A Soulful Journey

King Frederick the great once asked a Lutheran pastor to give him proof of God’s existence. The pastor replied, “ The Jews.”

News of the Balfour declaration reached Radun, the towns people came to the Chafetz Chaim with great delight. They were overjoyed that the British would give the Jews a homeland. But the Chafetz Chaim did not share the excitement. He said, “The British government is going to allow a few thousand Jews to immigrate to the land of Israel and establish a Jewish settlement on a small tract of land.   Is that enough?   Have you forgotten that the Almighty long ago gave is a promise, “And you shall spread out to the west, east, north and south?” (Genesis 28:14)

“As everyone treads on dust, so does every nation tread on Israel; but as dust lasts longer than metal, so Israel outlasts all nations.”   - Bereshit Rabbah 41:9

When Carlyle Marney became pastor of a large church with lots of "movers and shakers," he confessed to his friend Samuel Southard that he prayed this prayer about his weakness: "Lord, you have called me to manage hard-headed people.  Control my temper- even if I can't help but cuss at least once a week." A year later Southard asked Carlyle if the prayer worked. "Oh yes," he replied, "although I'm already ten years overdrawn on the weekly cussing." We all have accounts overdrawn on God's resources. - Southard, Theology and Therapy: The Wisdom of God in a Context of Friendship

The rabbis taught: “When you have a chance to perform a mitzvah do not tarry lest it sour.”   And they urged us to study Torah now when the opportunity is available.   Say not, “I will study Torah when I have free time.   Perhaps you will have no free time.”   I had a a very good and dear friend who was learned in Judaism but strayed from Jewish observance.   He often said to me, Rabbi, soon I hope to sell my business and retire.   Then you’ll see me in Temple all the time."    He said that to me for several years and now it’s too late: He died of a heart attack, unable to redeem his pledge.   – Rabbi Gilbert Rosenthal

I Have a Boy I’ve a wonderful boy, and I say to   him, “Son Be fair and be square in the race you must run. Be brave if you lose and meek if you win. Be better and nobler than I’ve ever been. Be honest and noble in all that you do, And honor the name I have given to you.” I have a boy and I want him to know We reap in life just about as we sow, And we get what we earn, be it little or great. Regardless of luck and regardless of fate. I will teach him and show him the best that I can, That it pays to be honest and upright, a man. I will make him a pal and partner of mine, And show him the things in this world that are fine. I will show him the things that are wicked and bad. For I figure this knowledge should come from hid dad. I will walk with him, talk with him, play with him too; And to all of my promises strive to be true. -Hugh M. Pierce