Thursday, July 26, 2007

W. 31. Productive Trees

Good people are compared to trees which produce fruits , leaves, fresh air to breathe , pleasant scenary etc. Tehillim 92
The Talmud asks why does use comparisons to two types of trees ?
Bava Basra 80b explains that there are many forms of growth & greatness.
A tree reminds us to grow - steadily , patiently , quietly , for long -term success in serving Hashem.
Don't be like grass. Short lived ,without deep roots , no shade , no fruit , fleeting ...
Develop into a cedar tree & a date palm. Learn from Avraham Avinu , Breishis 21:33 , to plant trees & cultivate them.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Tree Wonders - 30

Who was the great Sage who gave discourses about all of Hashems trees?

Shlomo hamelech the wisest of all , as we are taught in Melochim 1:5:13.

How many trees do you pass by every day ? And how often do you thank & praise Hashem for them ?
Every tree you pass is an opportunity for growth as we think about Hashem who created it & keeps it growing.
One example -
The Talmud ( Beitza 25b) teaches how certain plants whose roots grow straight down serve as a model of always avoid stealing & trespassing on the property of others.
We can say a similar idea - a tree stays in place no matter how much you will insult it or reprimand it. It keeps on doing what it does , to serve Hashem by doing its job , with steadfast , persistence , which we should learn.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

W. 29. White teeth & Heart

Why is a smile with white teeth so meaningful ?
White represents cleanliness , innocense & purity.
A bride wears white. Snow is white & milk is white.
It is a humble , simple color of security. It stands for peace & surrender.
The word Lovon , white , has Lev for heart in it because a true , genuine smile comes with heartfelt feelings.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Quiz Question

What are 7 entities which were created before the world & the world could not exist without them ?

See Nedarim 39 b

The Torah
Repentance
Gan Eden
Gehenom
Hashem s throne of Glory
The Holy Temple
Moshiachs name
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Monday, July 23, 2007

The knee connection - W.28

Why is the word for a knee "Berech" also the word for a blessing ?
The more one bends down with gratitude to Hashem for all of His benefits to us , the more He will bless us.
The three rootword letters , beis is double of one ,
Chaf is double of 10 , &
Reish is double of 100. This shows that when we bend over with humble gratitude to thank Hashem , He will double our increase of Blessings. Baruch Hashem.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Asking for Favors

We learn that Moshe Rabeinu asks Hashem for a free gift ( first Pshat in Rashi ). Why is that the best way ??
Where do we also ask Hashem for a favor 3 times daily ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Water is Us - Wonders 27.

What is the meaning of the Talmudic Statement
Water refers to the Torah ! ?


Our brain is 80% water
Muscles - 75 %
Fats & bones - 50 % water
Water is so important , second to oxygen.
The most precious treasure which is avilable to us in many forms is Torah Study / water. Each part of our body cannot function without an ongoing supply of Torah /water. We would chas veshalom dehydrate spiritually & physically.
Our bodies run on water & our souls run on Torah. Water regulates all of our bodies functions , just as Torah study guides us for every step we take.
You may have heard the general recommendation of drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily. But did you also hear of the paralell to learn a Daf or two a day ?
Don't wait. Grab some water & some Torah & come alive.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com