Podcasts about reuven

Are you stuck in the grind, pushing, striving, and hustling—yet still feeling out of alignment? In this episode of Masks Off for People Pleasers and Perfectionists, I sit down with Reuven Shelef to unpack the deeper layers of perfectionism, burnout, and what it really takes to build a life (and business) that feels aligned instead of overwhelming.Reuven gets real about his journey—from a high-stress childhood and military service to navigating business ownership and personal development. Together, we explore what so many perfectionists struggle with: the pressure to perform, the fear of disappointing others, and the belief that you must constantly “do more” to be worthy.If you're craving more balance, more peace, and more truth in how you live and work, this conversation will hit home.The hidden survival strategies behind perfectionismHow hustle culture disconnects us from purposeWhy alignment matters more than constant productivityThe difference between passion and responsibilityHow to break overwhelming goals into simple, actionable stepsWhat commitments really mean—and how to keep themThe power of undelivered communicationHow to navigate work, well-being, and expectations more gracefullyThis episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to grind your way to fulfillment. You can choose alignment, truth, and integrity with yourself instead.✨ Subscribe for more conversations on authenticity, healing, and inner liberation

In this shiur, delivered in Tomer Devorah, Rav Burg explains how the story of Reuven moving Yaakov's bed reveals a profound truth about the pain we carry inside of ourselves and how we live out the pain in our every day lives.

In this week's Parsha Review Podcast on Parshas Vayeitzei, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe zooms in on one powerful verse from Yaakov's dream at Bethel: “Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth… and you shall burst forth westward, eastward, northward, and southward.” At first glance it sounds like a promise of vast numbers and conquest, but the sages reveal the exact opposite: the key to Jewish success and blessing is being “like the dust of the earth” — radical humility.Rabbi Wolbe contrasts Jewish greatness with the arrogance of the nations: when Hashem elevated Avraham, Moshe, and David, each responded, “I am dust, I am nothing, I am a worm.” When power was given to Nimrod, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Hiram of Tyre, they immediately declared themselves gods. The Talmud teaches that Hashem loves the Jewish people precisely because we are “the fewest of all nations” and, even when blessed with greatness, we shrink ourselves in awe and gratitude.Leah's naming of her first four sons (Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehudah) all reflect the same theme: every blessing is met with deeper humility and thanks to Hashem rather than self-congratulation. Even Yaakov, after 24 uninterrupted years of Torah study and receiving the promise of the Land, wakes up exclaiming, “How awesome is this place!” — not “Look what I earned.”The message is clear and counter-cultural: the moment we take personal credit for our accomplishments, the blessings stop growing. Only when we genuinely feel “I am nothing without Hashem; everything is an undeserved gift” do the gates of heaven open wider and the promise of “u'faratzta” (you shall burst forth in all directions) become reality. True Jewish greatness is achieved by choosing to remain small._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 28, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Humility, #Leadership, #Abraham, #Moses, #Aaron, #David, #Ramban, #Gratitude, #Success, #Humble, #Wealth, #Intelligence, #Blessings, #Solomon, #PersonalGrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's Parsha Review Podcast on Parshas Vayeitzei, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe zooms in on one powerful verse from Yaakov's dream at Bethel: “Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth… and you shall burst forth westward, eastward, northward, and southward.” At first glance it sounds like a promise of vast numbers and conquest, but the sages reveal the exact opposite: the key to Jewish success and blessing is being “like the dust of the earth” — radical humility.Rabbi Wolbe contrasts Jewish greatness with the arrogance of the nations: when Hashem elevated Avraham, Moshe, and David, each responded, “I am dust, I am nothing, I am a worm.” When power was given to Nimrod, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Hiram of Tyre, they immediately declared themselves gods. The Talmud teaches that Hashem loves the Jewish people precisely because we are “the fewest of all nations” and, even when blessed with greatness, we shrink ourselves in awe and gratitude.Leah's naming of her first four sons (Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehudah) all reflect the same theme: every blessing is met with deeper humility and thanks to Hashem rather than self-congratulation. Even Yaakov, after 24 uninterrupted years of Torah study and receiving the promise of the Land, wakes up exclaiming, “How awesome is this place!” — not “Look what I earned.”The message is clear and counter-cultural: the moment we take personal credit for our accomplishments, the blessings stop growing. Only when we genuinely feel “I am nothing without Hashem; everything is an undeserved gift” do the gates of heaven open wider and the promise of “u'faratzta” (you shall burst forth in all directions) become reality. True Jewish greatness is achieved by choosing to remain small._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 28, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Humility, #Leadership, #Abraham, #Moses, #Aaron, #David, #Ramban, #Gratitude, #Success, #Humble, #Wealth, #Intelligence, #Blessings, #Solomon, #PersonalGrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu

