True Joy

A teaching from Rabbi Shalom Brodt of Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo


There is a great distinction between real joy – simcha, and

'having a good time'. Reb Shlomo says that to have a good time, all you need

to do is buy a ticket to a good show, for example. The 'world' tells us that

we can only be happy by acquiring worldly possessions. This is basically a

lie – this is the underlying lie of consumerism. The reason that this is not

'real joy' is that it does not have any lasting quality, nor will everyone

have an equally good time at the same show, for example. That which is real

has a lasting and even infinite quality, and is true for all people. As

children we were equally happy playing games with pebbles as we were playing

with electronic toys. The 'world' says that that is only because children

are childish and lack sophistication. But that is only partially true.

Children are very much connected with Hashem and that is why children have

an easier time at being joyous. But as we grow older we swallow the lies of

the 'world' and we accept that joy depends on possessions. At the same time

we adopt the worldly concepts of who we are. Rather than seeing and defining

ourselves and one another as Divine souls, as complimentary parts of the

One, we short-change our 'selves' and one another by defining ourselves as

consumers and competitors. Consequently it is just about impossible to

fulfill the mitzvah of "Love your fellow as you love yourself." [See Tanya

Chapter 32.]

So what are we 'grown-ups' to do,

can we re-learn how to be joyous? Yes, we can! Hashem has even provided us

with the tools to do so – but ... we have to first of all want to! Sadly,

many of us have become so familiar with our sadness, we are even afraid to

know ourselves in prolonged states of joy. Some of may even feel

uncomfortable being around people who are uninhibitedly very joyous. A

friend of mine was dancing joyously during the Kabbalat Shabbat service, and

one of the Rabbis asked him to stop because it was making others feel

uncomfortable! Oy vey!

Reb Shlomo reveals an awesome secret shortcut to joy. But because it is so

close to Shabbos … [don't worry I'm not keeping it secret until next week]

we'll learn in greater depth G-d willing next week. What is the secret?

BLESSINGS – GIVE BLESSINGS TO YOUR FAMILY, YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR FRIENDS –

LEARN TO GIVE BLESSINGS – SPEND TIME GIVING BLESSINGS – GO INTO YOUR DEEPEST

PLACE INSIDE YOURSELF AND FROM THERE GIVE BLESSINGS – GIVE HEARTFELT GREAT

BLESSINGS AND DON'T BE STINGY – DO THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN AND VERY SOON YOU

WILL FIND YOURSELF IN A PLACE OT TRUE JOY!

GOOD SHABBOS!

Onwards and Upwards

1. This shabbat is shabbat Hazon, where each one of us is shown a vision of the 3rd Temple, the Beit Ha Migdash. What does it look like to you? How does the light radiate?  May each one of us see our individual and collective vision and manifest in in our life. Shine on!
   

You're awake when

you buy dog food instead of cat food. not me.
oops!
from a drizzly morning to sunshine.

Careful for what you Ask for

Ok UniVERSE!  Thank you VERY much for the choices. I'm a bright shiny light and I got lots of options with whom to play with. I wish I had the essay, its actually economical to date more than 1 person...Time is $. Thank you for everyone who is praying for me to meet my other half. I'll take it one at a time. Flirting IS fun, and its all energy. But seriously, a shidduch profile? sounds so sterile. blah blah height, where I'm from, where I'm holding....I prefer things to happen organically

A woman's gotta have her tools

I'm modeling my finds I found on the street in Tivoli. Prom dress and plastic chain saw.

perhaps I can be Susan Anderson's sequel to Hands On.

www.handsonmanual.com

Become a Mover & Shaker

YES! cause I am going places.
in order to be in motion we got to be still.

Geula consciousness

SO HOW DO WE SHIFT TO GEULA CONSCIOUSNESS? The most important aspect is shifting your perspective to seeing the world through this different lens, the lens of the Geula. In a simple comparison, have you ever traveled to another country and watched its local TV news.  All of the sudden what you probably realized is that the news seemed different, as it was from a different perspective, and that your local TV news at home was also from just another perspective.  But what if you could get above it all and see it from G-d’s true perspective – to see what was really going on. This is the perspective of Guela Consciousness, and while of course we can never fully understand Hashem’s  – The “usable” Hebrew name for G-d, as most names used are too holy to pronounce  - perspective, we are given a lot of glimpses of the Geula from our sages over time. For example, we know that the Geula includes bringing the Jews back to Israel, so by seeing things through this lens, we can now understand that the Argentinean Financial crisis, the shifting of South Africa, Anti-Semitism in France and elsewhere in Europe and financial troubles in the US have all caused a bursting of the mental bubble of living in the rich Western world and have caused significant aliya – or immigration into Israel of many talented individuals.

