Lazer Beams

Lev Tahor - A Pure Heart

Rebbe Nachman of Breslev says that hearing the music of an upright musician is beneficial to one's soul and spirituality; that's why it's so good to hear the music of my very dear friend and "brother", Guy Tzvi Mintz, may Hashem bless him always. Even if you don't understand the Hebrew, you'll find the music lifting you higher. G-d willing, the Jewish music world will be hearing a lot more from Guy Tzvi - he's as pure and as invigorating as the late afternoon breeze in the Judean Hills.

This song is entitled "Lev Tahor," and based on Likutei Moharan I:156. Enjoy it!

Saturday Night: Melave Malka at Yad Binyamin

Don't forget about this Motzaei Shabbat, December 1, 2007 / 21 Kislev, 5768 (Saturday night) on your calendar: Moshav Yad Binyamin, Yeshivat Torat HaChaim, and Emuna Outreach are pleased to announce a very special MelaveMalka (Saturday night "escorting the Shabbat Queen" festive gathering), which with Hashem's loving grace will take place in the main auditorium of Yeshivat Torat HaChaim in Moshav Yad Binyamin at 8 pm, featuring Breslev's sweet singer Yosef Karduner and yours truly. G-d willing, this will be a spiritually-uplifting evening, a good preparation for Chanuka, and a wonderful place to take your wife, so if you're in Israel, don't miss it!

Yad Binyamin is conveniently located halfway between Ashdod and Bet Shemesh , and less than an hour's drive from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Hope to see you there!

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Skip over to our sister site BreslovWorld to see this week's Torah portion "Vayeshev" here, including a Chassidic Pearl and a story from the Baal Shem Tov.

Yad Binyamin is conveniently located halfway between Ashdod and Bet Shemesh , and less than an hour's drive from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Hope to see you there!

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Skip over to our sister site BreslovWorld to see this week's Torah portion "Vayeshev" here, including a Chassidic Pearl and a story from the Baal Shem Tov.

Bat Ayin with Guy Tzvi

Guy Tzvi Mintz and Lazer, earlier this week at Bat Ayin

This post is a special thanks to our wonderful supporters of Emuna Outreach, who so generously sponsored our evening of song and inspiration earlier this week at Bat Ayin in Gush Etzion, a beautiful settlement with the most beautiful people - inside and out - one would ever want to meet. Bat Ayin is the home of Erez Levanon of blessed and martyred memory, who was brutally murdered by terrorists 9 months ago. Not only did our supporters cover all the costs of the evening, but they also contributed over $1000 of books and CDs to establish the new Emuna lending library in Erez's memory.

G-d willing, we hope to have some video clips of the evening at Bat Ayin posted here on the Beams in the near future. Just being with Guy Tzvi is an inspiration. His music penetrates the heart and goes straight to the soul.

Today, we received a lovely letter from Mrs. Kerem Perlman, the general secretary of Bat Ayin:

Dear Rabbi Brody,

The Shiur you gave this past Sunday at Bat Ayin, along with Gay Tzvi Minz, was exceptional. The "holy lights"  of Bat Ayin were uplifted. Lessons in Emunah and Simcha, Singing and Dancing, and much laughter ignited the shul.  Many of the attendees came up to me after the shiur with glowing smiles on their faces, expressing grattitude. Thank you for bringing "spiritual chizuk" to our Yishuv.  Also, thank you for the donation of books and CDs for the "Keren Erez" lending library, in memory of Erez Levanon z"l.  It is already in great use.

Sincerely,

Kerem Perlman 

Emuna, joy, and chizuk (spiritual reinforcement) are the name of the game. I never cease to express my gratitude to Hashem for enabling me to devote my life to spreading emuna and joy wherever I can. Thank you, Hashem, and thanks once again to our cherished friends and supporters of Emuna Outreach. May Hashem bless you always.

The Beatles, Yiddish Style

My mailbox is jammed with alarmist mail about Annapolis. Once again, Hashem decides what'll be, and not Bushie Junior or his puppets Ollie and Abu Mazda. In fact, the whole conference is such a joke that one has to laugh. Let's not waste our energies on worry, because we'll soon see a miraculous salvation that nobody dreamed of. I'm not worried about the rotten corrupt puppet regime over here either, because any farmer knows that a seed rots before it germinates and sprouts into a beautiful new plant or tree. So, don't be sad.

Rebbe Nachman says that we should be happy even if it takes foolishness to do the job. So, in light of my Rebbe's teachings, I'm going to post something even more ridiculously foolish than the Annapolis conference.

How would you like to hear the Beatles singing "A Hard Day's Night" in Yiddish? Well, here we go! Under the film, you can see the transliteration of the words, so you can sing along. No more worry and depression, OK? With emuna and teshuva, everything will be OK, b'ezrat Hashem.

S'iz gi'ven a shvere togedikke nakht
Ikh hob gi'arbet vi a hunt
s'iz gi'ven a shvere togedikke nakht
Ikh darf shoyn shlofn gants gizunt

Ikh kum aheym tsu dir
Dos vos du tust far mir
you know I feel all right

Du veyst ikh arbet ale tog
tsu makhn gelt tsu koyfn tshatshkes
S'iz a mekhaye ven ikh her
du bist mayn eynuneyntsike tsatske

In der heym altsding iz azoy fein
In der heym lebedik freylekh zein

A Gruelling Test of Emuna

Dear Rabbi Lazer,

I'm sure you remember me from Uman. I'm the tall person with the red beard that spoke to you after your shiur in the Kloiz. That was only two months ago. You gave me much encouragement, but my situation is now much worse. After Yom Kippur, the doctors started the heavy chemo, and in a short time I've developed a moon face and have lost most of my beard and payis. The tumor in my colon isn't any larger, but new spots are showing up on my liver and a few in my lungs. I can't describe the torture I'm going through. I know that we all have to die sometime, but I'm not ready to go at 27. The truth is that I'm scared. I want to live and I want to get better, but when I'm not in the hospital, it's difficult for me to concentrate. My memory is terrible because of the chemo, and all I can do is listen to CDs. Your voice is at my bedside all the time, but I often yell at you with big questions like why Hashem is punishing me so terribly. I feel that I must have failed Him in some way and it drives me crazy. Always, after I yell at you, I break down crying. Why isn't Rebbe Nachman shaking the Heavenly Throne to get me better? Why am I being eaten alive? Few people visit me because they are embarrassed to see someone that has been labelled as a dying man. I know you're busy, but please don't forsake me. Please answer this letter. I apologize if I said anything sacreligious. Eagerly awaiting your answer, Alexander ben Sonia

Dear Alexander,

I most certainly remember you. I remember that you were born in Russia and came to the States at age 11 in 1991 after the Perestroika. I remember your smile and the courage in your eyes.

Alexander, Hashem is certainly not punishing you. Our beloved people Israel and the cherished holy land of our forefathers are now in extreme peril with what's going on in Annapolis and around the world. What's happening down on this earth is only a manifestation of what's happening in the Heavens. Just as our enemies down here are trying to wrench our homes and our ancient inheritence from us, in shamayim the accusing dark-side angels are demanding severe judgments against us, claiming that we don't deserve this cherished land of Israel. They are the best lawyers with tons of factual dossiers, not only against the anti-emuna government but against all the intramural hate, contention, and discrimination among religious Jews themselves. Hashem wants to silence these forces of evil. So, He picks out a special neshama (soul) for a special mission: this neshama is required to ungergo the most excruciating test of emuna imaginable. By doing so, Hashem shows the accusers that His beloved children truly deserve to remain in all parts of our holy homeland.

Alexander - beloved brother - I believe that you are such a neshama. Not only is Hashem not punishing you, He has chosen you to stand in the forefront of the fiercest battle. By accepting your indescribable tribulations with emuna, you are the one that could be tipping the scales in our favor this very moment. You could be the one that is saving 275,000 Jews in Judea and Samaria from exile. Please hold on, Alexander. All eyes look toward you. Before I answered this letter, I cried out in the citrus groves for an hour just begging Hashem on your behalf. I believe with all my heart that you're going to be cured, just put all your trust in Hashem like I said in the very first CD we recorded, Trust in One. This is a rough test for sure, but if you think Rebbe Nachman has forgotten or forsaken you, you're wrong. The Rebbe is surely shaking the heavens in your behalf.

Only Hashem gives life, not the doctors. With whatever strength you have, call out to Hashem, Alexander. Maybe you have a spark of Yitzchak Avinu, and this is your personal Akeda. Alexander ben Sonia, your clinging to your emuna is the biggest show of valor that could possibly be. We're all in your corner. May Hashem send you a speedy, complete, and miraculous recovery. With blessings always, LB

Lots of Smiles at BreslovWorld

There's lots of smiles and plenty of nutrition for the soul over at our sister site BreslovWorld this week. Rav Shalom Arush discusses what's truly the world's most Precious Commodity. In his second article this week, Rav Shalom describes the dangers of owing money in The Money Minefield. Thank G-d for tzaddikim like Rav Shalom Arush that help us see this world in proper perspective.

Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum paints a beautiful portrait of Rebbe Nachman's Charm, and also delivers this week's Kabbalah lesson entitled Hashem's Goodness. This is your chance to learn the basics of Jewish esoteric thought from the best of sources, namely, the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato of blessed memory, which Rabbi Greenbaum so skillfully translated.

Rebecca Shapiro delights the kiddies (of all ages) with the 4th and final part of her illustrated version of The Turkey Prince, which we call Living in a Turkey World. Next week, G-d willing, BreslovWorld and Rebecca will have a special Chanukka present for our tender-aged readers.

