Be grateful

הוֹדוּ לַיי כִּי טוֹב

כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדוֹ

Psalm 118:1

Be grateful for every day. Our behaviour can either cause sadness or joy to others. Let us be a source of joy. Often others imitate what they see, especially if the see it too often. Let them see in us that we are a grateful people. 
Be thankful for every minute we share, for life, friends, teachers, the professionals of the health care systems and everyone involved in keeping our habitat healthy. For the teachers, government leaders committed to the actual and essential needs of the community. Be thankful for the religious leaders searching for ways to walk with those who are suffering. Do not just be thankful, let them know with a call, a card, a text message or e-mail. Above all be grateful to the Giver of Life. Show your gratefulness to the Source of Love with words and your behaviour toward others. 

אֵלִי אַתָּה וְאוֹדֶךָּ

אֱלֹהַי אֲרוֹמְמֶךָּ

Psalm 118:28

Do not be afraid

חָנֵּנִי יי כִּי אֻמְלַל אָנִי רְפָאֵנִי יי כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ עֲצָמָי

Psalm 6:3

Around the word so many people are suffering, no only illnesses, also other tragedies. Circumstances that have caused fear. Fear of death, the current main concern among so many today. Perhaps, it is not the fear of the answer to: what is beyond this life? Rather caused by the pain of dying away from family and friends. Others with the fear of no been able to see them one more time and in many cases never be able to do the liturgies appropriate of their religious traditions. Fear about the future of those left behind. Just fear of the future. Would the next generations learn from our mistakes and avoid them? After all, although so often the words of George Santayana have been quoted, calling us to remember the past with the hope of preventing doing the same errors; over and over we have fallen into the same mistakes. Nevertheless, there is hope. Do not be afraid. Do not let fear take away from you peace and joy. Of course, face with wisdom and at least with spiritual strength whatever is causing fears. Hold to the faith in the Almighty, as expressed by the writer(s) of the Books of Isaiah:

אַל תִּירָא כִּי עִמְּךָ אָנִי אַל תִּשְׁתָּע כִּי אֲנִי אֱלֹהֶיךָ אִמַּצְתִּיךָ אַף עֲזַרְתִּיךָ אַף תְּמַכְתִּיךָ

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I will strength you, I will help you; I hold you...

Isaiah 41:10

שָׁמַע יי תְּחִנָּתִי   יי תְּפִלָּתִי יִקָּח

Psalm 6:10

Keep singing

עַד אָנָה יי תִּשְׁכָּחֵנִי נֶצַח עַד אָנָה תַּסְתִּיר אֶת פָּנֶיךָ מִמֶּנִּי

Psalm 13:2

How often have you found yourself thinking words like these? Very few people would say a prayer like this and  a lot less would write it to be read centuries later. Who are we to speak to the Almighty with words like these? The LORD knows we are humans. People full of all type of emotions. Men and women with strong faith, but often without any faith at all. The Merciful One understands humanity better than we could ever understand ourselves. We are fragile. 
It does not matter how strong, healthy or wealthy you may be; when an illness touches, you are weak, obviously sick, and no money can buy back health. Then your doubts overwhelm you. In tears, on your knees you look up to heavens and ask: "Where are you?" However, somehow, deep within your spirit a little light of hope breaks through your darkness and screams with all your strength, standing on your feet: "I will sing! I will sing to the LORD!" Keep singing.

אָשִׁירָה לַיי כִּי גָמַל עָלָי

Psalm 13:6

Keep Good Companions

הוֹלֵךְ אֶת חֲכָמִים יֶחְכָּם וְרֹעֶה כְסִילִים יֵרוֹעַ

The one who walks with the wise shall be wise; but the companion of fools will look like them.

Proverb 13:20

Conversation must be meaningful, not mean neither foolish. In this Age of Internet, this international telecommunication network is often misused for meaningless chats. Perhaps, in the attemp to escape the tyrany of loneliness and its pain, a person could fine herself or himself at the service of the slander. We must avoid the company of those who gossip. Regardless of who he or she may be. Such a person could be a beloved relative. Of course, always show love, respect and compassion to that person, but avoid his or her friendship. No, do not become enemies, but do not welcome neither entertain their conversation as you would do with true friends. Because a person who gossips is not a friend of anyone. It is very easy to become like them. They are bad influence in your life. If you see that this type of person is not open to change and to listen to wise counsel, avoid them. If they are relatives, feel free to stop any gossiping that starts around the dinner table during a family reunion. It does not matter who starts the gossip. A comment like: "That may not stand before a court of law" could be enough to stop the gossip or the foolish conversation. Meaningless conversations often lead to sinful behaviour or foolish words. Feel up your mind, your intellect, with those things that are beautiful, full of honour, and good thoughts. Then your speech will be a blessing and your days full of joy. Of course, when you stand for what is right, unfortunately those slanders et al. may attempt to take away your peace.
Surround yourself with those who are wise. Grow each day in the knowledge of the LORD, and you will become full of wisdom and understanding. It is written (Psalm 1:1_2):

אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים וּבְדֶרֶךְ חַטָּאִים לֹא עָמָד    וּבְמוֹשַׁב לֵצִים לֹא יָשָׁב כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת יי חֶפְצוֹ   וּבְתוֹרָתוֹ יֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה

Happy is the one that did not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, neither sat in the seat of the scoffers, rather delights in the instruction of the LORD; and in GOD's law will meditate day and night. שבת שלום ומבורך

Bless others with your words

לֹא-תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד שָׁקֶר

Exodus 20:12

לֹא נָאוָה לְנָבָל שְׂפַת יֶתֶר

אַף כִּי לְנָדִיב שְׂפַת שָׁקֶר

Book of Proverbs 17:7 ספר משלי

The Divine Instruction exhorts to always avoid stating a lie against others.  A lie can destroy nations, mislead countries to war, turn friends into enemies, brake a home, therefore, hurting families. Our speech can build or destroy. It can protect and prevent suffering or become the cause of the problem. So, what is a lie? Anything that is said to hurt others is considered in some codes of laws a defamation, even if it is true. Unless a statement that is truthful is required even if it hurts the image of another person. Well, what is a lie? Exaggerating statements about something, unless is an obvious figure of speech, can mislead people to suffer. The ODE defines lie (lyge in OE)  as "an intentionally false statement" (lēogan). Therefore, the only thing that can overcome a lie or protect a nation from misinformation is the truth.
We must always have good intentions in our speech. The desire to bless those who listen. Only then we can avoid words that could destroy each other. Lies, like gossip, destroy the subject of it, the listener and the person saying it. May the words from our mouth be pleasing before GOD.

  יהיו לרצון אמרי פי והגיון לבי לפניך יי צורי וגאלי

Psalm 19:15

It is beautiful

יב וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים כִּי טוֹב

12 And GOD saw that it was good!

Genesis 1

When Creation was developing (evolving, some of you may prefer), the Creator saw that everything was beautiful. Everything has its place, as Rabbi Yaacov Khuli wrote (Ma'am Lo'ez). When we disrupt the habitat of animals or destroy the magnificent forests, the consequences are painful for humanity. The misuse and exploitation of minerals without any sense of responsibility and respect, brings forth tragic events. Protecting our environment as well as the habitat of other members of Creation will have, obviously,  great benefits for us and future generations. Farming in ways that are healthy for the ground and eating what is allowed by biblical principles can prevent illnesses.  You may believe that GOD created everything and gave instructions on how to administrate it or perhaps, you have doubts. Regardless of your views, faith or doubts, the facts is that here we live in a beautiful planet. Like the Creator, let us feel this world with beauty, with what is good. Today, in a world full of sorrow and pain, we need beautiful songs, poetry, paintings, words of encouragement and comfort. We must protect the beautiness of Earth, our home. 

יא  אֶת הַכֹּל עָשָׂה יָפֶה בְעִתּוֹ	11  GOD made everything beautiful in its time. Qoheleth 3 (Ecclesiastes)

The LORD is Faithful

ב  לָמָּה תִשְׁקְלוּ כֶסֶף בְּלוֹא לֶחֶם וִיגִיעֲכֶם בְּלוֹא לְשָׂבְעָה שִׁמְעוּ שָׁמוֹעַ אֵלַי וְאִכְלוּ-טוֹב וְתִתְעַנַּג בַּדֶּשֶׁן נַפְשְׁכֶם

2 Why do you spend money for that which is not food and your gain for that which does not satisfie? Listen diligently to me, and you will eat that which is good, and your soul will be satisfied with abundance.

Isaiah 55

These days we all have been challenged to stop and carefully think on what is really essential and important in life. Obviously life and whatever will help to preserve it and achieve happiness. Redefining what is a joyful life. Too often there are those that even today are thinking of profit instead of saving lives. In their financial power than in ensuring what is needed for a healthy community. Yes, work with a just salary is needed, but without health our economy is meaningless. Society is discovering that  there is a great difference between wanting something (often a luxury) and what we really need.
Emotional, mental and spiritual health is also essential to function well in society. We can prevent illnesses by following the wisdom of those who have faced it and survived. We can also learn from those who have struggled in this journey and are still standing firm. Above all, listening (reading) carefully to the voice of GOD within the sacred text. Trusting in the Almighty. The LORD provides, especially the gift of life. Hold to the hope in the Faithful GOD. Do not give up.

יג  מַלְכוּתְךָ מַלְכוּת כָּל עֹלָמִים וּמֶמְשַׁלְתְּךָ בְּכָל-דּוֹר וָדֹר

13 Your Kingdom (LORD) is a kingdom for all eternity, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. (The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.)

Psalm 145

Trust the LORD

ב  בְּקָרְאִי עֲנֵנִי אֱלֹהֵי צִדְקִי בַּצָּר הִרְחַבְתָּ לִּי חָנֵּנִי וּשְׁמַע תְּפִלָּתִי

2 Answer me when I call, GOD of my righteousness, You who did set me free when I was in distress; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4

Prayer is an important part in our journey. Rabbi Moshé ben Maimón said that in prayer we must recognize before who are we standing, the Almighty. Our prayers must be addressed only to GOD and in a humble attitude. To pray is to understand our limitations and spiritual needs. It is to know that there is so much we do not know and understand very little from what we know. The Greatest Eternal Mystery is GOD. How GOD relates to humanity and the universe which the Almighty created is also a mystery. Our sacred books as well as those of other faith traditions have attempted to understand. Our Theological Philosophy is limited,  after all our human intellect is limited regardless that there is not a computer system that could gain and process information as the human brain does. However, we can say: The LORD is with me, I will not be afraid (אֲדֹנָי לִי וְלֹא אִירָא).

ט  בְּשָׁלוֹם יַחְדָּו אֶשְׁכְּבָה וְאִישָׁן כִּי אַתָּה יי לְבָדָד לָבֶטַח תּוֹשִׁיבֵנִי

9 In peace will I lay down and sleep; for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4

Do not walk this path alone

קה  נֵר לְרַגְלִי דְבָרֶךָ   וְאוֹר לִנְתִיבָתִי

105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path

Psalm 119

Loneliness is one of the most difficult experiences. It is probably one of the links between depression and anxiety. Many people have experienced the pain of loneliness even in places sorrounded by many others.
One of many ways to overcome loneliness is by looking for the other. In times when health emergencies do not allow us to experience the company of friends and relatives, this age of advanced communication devices can allow us to keep in contact with others. Perhaps there is someone in your family or among your friends or a neighbour across the street who will gladly hear from you today.
Our sacred books are a very important companion for the way. Someone wrote that everyone should make a book his/her friend. The Torah, the Divine Instruction, is our best companion in this journey of faith and doubts. It is a light as we walk through darkness. It is a source of hope. It's message is life.