And on a more challenging level, we can see what is happening with Israel and the Middle East as direct from the “playbook” of some of the prophets about the end of days. But unlike the prophetic versions, we are actually in a version of the Geula called D’ita Acheshena – which effectively means it is a much toned down, much sweeter version of the Geula and that our actions – Mitzvahs, Torah learning,  and other actions to bring in Divine light are sweetening the Geula process every day.

In fact – and this is being elaborated in another article to come put shortly, called Why The World is So Crazy -  the more Divine light we bring in the world, the sweeter will be the Geula process, but  since the “side of evil” does not have the vessels to hold this Divine light, they will act crazier and crazier and apparently more dangerous.   Sound like what is going on in the current Middle East?  So here is the essence:  “The moreapparently dangerous and crazy things appear to be, the actually safer we are and the sweeter we are bringing the Geula. “ The emphasis is on apparent, since it is not a real threat.  In the current Gaza war, literally thousands of missiles have been sent with almost no hits.  As Jews, even one injury or G-d forbid death, is a major tragedy, and we are not minimizing any of the pain, but let’s not ignore the miraculous situation.  Elsewhere in the region, a conflict means tens of thousands slaughtered in barbaric ways. But not in Israel.  And the same miraculous situation happened in 1948, 1967, 1973 and during the Gulf War when not one of the scud missles hit anything. To ignore that Hashem is moving the missiles is foolishness that is even against logic.

So, by switching our view to one of Geula Consciousness,  that everything is happening for a reason, that apparent bad is good, that our positive actions – Torah, Mitzvah, kindness to others,  achdut (unity), ect.  – are all bringing more Divine light to the world, which in turn is sweetening the Geula,  is the mental space where we all need to be — and this is turn will absolutely sweeten not only the 3 Weeks but your entire life moving forward.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem
Chaim David Targan

Feeling Flirty!

Flirting is Fun and Free. Everything is energy.  Keep it light and play with the energy. Enjoy!

Light into the Darkness

Some words from Matt Gleicher of Jerusalem Massage

"A little light pushes away a lot of darkness" Now's the time to let our light shine!! Use it to look for and see the good in everyone. It might seem that we are in such dark times....but there are miracles every second and way more good than evil in this world. Don't let the darkness scare you or fool you into believing that this world is dominated by evil! רבונו של עולם Master of the Universe please give us the strength to stand our ground...shine our light and expose evil and darkness for what it really is...NOTHING!! We are in the middle of the greatest transformation and transmutation the world has ever been through. Get ready for the wildest ride in the universe(s), hold on tight, don't be afraid and don't let go!! EMUNA ( Faith)

Unlike

Feelin Abundant!

I had NO idea this morning when I sat on the rock and set my intention for the day that it would be SO much FUN!  Let the UniVerse surprise us! I got 'rescued' by Melanie in her van this morning by 930. Its been a day of summer bounty-blueberries and corn on the cob, napping in the hammock, reading, and scoring some great FREE stuff at the end of yard sales in Tivoli. We've packed the van with stuffed animals, glasswear, a sewing machine table, more stuffed toys-a plastic corn on the cob butter-super silly item what you call it. My scores include silver hoop earrings, a purse for every day of the week, stationery, a plastic chainsaw-going to do a photo shoot with a gown, bubbles, and a purple snap bracelet. I am LOVIN the kelly green shirt that was purchased and Ireland sweatshirt its thick and got pockets.  Its X-mas in July, cause its ONLY 129 shopping days left. who's counting

Edmond scored with a babystroller that he put a giraffe in

I shared some Laughter Yoga at an art gallery having an open mike. I wore my new straw hat that has a tissue paper sunflower on it. Great to get the crowd going.I placed a small  blue plastic VW bus that say gay bus and plastic lion on the sidewalk outside of the gallery next to a cigarette. my installation piece. 