Our Noahide correspondent Alice Jonsson has big news for our Noahide friends around the globe. This week she talks about Service of the Heart - the big surprise is that there's finally a prayerbook designed especially for the special needs of Noahides that has received outstanding rabbinical approbations. Read all about it.

Do you think you're a calm person? Do you really know yourself? Find out right here with this The Tranquility Self Test.

This week's Breslev Beams editorial talks about the importance of Eretz Yisroel in Breslever thought and practice, together with a video mini-lesson filmed up in the Carmel Mountains with yours truly, right here.

In addition, Rabbi Dovid Sears explains more Breslever customs here, with more about the Shacharit prayer. There plenty to read about this week's Torah portion "Vayeshev" here, including a Chassidic Pearl and a story from the Baal Shem Tov.

Between BreslovWorld and the Beams, we hope that a smile never leaves your face.

Lazer with Guy Tzvi Mintz, Sunday night at Bat Ayin

You're cordially invited to a very special evening of "Emuna and Simcha, A Preparation For Chanukah", at the main synangogue of Bat Ayin in Gush Etzion , Sunday night, 25 November / 15 Kislev 5768 at 8 PM, with Rav Lazer and one of Breslev Israel's most talented singers & composers Guy Tzvi Mintz , whom you all know from his beautiful arrangement and performance of the Tikkun HaKlali. Here in Israel, we call Guy Tzvi, "The Interior Decorator," because of the way he decorates our souls with his his beautiful music. The evening is also in honor of "Keren Erez," a new lending library of books and CDs donated by Emuna Outreach in memory of Rav Erez Levanon, of saintly and blessed memory. We hope to see you all there!

Guy Tzvi Mintz sings Psalm 41

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You can hear Lazer weekly, every Sunday live on Israel National Radio's Tamar Yonah Show, at 3:15 PM Israel time, which is 8:15 AM EST.

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Mark this coming Motzei Shabbat, December 1, 2007 / 21 Kislev, 5768 (Saturday night) on your calendar: Moshav Yad Binyamin, Yeshivat Torat HaChaim, and Emuna Outreach are pleased to announce a very special MelaveMalka (Saturday night "escorting the Shabbat Queen" festive gathering), which with Hashem's loving grace will take place in the main auditorium of Yeshivat Torat HaChaim in Moshav Yad Binyamin at 8 pm, featuring Breslev's sweet singer Yosef Karduner and yours truly. G-d willing, this will be a spiritually-uplifting evening, a good preparation for Chanuka, and a wonderful place to take your wife, so if you're in Israel, don't miss it!

Yad Binyamin is conveniently located halfway between Ashdod and Bet Shemesh , and less than an hour's drive from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Hope to see you there!

Yad Binyamin is conveniently located halfway between Ashdod and Bet Shemesh , and less than an hour's drive from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Hope to see you there!

Introducing 3 Exciting New CDs

Rav Shalom Arush and I are delighted to announce the release of three brand new CDs, each a vital addition to your emuna audio library.

Many people have said to Rav Shalom and I that such sticky questions like "Why was there a holocaust?" and "Why do good people suffer?" are obstacles in their way to faith. With all the questions floating around, here's the answer: Our new CD, The Answer to all the Questions .

I often hear solid criticism from our male listeners and readers, complaining that all of our "Peace in the Home" series CDs are directed at the men, putting all the responsibility of shalom bayit on their shoulders. You're right, guys; so, we produced and recorded A Woman Builds especially for the women, so they can see how they can build or destroy a marriage with their own two hands. This CD is required listening for any woman that's contemplating marriage or wants more out of their marriage.

Our third new CD, Hashem Loves Me , will make a dramatic change in your life. Also, if you have a loved one that suffers from depression or despair, this CD will be a lifesaver. Here's a sample for you to hear:

Rav Lazer Brody: Hashem Loves Me

Chanuka Specials

Our "This is Hashem" magnet (left) is now back by popular demand. Many people have written that seeing this magnet on their refrigerator door in the morning puts them in a good mood for the entire day. From now until the day after Chanukka, anyone that orders 3 CDs or more will receive this magnet automatically.

Also, from now until the day after Chanukka only, anyone who orders 10 CDs or more will receive an attractive CD carrying case that holds up to forty discs.

Emuna Outreach has been doing acrobatics to prevent raising prices, since the dollar has lost more than 10% of its value and Israeli postage rates have risen by 30%. Take advantage of the old prices now and pick up Emuna Books and CDs for Chanukka - you couldn't give a better gift.

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The Shabbat Table is more than kugel and gefilte fish...

