Meron Afterthoughts: The Hidden Tzadik

When you go to a shiva house, you learn all types of things about the deceased person – the biggest thing you learn is that you never really knew the individual or the greatness that was within him. That's why King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes that it's better to go to visit a shiva house than a nightclub. The difference is that in a nightclub, all you see is glitter, makeup and outer dimensions. In the house of a mourner, there's no glitter and outer dimensions, only inner dimensions. Today's podcast is a tribute to the 45 holy victims of the Meron tragedy last week on Lag B'Omer.

Click here for a free MP3 download of this podcast, courtesy of our wonderful donors.

The Roots of Moshiach

This is our fourth and final chapter of the Book of Ruth, but we begin with a synopsis of the first three chapters. The Book of Ruth gives an amazing insight into the magnificent and unexpected events that lead up to Moshiach and Geula.

The True Leader

The Lag B'Omer tragedy in Meron last Friday has among other things exposed who is a true leader and who is certainly not. Today's podcast shows how.

The Meron Tragedy, April 30, 2021 - Lag B’Omer, 5781

This 18-minute video podcast is all about the Meron Tragedy, one of Israel's worst civilian disasters ever, where 44 have been killed and many others still fighting for their lives.

The Citrulline Fertility Secret

Here is wonderful news for folks with fertility issues. Put aside the expensive pills and meds and try something natural from the Almighty's garden - watermelon, and watermelon rind. Yup, the rind is full of fantastic fertility-fortifying amino acids citrulline and arginine as shown by conclusive USDA research. In fact, the name citrulline is derived from the Latin word citrullus, which means watermelon.

Many fertility and fertility-functional problems both in men and women can be traced to a lack of the amino acids citrulline and arginine.

In the urea cycle, citrulline combines with another acid to create arginine. Luis Pons of the USDA writes that arginine not only boosts fertility, but boosts muscle growth, improves wound healing, combats fatigue, stimulates the immune system, cures impotence and fights cancer. Pillar Health Care goes even further and says that arginine can benefit women by increasing the cervical mucous, enhancing libido, promoting a healthy environment for implantation and may even extend fertility for women over 40. Sperm health is also affected by arginine; one study showed a 250%-plus increase in sperm amounts and motility in most study participants. It also enhances male reproductive-functional problems, so much so that scientists at Texas A&M University have termed watermelon as "nature's Viagra". 

Need I add more? Start eating watermelon - in Israel, the season begins now and lasts for about 4 months. Instead of eating cakes and pastries for Shabbos deserts, try chilled fresh watermelon.

Here's an Brody-Health Fertility enhancer "smoothie" that both men and women can try: don't forget to invite us to your son's brit or your daughter's Kiddush, which will be soon, G-d willing. Just drink this smoothie two to three hours before bedtime and don't forget to ask Hashem to make it work for you:

Rabbi Lazer's Fitness Fertility Smoothie

2 Cups (approx. 500cc) mineral or filtered water

2 Cups watermelon rind (make sure that there are no bugs on the surface)

5 large pitted Medjool dates (or 10 small pitted dates)

26 dried almonds

1 level teaspoon of cinnamon powder

2 tablespoons dried shelled sunflower seeds

Preparation: Mix until smooth in a high-speed blender (approx. 90-120 seconds). Drink at least one big cup of the mixture. Any leftover holds up fine in the fridge for 48 hours. Enjoy! And don't forget to send me the birth announcement...

Midnight Encounter, Book of Ruth, Ch. 3

If you think Torah isn't exciting, you haven't yet learned the Book of Ruth properly.
If you think Torah isn't romantic, you haven't yet learned the Book of Ruth properly.
If you think Torah isn't inspiring, you haven't yet learned the Book of Ruth properly.
If you think Torah sells women short and is chauvinistic, sorry, you don't know the Book of Ruth.
Here's your chance to learn and appreciate the beauty of the Book of Ruth. Today's lesson begin with a review of Chapters One and Two, then hits the height of the drama and suspense of Chapter Three.

The Pep-Talk Selfie

The secret of winning coaches and mentors is knowing how to motivate their players, to "fire them up".

Even if you don't have a coach or a mentor, you can fire yourself up with "positive self-talk." Essentially, this is a pep-talk selfie.

Use positive language to describe what you hope to accomplish today, tomorrow and in the future. Tell it to God and pray for it, too.

Unfortunately, people are constantly using statements that cause them to berate themselves, their efforts, or their abilities. What could be greater self-persecution? They need to learn how to turn these around into positive statements instead. That's where "positive self-talk."  You certainly know how to take a selfie with your cellphone camera, right? This is just as easy - give yourself a pep-talk selfie! Make 5 to 10 strong statements that reflect your aspirations and abilities. Share them too with the Creator, and tell Him that you're positive that He hears you and that He'll help you. Do this daily and you'll go a long way.

Don't ever forget though: true personal growth doesn't come easy. In fact, it hurts. But it sure feels great.

The Life of a Leaf

Think about what you'd rather be - a leaf, a branch or a root. This is a parable about our true source of vitality, one that I tell my grandchildren. I now share it with you on the occasion of my becoming a great-grandfather.

Friends and Lovers

What is love according to Judaism? Do a favor for yourself or for anyone you care about who is married or aspires to get married: listen, share and download your free copy of this 6-minute mp3, courtesy of Emuna Beams, because it's the key to a great marriage. Blessings for a lovely new week.

First Aid for Overcoming a Difficulty

First Aid for Overcoming a Difficulty:

1. Remember that Hashem is not limited - Hashem can do whatever He wants whenever He wants;
2. Light a candle in memory of the holy tzaddik Rebbe Oshaiya Ish Tiria;
3. Put a coin in a charity box or give charity;
4. Say Psalm 29;
5. Now ask for whatever salvation you need.

Please write or leave a comment telling us how this worked for you; meanwhile, see this: