Quick to Judge

By: Yehuda Berg

Monday, November 3

How many times have we said, “I told you twice already!”

Why is it we have all the patience in the world for ourselves when we make mistakes [some of us], but not the same tolerance for others?

Today, give others a chance to change. Don’t be so quick to judge.

Once Upon a Time

By: Yehuda Berg

Sunday, November 2

Throughout our lives there will be many people who will help us. These very same people might, in time, not help us and even turn away from us.

It is in our nature to forget what someone has once done for us in the past when they are not doing for us today. But the Kabbalists say if one has done us a favor once, we must always remember it. This is a difficult task indeed.

Think of someone in your life with whom you are currently at odds, someone who helped you out in a major way, once upon a time. See if you can call up the appreciation and gratitude you once felt towards this person.

Inner Points

By: Yehuda Berg

Saturday, November 1

My father’s teacher, Rav Brandwein, always taught him not to judge a person by his external appearance, but to always search for that inner point within him. He would often say, “Do not look at a container, but at what is in it.”

We are always going to find something wrong with the people we live and work with – and especially those we love. Our job is to see past the false outer layers, and to penetrate into the heart of what is good about the person.

Who do you need to apply this lesson to today?

All in Good Time (Delayed Delivery)

By: Yehuda Berg

Friday, October 31

There have been so many moments in my life when I was frustrated with someone for not “getting it.” Despite the agony of watching a friend or student or loved one suffer, I’ve had to remind myself of the Kabbalistic principle: there is no coercion in spirituality.

We cannot force our opinions upon others even though we may think it is the correct way and it is for the other person’s benefit. We are not the policemen of the Creator. We can only share with an open heart and let the Light take care of the rest.

Is there someone that comes to mind when you read this? Who are you trying to coerce into believing, doing, saying what you think is the right thing?

The Kabbalists always helped people to change by example. Today, try being the person you want that person to be. Its not as easy as it looks, is it?