Mr. Bush is on his way from the White House to the Holy Land of Israel this week. We here at the Beams have a 2-minute highly educational message for him. I hope he sees it, for the future of his nation depends on it. See for yourself:
In this week's portion of the Zohar, "Kdoshim" (or "holy ones"; Hashem commands us to be holy, since He is holy, and He created us in His image), Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai teaches us that thoughts and ponderings of the mind are extremely powerful; one can build the world with positive thoughts, or destroy it - heaven forbid - with negative thoughts. Therefore, explains Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, lofty thoughts of a parent at the time of conception are directly conducive to acquiring a lofty soul for the child. Negative or impure thoughts later manifest themselves as insolence, dishonesty, impurity, and crudity in the child. By the same token, lofty thoughts give birth to lofty acts. Just as we avoid bringing impurity into our mouths and digestive systems, we should avoid bringing impurity into our minds.
The "Idra", located between Safed and Miron, where Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai taught the esoteric Torah to his nine disciples.
Don't forget to send me your "kvittlach" (wishlists) for Miron before midnight EDT Saturday night, May 7th. Don't miss the opportunity to have your prayers relayed to Miron, where prayers are readily answered. If you're wondering why I'm going to all the trouble, the answer's simple: As a rabbi and emotional therapist, my whole purpose in life is to help people live happier lives. Seeing your prayers answered will surely make you happier, and that's what Lazer Beams is all about.
Sunday in Hebrew is "yom rishon", or "the first day", since the days of the week in Hebrew are named according to the order of creation. Therefore, Monday is called "the second day", Tuesday "the third day", and so forth.
Sunday was the day that The Creator created light, the first of the creations. The Zohar (Jewish esoteric commentary on the Torah, based on the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai from 1900 years ago) explains that the first creation corresponds to the first commandment of the ten commandments, namely, "I am the Lord your G-d". As a result, the more a person develops spiritual cognizance and crowns Hashem as his/her G-d, then the more that person illuminates his/her own soul.
Unhappiness and negative emotions are directly proportionate to the level of darkness in one's soul. Conversely, the more a soul receives divine light, the more one feels happiness and inner peace. When we strengthen our faith, we illuminate our souls - it's that simple.
Have a wonderful week. Warmest regards to all my friends in Boulder, Colorado, and a special thanks to you, Leah.
A delightful story by Rabbi Lazer Brody and beautifully written and illustrated by Rebecca Shapiro, the Worry Worm teaches children the concept of emuna. This book is now offered at a subsidized price to enable more and more children to learn that there's a Master to this Universe.
This is the internationally best-selling life-coaching manual by Rabbi Shalom Arush and translated by Rabbi Lazer Brody that's taking the world by storm. You owe yourself the gratification that this book will give you. (Softcover, 251 pages)
280 pages. "This book turns you into the best person you can be." (Tamar Yonah, Israel National Radio - Arutz 7)
Here's the delightful family book of the weekly Torah portions, enhanced with Rav Lazer Brody's original parables. A must for every Shabbat table! Kalcom Publishing, 254 pages.
This is Rav Shalom Arush's amazing interpretation of Rebbe Nachman's "Tale of the Lost Princess," revealing Rebbe Nachman's allusions to the proper service of Hashem. This book is a high-level sequel to The Garden of Emuna, for those who seriously seek more spirituality in their lives. Translated by Rav Lazer Brody, 124 pages, softcover, a Chut Shel Chessed publication.
This is the CD that we've all been waiting for, the musical legacy of Rav Erez Levanon of blessed and saintly memory, who was murdered by terrorists in March, 2007. 
Complete new fourth edition of Rabbi Lazer Brody's comprehensive and unique guide to coping with insult and verbal abuse. "A wonderful and valuable tool for strengthening the spirit!" (Rabbi Moshe Halberstam of the Eda Haredis in Jerusalem). Hebrew, 234 pages, Kalcom Publishers, Israel