YAAYY what an awesome day!

Ended the evening with ice cream. 

 

A view from my window

A view from my window | Chanan Elias | Ops & Blogs | The Times of Israel

May we have peace within

the deepest
may we have peace

a window where you can see Yerushalayim

Ttranscript of Reb Shlomo’s teachings, from 2 tape/CD album called “Nachmu

Nachmu”.

you can order it on the web

(singing) Yehi Shalom b’cheylech shalva b’armenotayich....

let there be peace in your chamber ... tranquility in your palaces

Shalom Shalom Shalom

peace in Yerushalayim peace in the holy city peace in the Holy Land

let there be peace

peace in every land peace on every street peace on every corner

let there be peace

just one more tear just one more prayer just one more song

let there be peace

just one more sunset just more night just one more dawn

let there be peace

Shalom...Shalom....

just for my children just for your children just for G-d’s children

let there be peace

Shalom ..... Shalom .... Shalom .... Shalom

give me harmony .... one Friday night

one holy special exalted Friday night ‘in heiligen Shabbos’

let there be peace......

by the holy Radoshitzer by the Rebbe Reb Ber after the ‘table’

he called his biggest chosid Reb Chaim Meirel

and he took him to the window

let there be peace

and he said to him

“look out of the window”

and both were standing there looking out of the window

and their tears were flowing

tears from Yerushalayim until Mashiach is coming

until they couldn’t bear it anymore........

let there be peace....

the heilige Radoshitzer went back to his room

and the chassidim said “Chaim Meirle what did the Rebbe show you?”

and this is what he said:

“ohr chadash al Tziyon tair v’nizkeh chulanu – let there be peace

the new light! the great light !

the light we are waiting for

the one, which will shine in the Holy City

this is what the Rebbe showed me tonight - let there be peace”

“but why were you crying so much?”

and this is what he said :

“not only did he show me the light

he also showed me all the tears

he also showed me all the pain

the holy people of Israel have to go through

until there will be peace

Shalom.....Shalom....Shalom

Shalom.....Shalom....Shalom

so my dearest most beautiful friends and all of Israel

I bless you.......let there be one window in your little house

I bless you with a window where you can see Yerushalayim

whenever your children are crying or when you meet someone

who is filled with pain take them to that window

and show them the great light “ohr chadash al Tziyon tair

and give them strength to hold out, not ever to give up

until there will be peace

Shalom.....Shalom....Shalom

Shalom.....Shalom....

Taier in the house!

It's been awesome to have Taier come stay in Hillsdale. Traumatized by bedbugs, she packed and came up here while studying for the bar-now that is an opportunity to do some Serious laughter! She's my midday lets share a beer buddy.   We all went to the Yiddish Book Center on Sunday. 

She's cooked well spiced meals. She could be found on the couch, or upstairs studying with coffee. She appreciated my Chubby Bunny campaign. Her warm and loving presence is missed. I'm looking forward to some serious partying once the Bar is over! 

In need of a Laughsitive

Seriously. to ensure reguhilarity. All the marshmallow consumption plus almond butter and hard stuff like tortilla chips, popcorn and almonds is not helping. Went to a great yoga class yesterday. Community class in Chatham. Opened me up and got a sweat.
Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood-breezy, blue sky, and the clouds are moving in. I went for a walk in the countryside today along a stream. I'm working through emotions with Sponga Therapy! Sponga is the Israeli way of washing the floor with a squeege stick and a cloth. I see it as collecting floor roaches-balls of hair and dust that get collected to go down the drain.  Its a lot of fun for me, and I play my favorite Israeli band, Tipex.

Marshmallow madness

The chubby bunny championships have begun!  grateful for good friends, sunshine and music, a nap on the grass pizza for dinner and ice cream from grass fed cows.

Whats cooking in the kitchen

Its Erev Shabbos
I shopped at  Aldi I  and came home with marshmallows. I found supersize ones at Big Lots. Found gluten free items like rice mac and cheese and wraps there.  Bought plums and a peach and bananas. Its marshmallow time for stress relief, and smoothie time-made a banana peanut butter one with maca powder its good for stress.
I bought a cabbage at a farm stand run by an Amish young woman. We had a conversation about modesty as I am dressed in long sleeves and leggings.
I made a salad with frozen peas, a red pepper that is from Canada and persian cucumbers.  I made a tahini dressing. its almost noon in CA. time for a nap here.

distractions

I gotta write. I have stories to share
and the world wants to hear
I am looking on Lands end thats my distraction at the moments. t-shirts
socks. I could use those.
sweeping the floor.
going to take a walk and appreciate the world out there.