Yahrtzeit Yomi #1709!!ג כסלוRav Yaakov Moshe Kulefskyרב יעקב משה בן רפאל ניסן שלמה קולפסקיראש ישיבת נר ישראל(1925 - 2000)---------------------------------------------------Kislev Yahrtzeits!!1. The Rebbe Recovers2. Rav Akiva Sofer, Rav Aharon Kotler, Rav Nosson Meir Wachtfogel3. Rav Yaakov Moshe Kulefsky4. Nevuas Zechariah5. Maharsha, Rav Boruch Ber6. Rav Michoel Ber Weissmandel7. Megillas Taanis8. Rav Eliezer Geldzahler9. Mitteler Rebbe10. Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer11. “Kislev Providence”12. Maharshal, Bas Ayin13. Ravina, Tchortkover14. Reuven ben Yaakov Avinu15. Rabi Yehudah HaNasi, Rav Dovid Leibowitz16. 2nd Modzhitzer Rebbe17. Alter of Novardok, Rav Shlomo Heiman18. Bostoner Rebbe19. Mezritcher Maggid20. Rav Yitzchak Hutner, Rav Avrohom Chaim Levine21. Yom Har Gerizim, Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank22. Rav Shalom Mordechai Schwadron23. Galya Masechta24. Chaggai perek 2, Sdei Chemed, Rav AL Shteinman25. Aruch LaNer26. Ra'avad III27. Pri Chadash28. Rav Simcha Zelig Riger/Rav Elya Meir Bloch29. Cheshek Shlomo---------------------------------------------------Share the Yahrtzeit Yomi link with your contacts!!https://chat.whatsapp.com/JimbwNtBaX31vmRDdnO3yk---------------------------------------------------To dedicate or sponsor, please contact 917-841-5059, or email yahrtzeityomidaily@gmail.com. Sponsorships can be paid by Zelle to the same number. First come, first served.Monthly sponsorships are $540.Weekly sponsorships are $180.Daily sponsorships are as follows:Dedications (l'Zecher Nishmas, Zechus shidduch/refuah/yeshuah, etc.) are $50.Sponsorships (fliers, advertising, promotions, additional links, etc.) are $100.The cost to request and sponsor a specific Tzaddik (unlisted on the Yahrtzeit Yomi schedule) is $180.MAY THE ZECHUS OF ALL THE TZADDIKIM PROTECT US FROM ALL TZAROS, AND MAY HASHEM GRANT US, AND ALL OF KLAL YISROEL, YESHUOS, NECHAMOS AND BESUROS TOVOS!!!

