Presently, there is greater awareness of the need and ability to unite peacefully to rebuild communities and countries. On the surface it may seem that mankind’s only destination is one of destruction. Yet, it is that very negative or destructive heading that has called forth the need for a new positive growth.

For years a growing number of people have been focused on self help. This has helped many to achieve a healthy dose of inner peace, or at least to experience various gains in the area of personal growth and care. While this is all very important, it is not simply something that occurs along one’s path to the end of life. Rather it is a necessary stage to transverse until the appropriate time comes to utilize one’s experiences in building community and global oneness.

There are those with a personal agenda who have been talking about global oneness but have hidden their true intentions. There are some who may not have had an agenda but were out of sync with proper timing. Still others are driven by the emotions of the moment which cloud their ability to respond to their own sense of knowing what to do.

The time for positive action is upon us now, as a recent shift has opened the door to new possibilities.

Mud provides an interesting example of how that which is dirty to some may have good qualities to another. There is a general accepted belief that all mud is dirty, and so we wash it away. Yet there are many who use various types of mud for health purposes including cleansing the body. Although there has been much happening in this world that is negative, we have the power to initiate constructive moves that engender positive transformation.

The nature of balance in the universe is bringing forth a new positive form that will blossom and bring mankind into a new era. Recently there has been much discussion about flesh eating bacteria that resides primarily in the silt lining of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. This bacteria has almost instantaneous devastating results for its victims. Exposing it to the tiniest of cuts can result in loss of limbs and/or lives within mere hours or days.

At the same time, there is also new life being discovered in lakes. In the field of biology a newly discovered microorganism has been uncovered in the mud of a Norwegian lake. It’s eukaryotic, meaning it has cell membranes and nuclei.

The organism is strange in several ways. For example, it has four flagella, which makes it different from other defined bacteria and eukaryotes. Mammals, fungi and amoebae only have one flagellum — that’s the propeller-like feature that helps cells move. Algae, plants and single-celled parasites called excavates are thought to have had two flagella.  Although the organism has the same internal structure as a parasite,  it uses amoeba-like protuberances to catch its food, which are blue-green algae. So it combines features from two branches of the eukaryotes.

Kamran Shalchian-Tabrizi of the research group declared, “We have found an unknown branch of the tree of life that lives in this lake. It is unique! So far we know of no other group of organisms that descend from closer to the roots of the tree of life than this species.”

The positives are growing stronger. In all areas of knowledge new things are being found. With all of mankind’s knowledge, there is so very much to still be discovered and uncovered. Once we unite as one in a way that endeavors to stamp out negativity, the universe will open to us in ways that exceed our wildest dreams. We need to take steps one by one until that reality comes about.

Collectively we are coming to recognize how we are all part of one living existence and how each tiny detail has an impact on every other tiny detail. The vastness of this interaction has slowly been coming to light over the years.

(Leviticus 25:2) “When you come to the land that I give you, then the earth will rest because all are resting with YHVH.” The Hebrew word for land – aretz- is also explained by the Midrash as, “the desire to do that which the Creator wants.” When people start doing what the Creator wants, all of the creations on earth will do likewise. This will bring about the much sought after peace that we desire.

Human beings are thus responsible for how the earth acts and reacts. This is exactly what we read in Leviticus 26:3 “When you live in accordance with the structure that the universe was formed and your actions are constantly connected directly with the Creator, then all actions will happen in their proper time.”

One of the prophecies of the future is that war will be all around Israel but not in the land itself. It appears that such a scenario is unfolding. (Psalm 121:4) “The guardian of Israel does not sleep or slumber.” Another way of translating and explaining the Hebrew original of this verse is the following: “Negative slumbers and negative sleeps since there is a guardian for Israel.”

This has many meanings. It means that those who wish to harm others are in a fog where they do not have awareness of their soul. Or that their plans do not actualize because there is a guardian for Israel. They do not see the long term affects of their thoughts and actions. In fact they often do not truly understand exactly what it is that they are doing. They do not see how their negative intentions and actions will rebound and impact on them.

For thousands of years, one nation after another has sought to annihilate the Children of Israel. Although many individuals have suffered and died in the process, the Children of Israel continue to survive. Throughout history the nations who wanted to wipe them out, were themselves the ones who became extinct.

