How we are truly 1 w/
G-d, like an "only son born to parents in their old age." How loving a
fellow Jew is the entrance to a relationship with G-d. How serving G-d
with Joy is greater than all else. How there is no place devoid of
Hashem's Presence. The physical world and G-d don't contradict; rather
all physicality is permeated by G-dliness. The world is G-d's
painting. Where can one hope to look for the artist? in his painting.

Specifically, when a Jew does a "Mitzvah," he feels he's doing a
"commandment" of Hashem. Kiddush was drunk? Matzah eaten? Mitzvah
accomplished? case closed. Chassidus teaches us that every time a Jew
does a mitzvah, he is in direct connection with his Creator. "Mitzvah"
means "tzavsa" - "connection". One is connecting with his Infinite G-d
at the time of a mitzvah. So much so, that Jewish law states you must
stand in front of any Jew, regardless of his level or stature, when
amidst doing a mitzvah! (see Ch. 46 of Tanya)
And in any case, why do I learn Torah and perform Mitzvos, and serve
Hashem in the 1st place? for reward in the afterlife? True, this is a
direct outcome. But We really serve Hashem in order to please our
Father, and ultimately, in order to form this world into a dwelling
place, a home, for Hashem. Chassidus shows us the beauty of Torah and
Mitzvos; not because we have to. Rather, because we want to.

Ultimately, Chassidus teaches us that G-d is Everywhere. It makes us
realize "there is no place devoid of Him." If you're lost in Tijuana,
sitting on a couch of a party, or praying in synagogue, G-d is there.
No place is devoid of His Presence. Not only that, but Chassidus
revolutionizes the look at "Divine Providence": that every single
thing that happens in this world, from a joyful job promotion to an
annoying traffic jam, to the stubbing of your toe, is all directed by
G-d. Everything.
By knowing this, a Jew becomes alive. He sees Hashem's Hand in
everything. How He truly watches over us,and how important our mission
in this world is. How every act we do can literally change the world
enormously for the better. With
1 good deed, speech, or even thought, one can bring the Redemption,
our ultimate goal.

Chassidus emphasizes how small are the "great", and how truly great
are the "small." A voiceless cry from a Jew's depths when in a tough
situation, pierces all heavens and breaks all gates, straight to
Hashem. This is something the most religious and greatest Torah
scholar wishes to have. It makes sense, because we are all G-d's
Beloved children.
To know this truth is to live. This knowledge keeps us vitalized and
warm. It infuses us with truth and meaning in this often-times
confusing world.

This is what it means to be truly alive.

(you can contact your local chabad Rabbi to learn more, or read up
yourself: chabad.org. You also can always call me: 858-452-6205 if you
want to learn a bit. I'm home now for Chanuka, feel free to call
anytime! (I have menorahs if you need also)
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Channukah!

-daniel

The King and His Prince

It's told, that there was once a great king, who lived in a royal
palace and ruled a vast empire. This king had an only son, an only
prince.
Life went along great, as the prince basked in the love of his father
the king, inside his beautiful palace.
One day, the king was found deeply engrossed in thought. What was the
issue at hand? The king needed a mission to be accomplished. Not any
ordinary mission however: This mission depended on someone special,
someone who could accomplish only what the king himself would be able
to accomplish; yet the king himself could not go! What would the king
do? And then it hit him: his son the prince! He could be trusted. He
had royal blood and he could be counted on not to waver from the path
set out for him by his father to complete the mission...
But the prince didn't want to leave. When he heard his father's
request, he was forlorn: to leave the palace, to leave his beloved
father! to go to an unknown land and a hazardous mission?! Seeing his
distress, the king gently asked his son: "You love me, right?" The son
nodded. "But if you truly loved me, you would leave your comfort in
order to please me. And if you are truly faithful to me, you'll stay
the same prince you
are now, even during this mission in the faraway land." Determined,
the prince left the palace, to accomplish his father's tough
mission....

