Good morning ❤️
The ultimate blessing for our people is peace.
War caused death, pain, destruction, grief, anguish, despair, depression, heartache and any other terms expressing the worst feelings human beings can have.
The blessing of G-d is peace. The question to ask ourselves is ´What can I do for the sake of peace?’ The first step to creating peace, is in the way we talk to others.
The content of what we say and the tone of voice is which we say it will be the key factor.
When we become frustrated, upset or angry we might likely to insult someone or put him down. Our tone of voice an expression of our frustration and anger, creates negative energy.
The recipient of that distressful energy might easily create an emotional boomerang.
The blessing of G-d is peace. Realizing this, we will make peace a high priority.
We will be fully committed to speaking in ways that are constructive to peace.
When someone is nice to you, and goes out of his way to help you it’s easy to return the favor and be the same way. The challenge is when someone does something you don’t like, speaks to you in a derogative, sarcastic manner. The value of the good we do is increased when it’s difficult.
Three years ago, during Yom Kippur, Rabbi Farhi delivered a characteristically powerful speech, which deeply resonated with my daughter. He emphasized that in situations where someone has been unkind, hurtful, or disrespectful towards us, it's essential to apologize to that person. This act of being the bigger person, demonstrating love and respect despite mistreatment, would invite blessings from Hashem.
My daughter had endured bullying throughout middle school. Despite my attempts to divert her attention from it, one strategy involved journaling the hurtful remarks from the bullies. During dinner with her siblings, we collectively reassured her that the hurtful words held no truth. My daughter felt better but it didn’t work stop the bullies.
Inspired by the Rabbi's speech, my daughter made a bold decision. She reached out and apologized to each of the kids who had bullied her over the past years. Some responded with gratitude and acceptance, while others reciprocated with apologies. Since then, she hasn't faced any bullying. At the age of 15, it took tremendous courage and strength for her to reach out to each person who had bullied her. But she was determined to draw closer to Hashem by performing this mitzvah.
Miraculously, since that day, the bullying stopped entirely. It was an incredible testament to the power of Hashem's intervention in her life.
The blessing of Hashem is peace.
Allow yourself to experience joy every time you go out of your way or make a sacrifice for peace. The long term benefits of peace are so numerous that it is considered the blessing of Hashem.
We're feeling immense stress due to the ongoing conflicts, rising hatred, and antisemitism, but it's crucial to uphold peace. Our children represent the future, and it's vital to demonstrate that kindness and self-control can prevail, even amidst these challenging times.
Wish you a wonderful day 🧡