(Jeremiah 16:14-15) “Days are coming says the Lord. And it will no longer be said, the living God who took the children from the land of Egypt. Rather, it will be said, the living God who took the children of Israel from the land of the north and all the lands where they were scattered and I will return them to the land which I gave to their forefathers.”

There are people who want others to focus on a particular spiritual or material gain. Yet, they fail to see how such focus has the potential to become a catastrophe for the person whom they advise. When a person is true to him/herself, he/she may feel that the way that they choose to do something is the only way to be successful in that issue. That belief may be founded on the individual’s successful experience in dealing with the issue.

The result of that success may prompt a person to invest themselves in convincing others to behave in similar fashion. Of course the intention is to help that person to succeed as well. Yet pushing one’s individual response mode on another person will not yield the same results. As a matter of fact, it can produce disastrous results.

The reason for this is that every part of a solution requires action and reaction. One may well dictate action, but cannot dictate reaction, which is an individual response. Thus, while we may wish to help by telling someone exactly what to do, that will not help in many instances.

Another problem in giving pointed advice is that if you give behavioral advice to someone who cannot function in that mode, they may either try and fail, or know enough (cognitively or instinctively) not to even attempt to do what was suggested to them.

That can elicit judgment that indicates failure both to the giver and recipient. Obviously even perception of failure is not the goal. Thus actions become damaging to the judge as well as to the subject of judgment.

While we have many things in common, human beings have different operational modes. It is precisely those differences between us that combine our unique blessings and talents in the proper amounts to complement each other. We collectively fill the world with the best we have to offer and complete the inter-dimensional puzzle that we hope will engender our longevity here. Destroying that on any level brings misery and death, of individuals as well as mankind in general.

The period between Passover and Shavuot is a time when twenty-four thousand students of Rabbi Akivah died. An accepted explanation for the reason the students died is that although each one was perfect in his own space, he held little or no respect for the space of the other students. Following their death Rabbi Akivah continued teaching a smaller group. Among that group was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Rabbi Shimeon bar Yochai lived in a cave for thirteen years. When he emerged from the cave, his first concern was how he could help people. Loving people is not just about waiting for them to come to you when they are in need. It is about knowing or anticipating another’s needs before they ask for something. One expression of love is discovering who needs your help and giving assistance.

Love is also shown by supporting each person’s unique individuality. It encompasses the knowing of your own power, and how to utilize that knowledge and those strengths in assisting others. Your powers are a gift to you to be used and shared with people. When people fail to receive their gifts shared with open hearts they often become needy and demanding of compensation. Society tenets are often based on greed and judgment and ultimately destructive.

In order to keep our personal space and purity, we must be careful in our actions. (Leviticus ch. 21) To remain pure a priest has to keep himself away from certain habits of other people. A person who is dedicated to doing the right thing must keep him/herself away from certain people and their way of life. Yet, to be Godly is not about the issue of separation.  Instead, it is about being part of the experience of others. The Creator gives life to all and is “with” each detail as we transverse the journey of life.  It is only by having understanding and appreciation for this connection that we can truly understand other people.

Only a being with the knowledge of all of the details of experience of each manner of existence can do that which is right for all. Human beings have made rules. However, all of those have limitations in their application. Rules are designed to serve a particular time and space. When all people behave as we are supposed to, freely giving and receiving, then we are part of the flow and peace comes to all existence.

A person who is involved in leaving this world cannot be involved with living in this world. Wrapping oneself up in obsession with the past, which at face value is unchangeable, or the future, which is not exactly up to us, does not allow us to focus on the priorities of the present.

When a person’s full focus is the intention to do that which is the will of the Creator, separation between the intent and accomplishment ceases to exist. It allows the individual to be beyond this world, and part of it, simultaneously. When the person is connected with beyond the limitations we have within us the power to accomplish anything.

Write the prescription for success — allow for every opening for it to be filled…

I recently relocated to a community that is in desperate need of a spiritual revival. At one time it was filled with people who were dedicated to promoting their connection with the Creator. However for many reasons, people moved away and left behind a neighborhood that while still physically beautiful, is lacking in numbers of people interested in pursuit of their spiritual goals. There is a prevailing aura of depression about the status quo. Part of my purpose is to attempt to wake up those who can do much to spark a revival here.

