Shemos & The Purpose of Our Suffering
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Shemos & The Purpose of Our Suffering

Last week we examined the parsha and how Yaakov Avinu is the archetype of emunah. In our discussion, a difficulty was raised regarding Yaakov. When Yaakov encounters Paro, Paro asks about his age. Yaakov tells him the years of his life were few and difficult. The simple reading of the text leads us to the…

Why Working on Emunah is Essential
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Why Working on Emunah is Essential

Emunah is the cornerstone of observance and survival within Yiddishkeit. We have mitzvos to guide our observance, but without real emunah, we lack the necessary relationship with HaShem to bring our mitzvos to life. We, in essence, according to the kabbalists, create an angel that can do good but lacks a voice. Our kevanah is…