Each and every Jew, every single one of us, is a prince or princess.
Before the creation of the world, we basked in the glory of G-d in
heaven, alone with our Father the King.
Feeling the true pleasure and love of closeness to G-d, our father,
nothing could've been better. But our Father had a mission, a mission
that only we could accomplish. And that mission is G-d's Desire: for
us to make this physical world a dwelling place for Him.
But G-d Himself couldn't do it. Why not? G-d wanted His beloved child
to prove his love for Him, and to bring out the hidden qualities his
prince had, but could never reveal in the palace. G-d therefore sent
His child, the soul, away from our home, in order to make this
world-home.
How do we do so? How are we expected to complete G-d's Mission to make
the world a dwelling place for Him? Where He is to feel comfortable?
Through learning His Torah
and fulfilling His Mitzvot-Commandments. "By little me wrapping
physical parchment around my puny arm; by me lighting 2 cheap candles
on friday afternoon, by eating a kosher burger and saying a blessing
over it, I'm making a dwelling place for Hashem?!"
Yes.
Because it is G-d's Will that his royal children descend from their
palace in heaven, to take His physical objects and make them
spiritual. Through this we make this world one big mitzvah-a true
palace for Hashem. A dwelling with his children once again, this time
in a deeper bond than ever before.
Let's hope the Mission will soon be accomplished.
Moshiach Now!

Shabbat Shalom

daniel

Finding the Infinite - in the Human Eye

In this week's Torah Portion, we meet our famous forefather
Avraham-arguably the greatest revolutionary in the history of the
world. Avraham broke the news to the world that there is One & only
One G-d. Up until Avraham, idols were worshiped; the sun the moon and
the stars as well. The 'Midrash' describes one of the ways Avraham
came to his realization of monotheism at a young age: seeing the
sun's powerful rays beeming unto the earth, blinding his eyes, Avraham
1st believed the sun to be G-d. But as soon as night came-the sun left
and the moon took over! the moon must be G-d then. As this cycle
continued, Avraham realized there must be 1, and Only 1, who rules the
world-One G-d.
We can learn from Avraham our forefather, that G-d, as Hidden as He
seems to be, displays Himself in our world: we just have to take a
minute to investigate deeper.....

Advancements in medicine and technology help us SEE G-d's Amazing Handiwork:
Let's take the Human Eye: 'Right now you are reading these words. What
is happening inside your eye as you are looking at these words? Light
passes through the front of the eye (the pupil) & through the lens.
This light goes toward the back of the eye (the retina) where in a
space less than 1 square inch, there are approximately one hundred
million small machines shaped like rods. Every rod is connected by a
nerve fiber to the brain. The rods contain a chemical substance called
visual purple (rhodopsin). When the light reaches the rod it causes
the visual purple to break down. This breakdown generates several
millionths of a volt of electricity. This electricity is transmitted
to the brain through the optic nerve at about 300 mph. The brain
interprets the signals coming in, identifies what is being seen &
remembers the image. The entire process is completed in about two
thousandths of a second!
The hundred million rods described above only help us see black &
white, however. There is a different mechanism in our eyes for seeing
colors. The back of each eye has approx. 3 million cones with
bleachable pigments which react to light waves of different colors.
The brain merges the electrical signals that each color creates to
form many different hues. When the lighting is faint, the cones become
less active, our sense of color fades away, everything becomes gray, &
the rods for black & white vision become active. There is much more
that can be said about the wonders of the eye.'
-'Discovery'-by Dov Moshe Lipman

To realize there is a G-d in the world is one thing. It takes a
searching eye and a wondering mind. Avraham did that, and passed on
to us the inherent ability to realize too. But Avraham also decided to
act on that knowledge, to do what our Creator asks of His people: to
make this world into a dwelling place for Him through Torah, Prayer,
Charity, Mivtzot, and kindness to others. Let's keep this week's Torah
portion, and our forefather Avraham's search, alive. Let's Keep up the
search-