Actually this neighborhood is a microcosm of the type of lethargy that has seized people and communities worldwide. Depression continues to spread as people have just “given up.” For a leader to lie or take from the public till while the people forgo luxuries or go hungry is so common that it does not surprise anyone. Yet many still follow them like sheep to the slaughter even emulating their destructive ways. There are a handful of citizens who still care and wish to invest themselves for the greater good. Yet it is becoming harder for that group to hold up the vast numbers of others who are “sinking.”

There are numerous reasons for this prevailing condition. With overwhelming challenges people look to anyone who claims to be able to give them comfort from their misery. These people achieve a level of popularity but not long term salvation. People have stopped being concerned about long term effects of their decisions and dance to many short lived ideas.

The truth is that accepting a poor prognosis absolves people from taking personal responsibility for their actions. It is comforting for people to have someone else to blame for their failure. Yet the fact is that you only have the possibility of success if you attempt to do something. Whatever effort you shoulder has the effect of lightening the mood and the load of those who will act if they feel the strength of numbers.

To this end I have been discussing with the locals what can be done to create new flow of energy. Giving people an opportunity to envision the positive immediately creates positive flow. Implementing actions gives people a chance to make choices. They are made aware that they can be part of motivating new energy. Gathering a group of people who are willing to act on things can generate results. My taking action can help others who wish to act, to do the same. Being attuned to the Creator’s desires, a smile on your face, you will spread the spirit to others along your journey.

(Leviticus 18:3) “The manner of behavior of the land of Mitzrayim (lit. Egypt which also means restriction) where you settled there, do not reproduce their actions. The acts of the land of Canaan where I am bringing you to do not imitate, and do not follow the acts of their life.” At some point we have all acted contrary to the advice of the Torah, running to do (some of) that which is “acceptable” in society.

(Leviticus 17:14) “The life of a person is intertwined with their blood… those who consume it in any way will be cut off from their source of life.” When you do something that affects the blood of another person it directly affects what will happen to you.

(Leviticus 16:16) “And Aharon will atone for matters of holiness from the impurities of the children of Israel and from their intentional actions done with impurity, for all their imbalances. And the same will be done for the Divine Presence that dwells with them during their impurities.”

While this verse is speaking about what needs to happen in the wilderness during the time of Moses, it also reflects what needs to happen in all generations. Everything and everyone has a spark of the Divine within. When a person acts in an impure way then the life force that is given to them by God is also drawn into that space. Therefore in atoning for the person the spark or life force of the Divine that resides within that person must also be elevated from that space.

The priest must purify himself in order to accomplish his task. (16:24) “He shall wash his body in a sanctified place… and atone for himself and for the people.” Yet while the Priest may be able to atone for others, he cannot change the people. His work gives the people an opening to fix their lives but it is only each individual who can truly change it.

We know that it is acceptable in society to obscure truth (create a lie) if doing so saves an individual from physical harm or unnecessary mental anguish. Yet, as with things that are permitted in certain circumstances only, we have abused the limitations accorded to us. We create excuses for our behavior, hoping that we have successfully covered our misbehavior. In continuing to fool ourselves we destroy our values as individuals and societies.

Without the ability to understand that we are as accountable for the justifiable as the unjustified, we allow ourselves more and more freedoms to which we are entitled. In the times of the Temple there were different types of sacrifices that were brought to cover human behavior done willfully and behavior that was accidental. There were sacrifices that covered purifying an impermissible act even if the intent involved made it permissible at a particular time.

Guides, leaders, teachers or friends of a person are the influencing factors responsible for the behavior (or misbehavior) of many individuals. Giving blanket approval to certain leaders often leads us to close our eyes and ears to the harm that is done by them or their adherents. This contributes heavily to the reason that we live in such an unbalanced society and world.

Extremely sensitive people are heartbroken when they witness such action and its results. In a move of self-protectiveness, many block off their connection to their receptive sensitivities. The desensitization of people within society has contributed to the zombie-like state in which many individuals exist. When we cannot face the truth, either because we have buried ourselves in lies, or because acknowledging truth is so painful, we are doomed from all directions.