Yahrtzeit Yomi #1707!!א כסלוThe Rebbe Recovers(1977)----------------------------------------AH GUTTEN CHOIDESH TO ALL!!My friends, the month of Kislev is upon us, and that means a new month of opportunities to learn from the lives of our greatest tzaddikim and leaders!!MAY THE ZECHUS OF ALL THE TZADDIKIM PROTECT US, AND MAY HASHEM GRANT US, AND ALL OF KLAL YISROEL, A MONTH OF YESHUOS, NECHAMOS AND BESUROS TOVOS!!!The Yahrtzeits to be featured in the month of Kislev will be posted below.Sponsorships are available - l'zecher nishmas, as a zechus Refuah, for shidduchim, parnassa or zaarah shel kayama!!To dedicate or sponsor, please contact 917-841-5059, or email yahrtzeityomidaily@gmail.com. Sponsorships can be paid by Zelle to the same number. First come, first served.Monthly sponsorship is $540.Daily sponsorship is $100.The cost to request and sponsor a Tzaddik that is not included on the following list is $180.זייט מצליח!!א גוט חודש!!-----------------------------------------Rosh Chodesh Kislev NiggunRosh Chodesh Kislev marks the return of the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZTL to public life after suffering a major heart attack just 38 days earlier. During the celebrations of the evening of Simchas Torah in the year 1977 (5738), while dancing with the Torah in the main synagogue, the Rebbe's face suddenly turned pale. As he sat back in his chair, the chassidim knew that something was very wrong, and the synagogue was quickly cleared. Still, the Rebbe stoically completed the last dance together with his brother-in-law Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary.Dr. Ira Weiss, who flew in from Chicago to treat the Rebbe, testified that “on a scale of one to ten, he had the full-ten-scale-heart attack……it involved such extensive cardiovascular damage that in anyone's normal medical experience, one would worry about the possibility of survival.”And then, on the First of Kislev, for the first time in five weeks, the Rebbe left his office in 770 Eastern Parkway and returned to his home, signaling his complete and miraculous recovery. Chassidim all over rejoiced at the good news.Rosh Chodesh Kislev marked the beginning of sixteen additional years of life and leadership for the Rebbe. During this period he revealed ever deeper Torah secrets, and inspired many thousands of people to transform themselves and the world for good.From that day forward, the Rebbe redoubled his efforts on behalf of the Jewish nation, and for the dissemination of Torah and chassidus. The first of Kislev has since been celebrated by Lubavitcher chassidim as a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing.The following Niggun, composed by Reb Feitel Levin at the time of the Rebbe's return, which would become known as the “Alef Kislev Niggun”, captures the great joy experienced by the Chassidim due to the Rebbe's miraculous recovery.---------------------------------------------------Kislev Yahrtzeits!!1. The Rebbe Recovers2. Rav Akiva Sofer, Rav Aharon Kotler, Rav Nosson Meir Wachtfogel3. Rav Yaakov Moshe Kulefsky4. Nevuas Zechariah5. Maharsha, Rav Boruch Ber6. Rav Michoel Ber Weissmandel7. Megillas Taanis8. Rav Eliezer Geldzahler9. Mitteler Rebbe10. Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer11. “Kislev Providence”12. Maharshal, Bas Ayin13. Ravina, Tchortkover14. Reuven ben Yaakov Avinu15. Rabi Yehudah HaNasi, Rav Dovid Leibowitz16. 2nd Modzhitzer Rebbe17. Alter of Novardok, Rav Shlomo Heiman18. Bostoner Rebbe19. Mezritcher Maggid20. Rav Yitzchak Hutner, Rav Avrohom Chaim Levine21. Yom Har Gerizim, Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank22. Rav Shalom Mordechai Schwadron23. Galya Masechta24. Chaggai perek 2, Sdei Chemed, Rav AL Shteinman25. Aruch LaNer26. Ra'avad III27. Pri Chadash28. Rav Simcha Zelig Riger/Rav Elya Meir Bloch29. Cheshek Shlomo---------------------------------------------------Share the Yahrtzeit Yomi link with your contacts!!https://chat.whatsapp.com/JimbwNtBaX31vmRDdnO3yk---------------------------------------------------

Shiur given by Rabbi Reuven Eidlitz, Menahel, Yeshiva Eitz Chaim, as a guest speaker at night Seder on Thursday night. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

#405> To purchase "Transform Your Emunah": https://transformyouremunah.com/books/> Link to join the free daily 4-min audio inspiration: https://transformyouremunah.com> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp status: https://wa.me/message/TI343XQHHMHPN1>  To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all of the challenges that show up at work and at home? And then you feel stuck. This episode of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast will give you a way to get clear and unstuck, and listening plays a key role.  Reuven Shelef is the Founder and CEO of OUT OF THE BOX Consulting and creator of the Untangling Complex Challenges® methodology. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, technology, business transformation, and human dynamics, he helps Fortune 500 companies, startups, and executives solve complex problems by combining sharp logic with deep understanding of human behavior. His method was developed from his own life experiences, blending business, engineering, management consulting, and personal growth. As a Certified Salesforce Consulting Partner with 30+ years of Management Consulting experience, Reuven's precise approach and authentic leadership have made him a trusted advisor who drives meaningful change. In this episode, Reuven clarifies what a complex challenge is and how to map out what seems overwhelming to a clear picture that can lead to clearly defining next steps. He shares his  journey from engineering to personal development, highlighting the importance of listening to oneself and others. He explains how focusing on root causes instead of symptoms leads to better solutions and explores how relationships fuel personal and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights on empathy, self-awareness, and navigating life's complexities.   On listening: “Part of my listening is to listen to their listening. Are they actually listening? And what are they listening to?” - Reuven Shelef   SUPERPOWER Notes: 01:03 - The Power of Listening: Reuven recalls learning to listen consciously during his Air Force tests. 05:35 - Complex vs. Simple Challenges: He explains complex challenges involve feeling stuck without clear solutions. 10:30 - Listening to Their Listening: Reuven highlights reading others' non-verbal cues to improve communication. 12:57 - Personal Growth Journey: He shares transitioning from a technical mindset to exploring identity and purpose. 19:07 - Applying Business Tools Personally: Reuven used professional methods like mapping to navigate personal crises. 20:32 - Untangling Complex Challenges: He outlines his approach to identifying root causes over symptoms. 25:10 - Cross-Pollinating Problem-Solving: Reuven combines engineering logic with emotional perspectives. 29:21- Unique Consulting Role: He blends technical and personal insights for a distinct coaching style. 34:40 - Discovering Self and Connection: Understanding oneself is key to meaningful relationships. 36:06  - Relationships and Growth: Reuven notes interpersonal dynamics drive many personal growth challenges. 40:08 - Free Short Calls: Listeners can book free calls with Reuven to discuss and untangle challenges.   Key Takeaways: on the power of listening: “Listening to silence... it's fascinating to be alone and listen to silence.” - Reuven Shelef  on listening and self-awareness: “Sometimes I'll stop and I say, 'I'm sorry, I wasn't listening.' It took me some time and training to get over the “looking bad” issue.” - Reuven Shelef  on relationships: “There is very little that can be accomplished alone. There are times to be alone. That's also part of being comfortable in your own skin.” - Reuven Shelef   Connect with Reuven Shelef: Website: www.reuvenshelef.com  Book a call: MeetReuven.com Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuvenshelef/     Connect with Raquel Ark: www.listeningalchemy.com  Mobile: + 491732340722  contact@listeningalchemy.com LinkedIn Substack listening ALCHEMY newsletter Podcast email: listeningsuperpower@gmail.com  

