Lazer Beams

"Drosh-Zemer" by Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak

Image, left: Lazer with Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak

The Beams, Emuna Outreach, and I congratulate our esteemed and cherished friend, one of the world's greatest outreach rabbis, Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak shlit'a, for his revolutionary new musical concept that's taking Israel by storm.

Rabbi Amnon told me earlier today that he is gravely concerned for the fate of our people with enemies tightening a noose around us, so he initiated a way to reach tens of thousands of secular Israelis fast. His new concept of "Drosh-Zemer", telling the stories of Torah by way of a popular musical motif, is taking off. The Israeli media has been giving him major exposure, both in newspapers and on radio.

With popular singer Erez Yechiel (of Tikkun Klali fame) singing the lyrics of Rabbi Amnon, their first song entitled "Moses, Faithful Shepherd" is literally off the charts. The Beams is proud to be the first English-language site to introduce Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak's "Drosh-Zemer", samples of which you can hear right here at Shofar.net.

We pray for Rabbi Amnon's success, for his success means expediting the full redemption of our people, soon, amen.

You Don't Need to Change

In this eye-opening video clip - one of the best I've seen yet of the Lubavitcher Rebbe - the Rebbe addresses those of our brothers and sisters that say they can't be observant because of their secular backgrounds. The Rebbe says, "You don't need to change, only to return to your true essence." This one sentence contains everything a person needs to know. The Rebbe also speaks about the significance of life's difficulties, which are all tests from Hashem. His holy words are just what we need to hear now. This is required viewing.

Composure Under Fire

Above image: Introducing IDF reservists to Rebbe Nachman's Likutei Moharan

After my lecture last night in Efrat, I met with a group of IDF reservists on patrol duty in the Gush Etzion area who requested to meet me. All of them were from secular backgrounds, but they were interested in hearing about Rebbe Nachman. On the spot, Emuna Outreach left a few copies of "Likutei Moharan" with their unit. I suggested that they put one copy in each of their patrol vehicles and keep a separate copy in the barracks, explaining to them about the books powers of "Shmira", that it's conducive in warding off evil.

Asaf, a reservist with a long pony tail from Tel Aviv then asked, "Neat, Rabbi, but what does Rebbe Nachman teach of a practical value that I can use right now on reserve duty?"

"Turn to Torah 10 in the 2nd section," I answered. "Rebbe Nachman teaches how to compose yourself. That's super important under fire, when you need to function at your best and be cool enough to shoot straight and accurate..."

Image below: Lazer demonstrates proper composure with a short-stock M16

Dovid Slays the Goliath of Depression

Usually, when I publish reader's letters to me, I change their names and identifying information in order to preseve their privacy. Dovid Smith, who wrote the letter below, said, "I feel like yelling on the rooftops - I want the whole world to know what Rav Arush's and Rav Brody's emuna CDs did for me!" So, instead of Dovid from Portland becoming Danny from the East Coast, he'll stay Dovid from Portland.

Dovid's letter is also a shining tribute to the wonderful Portland Orthodox community, many of whom are Beams readers. His experience shows how a kehilla can literally save lives. Hopefully, other communities will follow in Portland's footsteps, and open their hearts and homes in outreach.

Dovid himself is a kiddush Hashem, showing how with emuna, a person can beat the battle with depression, analysts and pills. Let's hear it straight from Dovid

Dear Rabbi Brody,

This is Dovid from Phoenix, I've written to you before. Well, so much has happened in my life I wanted to give you an update! I've moved to Portland, Oregon to begin school - and while school plans are being sorted out by Hashem so many other wonderful things are happening.  I work for a sister company of the one I did in Phoenix (where I asked you about my beard and how to handle their insistance I shave it off - and ended up fired, Baruch Hashem) -  my having a beard here is no problem at all! 

I live in the heart of the orthodox community here, I've found a shul I really feel like I can belong and participate in and I've just been given so much by Hashem.  I listen to your CDs every day at work in the morning - it's so nice to have that time with just you, me, Hashem and the bakery oven to spend together learning and growing in Emuna. Other people are listening to the CDs with me now, asking questions about emuna and how I'm so happy working what seems to be a "dead end job" - but it's not a dead end job at all, it's exactly where I should be until Hashem takes me to the next place.

I have met so many people here, I've been so blessed.  I felt so alone in Phoenix and left out of the community - but I didn't know how to be part of a community. Here I have a shul, I have friends, I have opportunities to do SO many mitzvahs - I had a great time just last week delivering shalach manos with another guy all over the area and I realised how special a community it is when I had so many to give for my friends - and so many friends to give to. 