Something needs to give and happen. Why not make it a positive step? The step begins from each person accepting their inner self and reconnecting with the Divine spark that rests within the core of their very being.

It is time to stop the cycle. Which cycle? Pick one of your choosing. Transforming ANY negativity that you have the power to change (one at a time) is a positive move. There is so much out there to correct, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, when you are feeling overpowered, remember that no individual alone is capable of anything. It is only by using our connection to the Creator and the forces that keep that flow open, that we establish the partnership necessary to get the job done.

(Ruth 1:1) “In the days when the judges judged.” This verse can also be read, “In the days when the judges were judged.”

Reading the book of Judges we find the following written or implied. After the death of Joshua there was confusion. They did not know why he had not appointed a successor. There was a general weakening of the spiritual level of the Jewish people. The book of Judges is full of misplaced hopes of making peace with the enemy. It highlights how peace only comes when Jews follow the guidance (Torah) given to them from the Almighty.

The world has suffered the physical loss of most of its greatest human guides. As always our option for guidance is to reconnect with the Almighty with hearts and souls that are prepared to listen. The focus of this period of time must be that each individual be responsible for his/her relationship to, and balance with, the universal flow that was established by the Creator. At present this is only being realized by the minority, while the rest of society continues to flounder.

Inter-dependency is a great part of the human culture. It prevents many individuals from developing their optimum potential. Yet it can also provide necessary support that allows others to develop their abilities. We are all interdependent on one another. Yet, when that relationship blocks us from being allowed to be our unique self, we lose our connection. By the time we discover how this has crippled some people; it is often too late to do anything to correct the situation.

The illness that affects society is physical and spiritual. Yet the cure does not have to be complicated. It only requires implementation with direction from the Almighty through Prophets or Messengers.

One such example can be found in the book of Kings 2 chapter 5; Naamon, the commander of the army of the King of Aram was a leper. Naamon came to seek the advice of the Prophet Elisha. A servant instructed Naamon to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naamon responded by becoming furious, whether because the message was not given to him directly by the Prophet or because it was too simple. Yet when he did go into the water he was cleansed. He then said that there is no God in the world other than the God of Israel.

His initial response to guidance was anger. Yet when he did what he was told to do, he was cured. The guidance of God is not complex. Yet mankind expects an answer that fits in with the thing they believe they must do to win the Almighty’s favor. They ignore and have scorn for anything that does not fit what they envision. People allow ego and self-righteousness to get in the way of progress. That is nothing new.

The guidance is here. We just have to be unafraid to face personal responsibility and connection.  Part of that fear is personal and part is implanted in us by others who wish to control us.

When we prioritize truth over popularity we all start to listen to the things we should hear. If we allow the opinions of everyone else to paralyze us, mankind will not make progress. It is amazing that people understand the words “political correctness” and know that it generates political behavior that is usually dishonest. Yet when it comes to issues of spiritual connection, they allow “religious correctness” to trump over ethics and morality.

People today are selective about who they judge. They are afraid to voice judgment upon people whose power can end up causing them problems. Often the truth is irrelevant when it comes to judging people. One must ask why that is so and why the “politics of religion” motivates more religious behavior than does true belief and connection.

When someone is dictating precise actions to apply to all persons, with the threat of expulsion to those who do not comply, ask yourselves how those threats represent Godliness. It is time to prioritize the human connection to the Almighty as key to our lives. If we expect mercy, kindness and protection from the Creator, we must extend such understanding and love to our fellow man. That does not mean we cannot defend ourselves from those who wish us harm. It simply means that we are capable of extending human care to people who are different from us.  It takes our differences to complete the entire puzzle of mankind.

The issue is not to exonerate people from performing those precepts or sanctify those things that are meant for them. Rather it is about not “disqualifying” or punishing other people who do not feel the same obligations.

Many of our leaders are taking us along a destructive path. We are comfortable on that path because when we are controlled we feel we are absolved from larger responsibility. We think that by adjusting to ever stricter demands we achieve happiness. What we really achieve is the track to death. People who believe in martyrdom believe that only valiant sacrifice by death leads to life. It does not have to be that way.