Skip on over to our sister site BreslovWorld to see some quality articles about this week's Torah portion, including this week's Chassidic Pearls and a Baal Shem Tov story. With BreslovWorld and Breslev Israel, you always have plenty of enjoyable Torah to present and discuss at the Shabbat table. Your Shabbat table can be just as special as that of a great Rebbe, so take advantage of all the source material. Wait and see how your wife and children look at you with admiration when you talk Torah and tell stories at the table. Even more, Hashem will have untold gratification from you. Go for it!

Criticism in Marriage

Dear Rabbi Lazer,

Before the wedding, my wife and I were best friends. We both love golf and tennis, so we'd play a lot together. Something strange has happened in the three years since we've been married - we're not best friends any more. To be honest, we're not even friends. I can't make the slightest comment without her blowing up at me. Even on the golf course, when I see she's doing something wrong and I try to give her advice for her own good, she goes crazy. I need your help; three years ago, she was calm and attractive, and now she's a bundle of nerves that's impossible to live with. By the way, we're not Jewish and we really appreciate your availability to all people. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, LP, Pennsylvania

Dear LP,

Before the wedding, your "best friend" relationship with your wife was fun and games with no responsibility or commitment. Playtime friendships don't necessarily last under fire. Foxhole friendships - when the two of you are being bombarded from all sides - last a lifetime. Marriage is not a country club.

Obviously, your premarital infatuation kept you on your best behavior. After the wedding, once you had the bread in your basket, you allowed yourself to begin criticizing her. By your admission, in three short years she has transformed from "calm and attractive" to "a bundle of nerves that's impossible to live with". Sorry, LP, but it's all your fault. You're destroying your wife. Your job is to be a loving husband, and not a kangaroo court. Who asked for your criticism? She'd much rather be a mid 90's golfer with a loving husband rather than a low 80's golfer with the state comptroller as a partner. She needs a husband and a faithful companion, not a judge and jury.

Criticism destroys a person's confidence. When criticism is frequent, it also eats away at a spouses self-image. The lower a person's confidence and self-image, the more they become hypersensitive and nervous.

LP, from this moment on, you must decide to refrain from any and all criticism, justified or not. If your wife burns your dinner, eat it, smile, and tell her that it's the best thing you ever ate. And if, heaven forbid, you're entertaining fantasies of divorcing her, I guarantee you that your next relationship will be 10 times worse. I give you my solemn promise that if your stop the criticism, begin complimenting her and allowing her to drop her emotional guard, within 30 days your life and your marriage will take a dramatic turn for the better.

Happy marriage and criticism don't mix. Put that in your heart and brain and don't ever forget it. Write me again in another month, and let me know how things are. Today, buy her flowers and take her to her favorite restaurant; remember how you used to feel about her when you were dating. Now get your marital act together and you can look forward to happier times. These following CDs will make a revolutionary change for the better in your marriage and in your attitude toward your wife: Respecting Your Wife, First Place, Peace in the Home, Uprooting Anger, A Kind Word, and All in the Family. Blessings always, LB

Emuna News Special Report: Meet the BTR 80

Russian BTR 80 Armored Personnel Carrier (photo courtesy of Army-Technology.com)

The BTR-80 8x8 armoured personnel carrier, manufactured by the Arzamas machinery Construction Plant of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, is intended to carry personnel on the battlefield and provide close fire support. It can also carry out reconnaissance, combat support and patrol missions.

Not only is it fast (up to 80 kph on land and 9kph in water!),versatile, and amphibious, it's equipped to carry ten personnel: commander, driver/mechanic, gunner and seven troops. There are seven ball-swivel firing ports in the vehicle hull, four on the right and three on the left side of the vehicle, as well as ports in the upper hatches of the firing compartment for anti-aircraft heavy machine guns. The hatches have armoured doors and are situated on both sides of the vehicle.

The BTR-80 is fitted with NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, automatic firefighting system, camouflage devices, bilge pumps, night sight equipment, and a self-recovery winch.

The BTR is outfit with awesome firepower. See all the specs here.

Whenever we think that the lunacy and corruption of the anti-emuna appeasement and assimilationist Condi-controlled puppet regime here has reached new and unprecedented heights, we get a new surprise. Now here this: Against the advice of the IDF and the Shin Bet, Olmert has approved the transfer of Fifty (equivalent to 4 battalions, or a regiment) BTR's from Russia to the PA.

And the beat goes on...

The Maccabees had much more grief from their Hellenistic assimilationist fellow Jews than they did from the Greeks. Nothing is new. The Maccabees walked away winners - miraculously - against all odds. With emuna, so will we.

Update: The whole world is now publicizing the above news item, but the Uncle Tom Israeli press isn't saying a word, for obvious reasons. They don't want to upset the Annapolis apple cart. Also, the anti-emuna government wants a nation of bare-headed (in more than one sense of the word) pot-bellied sidewalk-cafe philosophers. They're in for a rude awakening, because Hashem won't let that happen...