Hashem has blessed me so much with parnossah (income - LB), I have exactly what I need all the time.  (Which reminds me to look through your catalog and see what Rav Arush-Brody CDs I need to add to my collection when I get paid tomorrow bli neder). I always used to worry about money - there was never enough, I was always behind on my bills - but now I think the repeated listenings have started to sink in and I don't worry anymore. 

I have been able to find so many beautiful places here to walk and practice hisbodedut, the scenery and peace is just incredible. In Phoenix it was always too hot, or I was too tired or whatever, but here everything is different because I'm different.

There were so many challenges it seemed - I was being evicted because I couldn't find a job in Phoenix, I was registered for school but had no money to pay, I came to Portland with nothing but my seforim (religious books), tefillin, a few kosher dishes and some clothing - and your CDs.   I found a job, I found a kosher living situation - I found my life. My schooling is falling into place, I have wonderful friends, I have everything I need because I kept listening and followed Rabbi Nachman's advice.  Even when I wasn't sure, even when I didn't know what I was doing I just put on a smile, said "Gamzu l'tova!" and kept going, and Baruch Hashem it's all going so well.

I have been free of antidepressants for about 5 or 6 months now, I eat better, I feel better, I LIVE better, all thanks to Hashem.  Everyone needs to know that they just have to keep going and keep davening for emuna - as it says "He opens his hand and provides for every living thing."   My thoughts of suicide have disappeared, my attitude is 180 from where it was in the past - even my... other challenges are past.  No drugs, no therapy, just emuna, encouragement from your CDs and Rav Sholom Aruch's teachings and holding on tight to the Torah and Hashem.

I look forward to adding to my collection soon and learning more about Breslov.

Dovid Smith

* * * * * *

Earlier today, "Candy Stein" came home from her analyst with a bottle of antidepressants in her handbag. She has been going through the ringer lately. She wrote me an email saying that she listened to "Hashem Loves Me" and "Why are You Sad", then went to Lake Michigan for an hour-long stroll to talk to Hashem, and she then through the bottle of pills in Lake Michigan. Someone must warn the fish!

Moral Commando

Dear Rabbi Brody,

I am non-jew aka a Ben Noach and do my best to live according to the sheva mitzvosBnei Noach. Regardless, I will say that it is my fervent hope to convert one day, though I am fully aware that there is no obligation to do so. After graduating college I joined the US Army and I am currently part of a special operations unit in Iraq. This brings me to my question about war. What is the proper mindset according to Torah that one should have during war? Being in a special operations unit we do some sensitive operations, as I sure you have an idea, and on one hand I don't want to lose my aggressive edge that I am known for when I kick down a door, but I don't want to become a calloused individual who loses that ability to feel compassion and warmth. I am sure that you are familiar with the rough exterior that often comes with special operations unit guys and I a don't know exactly how to balance it. Do you have any insight on the matter? With appreciation, B

Dear B,

Thanks for your letter. Feel free to stay in contact with me. G-d willing, we'll be happy to send you spiritual care packages of books and CDs to Iraq. The Torah teaches us not to rejoice in the fall of our enemies, even though we have to do our job to subdue them. The Torah also teaches us to avoid being kind to the cruel or you'll end up being cruel to the kind. Focus on Hashem, ask Him to protect you and give you strength, then implement your training to the best of your ability. Yes, kick downthe door wherever there's a suspected terrorist behind it; don't give candies to the little kids in the street because they might have bomb-belts strapped to them. Be decent, but be aware. Don't forget that the enemy is cruel and fierce, with no sentiments for human life. Blessings and in your corner always, LB

* * * * *

After writing the above answer, we heard the bitter news of the Baghdad bombing. Emuna Outreach and Lazer Beams wishto convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to all who mourn the fallen heroes that gave their lives to uproot terror and evil in the world.

Kiruv with Parents

Many people ask me what they can do to bring their parents closer to Judaism. Here's a bit of advice:

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.

Emuna Outreach Updates

Here are a few goodies from the Emuna Outreach mailbag:

Letter #1 - from an American soldier in Iraq:

Shalom Rabbi Brody,

My name is CPT Roman Kocherovsky, I serve in Baghdad with a Military Transition Team. We are an eleven man team and we help an Iraqi battalion learn to defend Iraq from terrorist groups... It was really great to receive your care package... Thank you very much! It was very generous! I haven't had a chance to go through all the material yet, because I am staying really busy here. But, I will do my best. And I will try to send you pix of the Menorah construction, and our small congregation. I will take over as lay leader next week. Our other leader is going on leave. I was a leader last deployment when I was up north. Have a great Shabbat, and thanks again!