In this chapterYaakov and family return to Beit El to fulfil Yaakov's vowYaakov's name-change is ratified by GodRachel goes into labor and dies in childbirth. Benjamin is born. The 12th son.Reuven's sin.In our podcast today, we weave these episodes into a single story.

What's up everyone and welcome to The Corporate Bartender!Are you facing a complex challenge right now? I mean, let's face it - we ALL deal with some kind of complex challenge from time to time. Today, we're going to tackle that from an engineering perspective, but with a coach's heart.We've got Reuven Shelef on the program today. Don't know Reuven? We've got you covered!He is the founder and CEO of Out of the Box Consulting, and is gaining notoriety for his Untangling Complex Challenges methodology. He leverages a diverse background in agriculture, military intelligence, and corporate leadership. Reuven empowers individuals and teams to break free from long-standing roadblocks, gain new perspectives, and move forward with purpose.This was a fantastic conversation, we laughed a lot, and I just know you're gonna dig it!If you want to skip straight to the interview, 7:16 is your spot!TCB Layout:0:00 - Show Open & Intro1:00 - Titles1:28 - Kickoff 4:17 - Reuven Shelef Interview1:05:55 - Wrap & CloseWebsite: https://reuvenshelef.com/Website: https://meetreuven.com/Join our community!https://the-corporate-bartender.mn.co/Theme Music by Hooksounds.comGood Feels Stories Copyright Paramount/CBS

The Rambam writes that although teshuvah and tefillah are powerful all year long, during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah they are even more potent and accepted immediately. As the pasuk says: דִּרְשׁוּ ה׳ בְּהִמָּצְאוֹ, קְרָאֻהוּ בִּהְיוֹתוֹ קָרוֹב — seek out Hashem when He is closest, which is right now, in these days leading up to Yom Kippur. The mitzvah of this time is repentance: feeling regret for the sins we have done and sincerely accepting upon ourselves to improve going forward. Hashem desires our teshuvah even more than we do. He is called haRotzeh b'teshuvah — the One Who longs for repentance. There are many people we know whom we wish would be more observant. We try to encourage them, but they aren't interested. Yet tefillah can help bring them back to Torah and mitzvot. When we pray for others to make teshuvah , they receive more heavenly assistance to return. And if at this time of year our prayers are more readily accepted than any other time, we must seize the chance not only to pray for ourselves but also to pray for others to come closer to Hashem. Hashem has countless ways to awaken someone. In one simple act of hashgachah peratit , a person's life can change forever. A man named Reuven related the following story. Every summer, he and his family go up to the mountains for two months. They rent a truck to bring up their belongings, then drop it off at a return location and take a taxi back to their bungalow. One year, the return point was in a far-off place, completely devoid of Jews. Reuven arranged with a friend who was also returning his truck that day to share the same taxi. He returned his truck and waited. But his friend called to say he was delayed. As Reuven stood there waiting, a car pulled up. The driver asked if he knew of any shuls nearby. Reuven answered, "There are no Jews in this area. What brings you here?" The man explained that he had driven over four hours from his hometown to see the house his grandmother had lived in 85 years ago. Recently, he had been introduced to Torah and mitzvot and had begun putting on tefillin every day. But he hadn't yet put them on that day and was hoping to find a shul. Reuven immediately realized: This is hashgachah peratit. He told the man, "I should have been gone twenty minutes ago, but due to an unexpected delay I'm still here. Hashem wanted us to meet." He directed the man toward his bungalow colony, where thousands of Jews lived. Just then, Reuven's friend arrived in the taxi. Reuven excitedly told him what had happened. The friend replied, "I was so annoyed by the delay — but now I understand why it happened." He explained that when he went to return his truck, the clerk overcharged him. He argued for a long time until the clerk admitted it was a mistake. That delay was exactly what allowed Reuven to meet the searching Jew. Even a clerk's mistake is from Hashem. When they returned to the bungalow, they saw the man again and brought him to their rabbi. A relationship was formed, and over time this man became fully observant, now living a life of Torah and mitzvot. Hashem can give people extra help to return to Him. Especially now, we must pray for it. The Arizal said that one who has a child or relative off the derech should add at the end of the berachah Hashivenu Avinu l'Toratecha , before concluding, the following yehi ratzon : יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה׳ אֱלֹקֵינוּ וֵאלֹקֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ שֶׁתַּחְתֹּר חֲתִירָה מִתַּחַת כִּסֵּא כְבוֹדֶךָ לְהַחֲזִיר בִּתְשׁוּבָה שְׁלֵמָה לְפָנֶיךָ כָּל פּוֹשְׁעֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וּבִכְלָלָם תַּחֲזִיר אֶת בְּנִי ______ בֶּן ______ בִּתְשׁוּבָה לְפָנֶיךָ, כִּי יְמִינְךָ פְּשׁוּטָה לְקַבֵּל שָׁבִים . Then conclude: " בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ הָרוֹצֶה בִּתְשׁוּבָה ." May Hashem help us return to Him fully, and may He help all those who are distant to come back as well.