Shabbat Shalom!
-daniel

Finding the Infinite - in an Eye

In this week's Torah Portion, we meet our famous forefather
Avraham-arguably the greatest revolutionary in the history of the
world. Avraham broke the news to the world that there is One & only
One G-d. Up until Avraham, idols were worshiped; the sun the moon and
the stars as well. The 'Midrash' describes one of the ways Avraham
came to his realization of monotheism at a young age: seeing the
sun's powerful rays beeming unto the earth, blinding his eyes, Avraham
1st believed the sun to be G-d. But as soon as night came-the sun left
and the moon took over! the moon must be G-d then. As this cycle
continued, Avraham realized there must be 1, and Only 1, who rules the
world-One G-d. We can learn from Avraham our forefather, that G-d, as Hidden as He seems to be, displays Himself in our world: we just have to take a
minute to investigate deeper.....

'Right now you are reading these words. What is happening inside your eye as you are looking at these words? Light passes through the front of the eye (the pupil) & through the lens. This light goes toward the back of the eye (the retina) where in a space less than 1 square inch, there are approximately one hundred
million small machines shaped like rods. Every rod is connected by a nerve fiber to the brain. The rods contain a chemical substance called visual purple (rhodopsin). When the light reaches the rod it causes the visual purple to break down. This breakdown generates several millionths of a volt of electricity. This electricity is transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve at about 300 mph.
The brain interprets the signals coming in, identifies what is being seen &
remembers the image. The entire process is completed in about two
thousandths of a second!

The hundred million rods described above only help us see black &
white, however. There is a different mechanism in our eyes for seeing
colors. The back of each eye has approximately 3 million cones with
bleachable pigments which react to light waves of different colors.
The brain merges the electrical signals that each color creates to
form many different hues. When the lighting is faint, the cones become
less active, our sense of color fades away, everything becomes gray, &
the rods for black & white vision become active. There is much more
that can be said about the wonders of the eye.'
- “Discovery” by Dov Moshe Lipman

To realize there is a G-d in the world is one thing. It takes a searching eye and a wondering mind. Avraham did that, and passed on to us the inherent ability to realize too. But Avraham also decided to act on that knowledge, to do what our Creator asks of His people: to make this world into a dwelling place for Him through Torah, Prayer, Charity, Mivtzot, and kindness to others. Let's keep this week's Torah portion, and our forefather Avraham's search, alive. Let's Keep up the search!

Shabbat Shalom!

-daniel

Alive & Moving with Joy

B"H

Tonight begins the unique holiday of Sukkot. While we must be joyful during ALL holidays, Sukkot is known most as
a festival of joy.
I heard an interesting class today, which discussed the fact that everything in the world is moving. To be alive means to be constantly moving.
Our heartbeat must constantly move, our breath as well. One can marvel at the remarkable consistency of the waves of the ocean. EVEN minerals
show a life force in action (extraction of fission energy). This movement occurs because all of creation is connected to its source, A G-dly life force perpetually
infusing everything with life. And life=movement. We see this by the fact that everything that's alive-moves. The only being that stops moving at times is us human beings.
(An animal stops bc it's his built in nature; you won't find a tiger though, staying in for the day b/c he wants to sleep in :) We humans at times, Decidedly stop. We lie on the
couch or stay glued to a TV, or worse yet one can fall into a depressive state. How come humans can stop moving, can stop appearing alive?
B/C we are able to forget that we are connected to our life force.
When one realizes that at every moment (even when things are apparently going bad in your life) you are directly connected to your life force, G-d,
one becomes joyous, happy. This is even many times expressed in movement; dancing or actively sharing this feeling with another-because knowing you are connected to your life force
brings life & therefore movement.
Therefore, being happy isn't becoming something new, rather it's going to the natural state a creation in this physical world is supposed to be. Alive, moving. You are connected-therefore happy and alive.

As we approach Sukkot tonight, let's truly feel this "simchah"-joy, through recognizing that our life force is constantly being revitalized by our G-d, b/c He Is Willing us into creation at every moment.
Shake the lulav and etrog, dine with family & friends under a Sukkah-all in joy, for joy is the way Judaism is meant to be lived.