י  כִּי עִמְּךָ מְקוֹר חַיִּים    בְּאוֹרְךָ נִרְאֶה-אוֹר

10 Because with you (LORD) is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 36

Proclaiming Peace

ז  מַה נָּאווּ עַל הֶהָרִים רַגְלֵי מְבַשֵּׂר מַשְׁמִיעַ שָׁלוֹם מְבַשֵּׂר טוֹב מַשְׁמִיעַ יְשׁוּעָה אֹמֵר לְצִיּוֹן מָלַךְ אֱלֹהָיִךְ

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messanger that announces peace, the proclaimer of good news, that announces salvation; who says unto Zion: 'Your GOD reigns!'

Isaiah 52:7 ישעיהו

Humanity needs today more proclaimers of peace, compassion, mercy, and love . However, we need more who proclaim the fullness of the ethics of peace (shalom) with actions. Comforting those who are suffering illnesses, social injustices like poverty, and feeling hopeless. By helping to bring people out of poverty and all other forms of suffering.
This ethic, for the writer of Isaiah, has its source in ethical monotheism, which recognizes the reigning of the Only One True GOD. To believe and love and worship the True GOD is shown in our acts of mercy toward humanity. Transforming enemies into friends, so we all can walk together in this journey of faith and doubts in times of prosperity as well as in times of suffering. Today we see a beautiful example of what means to be an instrument of love, hope, peace and comfort in the professionals serving as physicians, nurses, et al.

ח  הגיד לך אדם מה טוב ומה יי דורש ממך כי אם עשות משפט ואהבת חסד והצנע לכת עם אלהיך

8 It has been told you, humanity, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.

Micah 6:8 מיכה

The Way of Peace

הִנֵּה מַה טּוֹב וּמַה נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם יָחַד

Psalm 133:1

"Am I my brother's keeper?" (הֲשֹׁמֵר אָחִי אָנֹכִי) is still too often a common question. When crisis touches directly or indirectly the lives of everyone, then we learn that we all are keepers of each other. In seeking the best for others, in it we find blessings. The prophet Jeremiah spoke with wisdom when he said: 

ז  וְדִרְשׁוּ אֶת שְׁלוֹם הָעִיר ...  כִּי בִשְׁלוֹמָהּ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם שָׁלוֹם

7 And seek the peace of the city ... for in its peace thereof shall you have peace.

The call is to seek the peace (shalom) of everyone within our communities. To care for others, including the enemy, as we care for ourselves. When nations ignore the needs of other nations, the consequences of such a behaviour can be chaotic. The suffering of illness by one person can eventually cause suffering to others; so caring for the health of someone else is also protecting our health and the health of our communities. To be keepers of our brethren and sisters of our communities, to ensure their peace, is to ensure the peace of our children, relatives, and ourselves. After all we are part of the community. Clean and healthy environments, also neighborhoods free from noise pollution, for them and ourselves: for us. For your sake choose the way of peace: choose to be your brother's and sister's keeper. Seel their peace.

As it si written (Ps. 34):

טו  סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה טוֹב בַּקֵּשׁ שָׁלוֹם וְרָדְפֵהוּ