Full TorahAnytime Lecture Video or Audio More classes from R' Reuven Epstein ⭐ 670

Every good deed and every effort we make is recognized and cherished by Hashem. Sometimes He even shows us this so clearly that we cannot miss it. A story began over a year ago with two single girls who undertook to learn a sefer on emunah every night together as a zechut to get engaged. They finished the book, but nothing seemed to change. Instead of giving up, they began the next volume. This time, on the fortieth day of their reading, one of the girls started dating the boy who would eventually become her husband. On the very day they became engaged, the title of the lesson they were up to in the emunah book was "Yirmiyahu's Blessing." Amazingly, her c hatan's name was Yirmiyahu. They continued their nightly emunah learning even after the first girl was married. Recently, a year later, the second girl also got engaged. Incredibly, the night before her engagement, the lesson they learned mentioned a shul by name — "Yeshu'at Yaakov." The very next day she got engaged to a boy whose name was Yaakov Yeshu'a. Hashem made it so obvious to them that He valued their nightly learning. The salvation did not come immediately, but they persisted. Of course, the greatest gift they received was not only the engagement itself, but the emunah they gained through their dedication. Another story was told to me by a man named David. Last year, when it appeared that his father, Raymond, had only a few days to live, David wanted to bring him some joy. Since Raymond loved music, David arranged for a friend to bring an instrument to play for him. They could not find a singer, so the friend suggested playing recordings of Chazzan Moshe Dwek, whose voice matched beautifully with his instrument. Raymond enjoyed the music immensely. Sadly, he passed away a few days later. Afterward, someone pointed out an astonishing detail: years earlier, when Moshe Dwek himself was ill in the hospital, Raymond had been at his side, lifting his spirits and giving him c hizuk . Now, even after Moshe Dwek had passed away, Hashem arranged that his recordings would soothe Raymond in his final days — a beautiful circle of kindness repaid. There was also a man, Yehuda, who shared a remarkable story about someone in his community, whom we'll call Reuven. Reuven was in need of a yeshu'ah and was advised by a rabbi to make sure he always invited guests for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. From that point on, he worked hard to ensure he always had guests. That year, just two days before Pesah, Yehuda received a call asking if he knew of anyone who could host new neighbors for the Seder. These neighbors were not religious and lived close by — if the host lived far, they might end up driving, which would be a tragedy on Yom Tov. Yehuda immediately thought of Reuven and called him. Reuven was thrilled — for the first time since he had started hosting, he had not been able to find guests. This was his chance. Even more remarkable, when Yehuda asked where he lived in relation to the new neighbors, Reuven answered that he was just two houses away. Hashem had arranged the perfect match: Reuven's desire to fulfill the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim was met by the need of the new neighbors. Every act, every mitzvah, every ounce of effort we put forth is treasured by Hashem. Sometimes He shows us directly just how much He values it — reminding us that nothing we do for Him ever goes unnoticed.