-daniel

P.S. 3074 Renault St., SD, CA 92122---anyone is invited to come eat under our sukkah Wed., Thurs., or Fri. night. Chag Sameach!

Hide & Go-Seek

Dear Friends and family

As we head for our local synagogues for the great high holidays of Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur,

we can approach the day(s) in 1 of 2 ways: As a boring/tiresome day, or a unique and special time to think and connect with something Greater than ourselves..

Once, there was a great Rabbi who was sitting in his home learning. Suddenly, his young son burst into the room sobbing loudly. His father asked what had happened. "I was playing hide & go seek with my friends, and I was chosen to hide. I hid & hid & hid... and no one came to look for me!"

The boy's father then burst into tears. Seeing the confusion on his son's face, the great Rabbi said: "G-d Does the same thing. He Hides and no one searches..."

G-d, no doubt about it, isn't openly seen or revealed. Especially these days, in the final days of exile. But from the vast Pacific Ocean waves to the most minute ladybug, from a peacock to your beating heart, from the divine providence seen in our own lives, G-d Reveals Himself. We just have to search. When we pray during these high holidays (in English or Hebrew) we can try maybe, to think where WE see G-d in our own lives. His guiding of MY own path-and also of nature and the world at large.

I was thinking something: Doesn't it happen often, when watching a good movie; as it nears its end, and the movie has just hit its peak (i.e. Gladiator after he kills the emperor :) one feels that he doesn't want the movie to end. Why is that? Because we enjoy going beyond ourselves for a little while. Into a deeper reality, a deeper existence.

Judaism is the movie that never ends... :)

P.S. please come over to my house for any holidays like sukkot! Ill be home in 2 weeks 858-452-6205

A secret to Joy in Life

Hoping this email reaches you in good health and happy spirits!

There's something surprising many people don't know about. I don't know why that is, but I want you to know
that 1 of the fundamental, most important aspects of our service to G-d (& very much important in our own lives) is happiness-serving
G-d with joy. Many Jews go to synagogue. Unfortunately, sometimes it's only on days like Yom Kippur (the most solemnn day of the yr.), and they end up skipping out on Purim, Sukkot, and all of the other very fun days in our calendar.
Judaism, the life of a Jew, must always be approached with Joy. But that's not always so easy....

There is an extremely effective way our sages teach us to be happy: To know, and always remind ourselves, that EVERYTHING we see
and everything that occurs in our lives, is "Hashgacha Pratis"-Divine Providence. G-d isn't Hanging out in heaven watching the world; rather
He Runs everything that occurs to every individual-from your near car crash to the stubbing of your toe! (Even Einstein said: "I am convinced that God does not play dice (with the world").
Chassidic Philosophy (Jewish Mysticism) goes a step further, and teaches us that G-d even Decides the direction in which each and every leaf falls from a tree!
Meaning, that our whole day is run by G-d-He Helps us and we must know always that He's running the show. Therefore: "Damn, I'm stuck in traffic! It's just not fair!" Could rather be: "for some reason, G-d Decided this should be. It must therefore really be for my best benefit." Who knows, maybe in free-flowing traffic you were supposed to be in a car accident? (G-d Forbid :)
How do we know though that G-d Truly Runs everything in the world, and that he even cares about us and our little, minute daily lives?!
The stories abound; both that I've heard, and that have occurred to me in my own life-things too coincidental...
these miracles enclothed in nature that happen to us from time to time, are signs to us that EVEN the boring day-to-day activities are overseen and run by G-d! It's like when you walk into Sears and you hear a beautiful piano melody playing. You think it's 1 of those pianos that are automated to play on their own. Then you hear a mistake. Now you realize there was Someone behind playing the melody the whole time.
These "glitches" in our lives is the open divine providence, that shows us that G-d Was really behind everything the whole time. We just have to be sensitive enough to notice them and thank G-d who helps our every step "i n his heart a man plans his course but the Lord directs his steps."

Through recognizing G-d's Hand throughout our day, we can be calmer and more joyful in our lives.

Shabbat Shalom!
-Daniel