15 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Psalm 34

The Way of the Prophets

The teaching of any Hebrew prophet is an exposition of Theological Philosophy. Their main message is on ethics. The main character in their writings is an ethical GOD, ADONAY. Contrary to the common stories of their days, the GOD of Israel is concerned about the behaviour of humanity toward each other. The ethics of the prophets (Derekh haNeviim) is a way of living. Its moral  has the foundation on an ethical monotheism. There is One GOD who cares for humanity and humans are expected to care for each other. This principle is found in different statements in many other religions. However, strict ethical monotheism is found only in the teachings of the Torah. Only Islam, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, and the Baha'i are the closest to it. In contemporary Judaism every denomination and their "sekten" (using the term in its technical definition) are concerned with ethics. The difference are found in the interpretation; therefore, in the application and implications. Regardless of these differences they all seek to honour GOD in our relationship toward and with others. Hebrew philosophy, like Qoheleth,* is a Theological Philosophy that seeks to understand what GOD expects from humanity and how humanity can be an instrument of the LOVE, MERCY, PEACE, and JUSTICE of ADONAY. An instrument of HOPE. There is Only One True GOD and one humanity. Words that we have heard so often, but that today nations are learning this fact again: may we never forget it.

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל  יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ יי אֶחָד

Deuteronomy 6:4  דברים

הִנֵּה מַה טּוֹב וּמַה נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם יָחַד

Psalm 133:1

שִׁמְעוֹן הַצַּדִּיק הָיָה מִשְּׁיָרֵי כְנֶסֶת הַגְּדוֹלָה הוּא הָיָה אוֹמֵר עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים

Pirke Avot 1:2 פרקי אבות

רַבָּן שִׁמְעוֹן בֶּן גַּמְלִיאֵל אוֹמֵר עַל שְׁלשָׁה דְבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד עַל הַדִּין וְעַל הָאֱמֶת וְעַל הַשָּׁלוֹם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר אֱמֶת וּמִשְׁפַּט שָׁלוֹם שִׁפְטוּ בְּשַׁעֲרֵיכֶם

Pirke Avot 1:8 פרקי אבות

*https://www.academia.edu/9567117/Qoheleth_The_Theology_of_a_Hebrew_Philosopher

© 2020 Frantz

Faith for the Journey

This is a journey of faith and doubts. In this Way (Derek), we make all type of ethical decisions. Decisions that affect our own life and often everyone else around us, even beyond our close circle of friends and relatives. When doubts overwhelm us in the way, it is time to stop and get a little faith for the journey. Many of us have found that little faith within the reflections and stories found in the Torah. I invite you to take a few minutes each day or weekly, to read these or other reflections on faith and life; thoughts from the readings of the writings of the Hebrew prophets.
May our lives in action and words bring glory to the Heavenly Father who loves us like a Mother cares for her children. May we be a blessing bringing hope to others in this journey of faith and doubts.

Psalm 1 תהלים

א  אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים וּבְדֶרֶךְ חַטָּאִים לֹא עָמָד וּבְמוֹשַׁב לֵצִים לֹא יָשָׁב	1 Happy is the man (and woman) that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the scornful.
ב  כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת יי חֶפְצוֹ    וּבְתוֹרָתוֹ יֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה	2 But his (and her) delight is in the Torah of  ADONAY; and in his (her) Torah does he (she) meditates day and night.
ג  וְהָיָה כְּעֵץ שָׁתוּל עַל-פַּלְגֵי-מָיִם אֲשֶׁר פִּרְיוֹ, יִתֵּן בְּעִתּוֹ--וְעָלֵהוּ לֹא-יִבּוֹל וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר-יַעֲשֶׂה יַצְלִיחַ	3 And he (she) shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf doth not wither; and in whatsoever he (she) does he shall prosper.
ד  לֹא-כֵן הָרְשָׁעִים כִּי אִם-כַּמֹּץ אֲשֶׁר-תִּדְּפֶנּוּ רוּחַ	4 Not so the wicked; but they are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
ה  עַל-כֵּן לֹא-יָקֻמוּ רְשָׁעִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּט וְחַטָּאִים בַּעֲדַת צַדִּיקִים	5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
ו  כִּי-יוֹדֵעַ יי דֶּרֶךְ צַדִּיקִים וְדֶרֶךְ רְשָׁעִים תֹּאבֵד	6 For the ADONAY regards the way of the righteous; but the way of the wicked shall perish.