I left my heart at Senior camp

Its a precious moment to share a laugh with ladies who have been friends for over 30 years. Two Harriets, Trudy, Ina, Judy. They all came up to Isabella Freedman for the first time to camp. I immediately connected to their positive spirits. I wish we laughed more. 

Senior camp is...magical-yoga in the morning, dance movement with Allie. there's either prunes being served in prune bread or juice...Ate really well a cookout Wed night and pizza yesterday. I've eaten my quota of meat and dairy for the month. Special souls...I will hold on to the memories of smiles and song. 

Stryofoam is not sustainable

How many cups does a person consume in 3 weeks? If you use 3 cups a day and thats for 21 days, 63 cups, and I say its many many more. I'd say 75 cups a person in the 3 weeks. Crazy. that's a tower of styrofoam. be the change.

Participating in the project

It feels good to hold a hammer in my hand. Just put in some nails to hang plastic sheeting to protect the rooms that don't have doors yet. there's going to be some sanding happening. it feels a little strange to see the flooring put down, I'm so used it not being there
jazz music is playing I'm working on keeping my eyes open on this sleepy Sunday. sometimes, its just time for a nap!

Shifts and transitions

its only normal to feel sad
its only normal to feel the intensity of change
I put my hand on my heart for support
give me support
hold me up
hold me up so I can shine a little brighter in this darkness
hold me up
let me see the clarity ahead
I sit in stillness to cultivate compassion and patience and connect
the inner ways of knowing

Markéta Irglová - I Have Loved You Wrong (Piano Version) (Live At Divan ...

Geltwoman discovers the discount produce

I like shopping at the Hawthorne Valley farm store. the thing is, when I look at the produce prices, I can buy like one lemon...or a tomato. I discovered the half price basket. Yay! pea shoots, parsley. A cabbage that needs a lot of love.
Took it home and cooked it up with oil, himalayan salt and tumeric. tasty.

Settling in

I like the place I am calling home. After 40 years of wandering I feel I can call this place home. Even if it is just a summer vacation.  I clutter the kitchen with dishes. Continually bowls, mason jars to wash. I like having guests, they wash and put away. The cast iron pan stays on the stovetop.I am almost anal about sweeping. hair on the floor! got to get rid.
burning sage
I've got piles of local magazines to check out.
There is another laptop on the kitchen table.
Julie came over on Sun and did some organizing and decluttering magic. the place has a flow now.
The sound of drilling and heavy metal has passed upstairs
I listen to the Israeli band Tipex over and over. Great for doing sponga (Israeli style washing the floor)
Matt is slowly moving in the last bit of his stuff. We are grateful for each other being here. He's a soul brother He was my housemate in the 'burbs during Passover at Isabella Freedman. 801 Harlemvile Rd is becoming a refuge for Isabella Freedmaniks.
Heading to bed. Lots to prepare before making upstairs

Summer refreshment

Twig tea. I boil the twigs, strain. Serve chilled and add ice. Mmmm
another chilled drink Tulsi pomegranate green tea, add goji berries.

Photo shoot at dusk

I got these great photos taken yesterday in The Crossings-it sounds like a place for a shopping center. I found Rich on Craigslist, he's a nurse who started a modeling page.  I like what he captured. My dear friend Chaya knows how to cut my hair so it gets the waves. I'm modeling a maxi skirt and draped sleeveless top from Marshalls, and green tye dye cardigan from Ross. 

I was dressed last week in leggings, a corduroy skirt, and long sleeve shirt. What I was wearing looked warm to the construction worker taking a break outside of the Dollar store. I just walked out of air conditioning, so wasn't feeling the heat just yet. He asked me, "aren't you hot?'

"no."

I dress this way to adorn my soul. 

What does it feel like to be a Jew in America?

What does it feel like to be a Jew in America?

Reb Zalman Married Counter Culture to Hasidic Judaism

Reb Zalman Married Counter Culture to Hasidic Judaism

שיר (אילה) - עלמא