EFFORT AND OPTIMISM

Dear Family,

I hope everyone is well, and we continue to wish a refuah shleimah for Renee (Rivkah bas Sarah Zlata)

Mazal Tov to Pesach and Chanie on their upcoming Anniversary. Wishing you both continued achievements in both the material and spiritual with much joy, and nachas from the children.

Mazal Tov to Mendel Davidoff whose birthday is on the same day. Have a wonderful successful year Mendel. Enjoy the kiddush on Shabbos BEH!

We wish long life to Naomi and the Fisher Family on the yohrtzeit of their mother this coming week. I am sure she is still missed by all. Wishing you only simchos in the future.

Two short lessons emerged this week from the Sedra Beshalach, and from Hayom Yom, which are connected.

In the Sedra we learn how angry Hashem was with our behaviour and lack of trust, and how He decreed that we would have to wander in the desert for the next 40 years on our way to Eretz Yisrael, and that all the males between 20 and 60, who were convening against Hashem, would die each year on Tisha BeAv in this 40 year period. (excluding Yehoshua and Kalev)

And yet, directly after this decree and juxtaposed, Hashem goes on to say to Mosheh 'Speak to Bnei Yisrael ... When you come to your homeland that I am giving you..'!

Straight away, amongst all the upset and challenges, there is new optimism and forgiveness!

Rashi says that 'He hereby gave the good news that they would enter the Land.'

The Hayom Yom for tomorrow (25th Sivan) from The Rebbe, brings a verse from Mishlei(12:25) - A worry in a man's heart yashchena.

Our Sages (Gemorra Yoma) offer 2 meanings for this Hebrew word yashchena.

• From the root yasichenah (yasiach data - forget or turn one's mind away from the worry) ie If a man has a worry in his heart he should turn his mind away from it. OR
• From the root yesichenah, (siach - to talk or discuss one's problem with others)

The Tzemach Tzedek comments that the 'others' mentioned, refers to those who are completely united with him, and who empathize with him.

Wishing all a Gut Shabbos and a Gut Chodesh with good efforts.