Tag Archives: fear
The Terrible Living God
Many people express gratitude to the Almighty for being saved from desperate and problematic situations. But surely they’d have preferred that the problem would have never have arisen in the first place! This, however, is not the proper attitude. The … Continue reading
Afraid of Church
Not a word is said in the “olive tree” passage (see Romans 11:11-24) or anywhere else in Scripture about splitting the promises into earthly ones for the Jews and heavenly ones for the Church. However, God has made two kinds … Continue reading
Vayechi: Being Strong Until the End
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the lawgiver from his descendants, until the Moshiach comes . . . -Genesis 49:10 Every soul possesses a spark of the soul of Moshiach —Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov After the passing … Continue reading
5 Days: Encounter
One who responds “Amen” after a blessing surpasses the one who recites the blessing. -Berachos 53b “Amen” is an expression of confirmation, whereby we attest that what the other person has said is indeed true. Thus, when someone recites a blessing … Continue reading
No Guarantees
Due to the widespread famine in Canaan, Jacob and his family descended to Egypt to live under Joseph’s care. Before the journey, G-d appeared to Jacob and said “Don’t fear going down to Egypt, for I will make you a … Continue reading
Above All Else, God Needs To Feel Compassion
Fear is the opposite of genuine faith. Fear comes from a place of faithlessness. When we have real confidence in God, fear is driven out. For the person of faith, fear is actually irrational. Thought for the Week “Fear Not” … Continue reading
God is in the Simple Places
If we were truly humble, we would not be forever searching higher paths on the mountain tops. We would look in the simple places, in the practical things that need to be done. True, these are places in a world … Continue reading
Spirit of Knowledge and the Fear of the Lord
In the previous chapter the Alter Rebbe explained that fear of G-d is a prerequisite to divine service. Every Jew is capable of attaining this level, by contemplating how “G-d stands over him” and “searches his reins and heart [to … Continue reading
Trust
For the conductor, on Jeduthun, a song by David. For God alone my soul waits silently, from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; my Stronghold, I shall not falter greatly. Until when will you … Continue reading