Roman

Letter #2 - From Kfar Daniel, a settlement in Gush Etzion (Judea):

Dear Rabbi Brody,

Rivka and I wanted to write to you on behalf of the residents of Neve Daniel to thank you and your very special anonymous donor, for the extremely generous gift of over 200 CD's and books. As you know, we have set up a lending library with these CD's and books for the residents of Neve Daniel (and some of the surrounding areas too!)

Please pass on to the donor who made this possible our sincere blessings and grateful thanks for his generosity. CD's from you and Rav Arush in English and Hebrew, and a variety of Breslev books in Hebrew, English and Russian too are, as we write, filling the hearts and minds of readers and listeners with words of Torah and Emunah in Neve Daniel and in several of the smaller settlements in the area. We're sure that the donor who made all this possible will receive wonderful merit for his kindness and we would be pleased if you wished to publicise this letter, to encourage others who may wish to set up or donate to a similar lending libraries in their local area.

With many blessings, Reuven and Rivka Levy

Letter #3 - From Chana and Shimon, the parents of "Shmuli", a 19-year old American student in a remedial Yeshiva near Jerusalem

Dear Rabbi Brody,

Recently, Shmuli flew home to New York for his big sister's (our oldest daughter, 2 years older than Shmuli) wedding. We went to pick him up at Kennedy airport, and we were surprisingly shocked! Rather than his customary baseball cap, 50-cent T-shirt, and frayed jeans, he was wearing a white shirt, dark slacks - and get this - tzitzis!!! Also, he no longer smokes anything. We are beside ourselves with joy. He told us that ever since he discovered that he's the son of a King, he started acting like one. To make a long story short, he says that your visits to his yeshiva have changed his life. He also told us about the gifts of the books and CDs you've been sending him. Rabbi, you have saved a young man. Shmuli's rabbis are thrilled with his performance. We don't know how to thank you, but we're sure that Hashem does. May He bless you and your Emuna Outreach project with strength and success until 120. With deepest gratitude, Chana and Shimon

* * * * *

None of the above, which is only the tip of the iceberg, could be possible without your generous support. Emuna Outreach is now in the process of setting up another lending library in Bat Ayin, in loving memory of Erez Levanon, hy"d. I want to take this special opportunity to bless and thank our supporters, who have become full partners in bringing people closer to Hashem the world over. If you think it's no big deal that an American soldier is listening to an Emuna CD in Baghdad or that an Israeli soldier is reading The Garden of Emuna up on the Syrian border, wait and see the rewards that are in store for you, in this world and in the next.

If you'd like to make a donation to Emuna Outreach, there's a button on the toolbar to the right where you can do so. Thanks and G-d bless.

No age is too early for emuna...

Hamilton, Ontario Kiddie Sing-along

Where there are no lambs, there certainly won't be rams. That's why Emuna Outreach places such a big emphasis on kiddie outreach, as you'll see in the clip below:

Growing up fast, growing up strong

Friday afternoon, 5 PM: When much of Israel is taking a nap before Shabbat, 19 year-old David from B'nai Brak has his eyes and ears glued to the Jordan-Valley border crossing and surrounding area that he and his squad are responsible for. Thanks to Hashem and the young men of the Nachal Haredi, the rest of Israel can sleep soundly.

The ambulance with the red crescent and the Palestinian license plate looks suspicious. Two Nachal Haredi soldiers motion for the driver to pull over to side of the road and to get out of the vehicle. They order the driver to open the back door. Who knows what or who is inside and what or who will jump out. There's no such thing as routine and no such thing as relaxing a muscle. Last year, a Nachal Haredi sergeant was shot in the neck and killed on such duty by a Jihad Islami assassin. In the IDF, you grow up fast. If you add emuna, Torah, and prayer to your military training, you grow up fast and strong.

This past Shabbat, I met wonderful young men, strong in body and strong in soul. Before the army, many of them were still young and vacillating, unfocused on any goal whether yeshiva or profession. In the Nachal Haredi, they become full-fledged high caliber infantrymen while benefitting from the supervision of a dedicated staff of advisory rabbis that spend loads of time with them in every stage of their training and subsequent tours of duty.

In the 3rd year of service, a Nachal Haredi soldier gets his choice of studying for matriculation, learning a trade, or studying in a yeshiva. In addition, the Nachal Haredi has a special "Machal" unit that's comprised of young men from abroad. This past Shabbat, I met a dozen such young men. Many of them told me that they left their homes in Florida and New Jersey as babies - the Nachal Haredi changed all that.

If a young man isn't sure of what he wants in life, and he's not seriously learning Torah, then in my humble opinion, the Nachal Haredi is the best place in the world - a place to grow up fast and grow up strong.

 

What's in that trunk? One Nachal Haredi soldier examines the trunk of a Palestinian car while his sergeant (right)covers for him. No time to relax a muscle...