There have been times in history when such sacrifices were deemed as righteous, leading to “heavenly favor.” However, those were other times. There is no place where we are told that the more we deny ourselves today, the greater our reward will be. Anyone who claims that to be true today is not talking about Torah, or guidance from the Almighty. They are simply feeding a false notion that does not apply in ordinary circumstances. The only guarantee is that death leads to death.

The sages teach us, “The way that a person wants to go, that is the way he/she is led.” We need to make our personal choices. Life has many challenges and difficulties but our focus of mind and heart need to remain pure. Have the courage to do what is right for you and protect others who do the same. Stand up for those who have been preyed upon by others, no matter who it was who was guilty of the offense. If we defend truth instead of worrying about what other people will say, we will indeed be taking large steps to making this a better world.

When a person acts with a good heart, then it is beautiful for all involved. The more people there are who possess this quality, the more examples exist for our children to emulate.

Reb Michoel Bliner was a guide in the Lubavitch School. When in a very advanced age, he became frail, the school administration made the suggestion to the head of the school, the Rebbe Rashab, that he should no longer receive a salary. The Rebbe responded, “In my eyes, the fact that the students are even blessed with the opportunity to gaze upon him is worth every penny we pay him. He is the quintessential image of an extremely refined human being.” The best model for educating is seeing an example set by another person.

(Talmud Brochos 7b) Elisha was given leadership over the prophets (Kings 2 chapter 2) not because Elisha was Elijah’s foremost disciple but because Elisha learned from Elijah’s conduct. (Kings 2 3:11) “He served him and poured water over his hands.”

We live in a society that has long since given up focusing on important values. Instead the spotlight has been featured on short term and shallow values.

Parents are very focused on the external. Whether it is food, money, housing, vacation, etc, their actions demonstrate the loss of the true meaning of life. Arguments, dissention among parents or family members, fights over physical issues, sickness and disease, have become an integral part of the fabric of today’s society.

Educational achievement in society is based mainly on intellectual pondering and test scores, with little attention focused on the development of the individuality of each child. We are teaching children that what makes them “extraordinary” is not how they conduct themselves as human beings. Rather they become outstanding based on their ability to “memorize for the tests” and get high test scores. While we do want to encourage children to achieve their learning potential, we must recognize that test scores are not necessarily the only way to prove a person’s abilities.

Dishonesty amongst our leaders is something that society has come to accept as the normal status quo. It has gotten to the point where a display of blatant disregard for truth by leadership no longer even warrants strong, if any, reaction from the people. The order of the day has become one of defending and making excuses for those who lie to us all the time.

The young generation is turned off by the hypocrisy and injustice that is part of their daily life. Is it any wonder that we are ill-equipped to knowing how to guide today’s youth? We have lost the ability to maintain our balance and to guide our children how to do so as well. Adults today are flighty, irresponsible and do not insure a calm and stable environment for those who depend upon them to do so.

We shift quicker than the wind can blow. Those who make rules live by not being bound to the same rules. Adults who lay down the rules do not set the example of living by those rules that they, themselves, set. There is an existing “double-standard” that is confusing to those who are not within the group that seems to “get all the breaks and/or benefit of the doubt.”

Communities are stuck in behavior that provided comfort zones in the past. They have no inkling about how to effect change in order to flow with the universal and personal shifts that are a constant occurrence. As society moves forward in its ability to create new tools, it moves further away from its connection to its origin.

Balance occurs as people awaken to reconnect with that origin. Unfortunately, in that pursuit, too many get stuck at various points along the way. They remain blocked and unable to move forward, focusing instead on maintaining the blockages that they cannot seem to overcome.

Leaders, clergy, and others judge a person by how he/she fits and conforms within specific groups, or by the perspective he/she has on life. Using this system of judgment they may consider one who is totally imbalanced, perfectly normal. A blind eye is turned to any issues the person may have as long as they conform to the demands of the peer group. The way that most people fix things is by making them part of the system.

The systems adapt by constantly making new laws and issuing new controls over people in order to insure the system’s longevity. People often would rather have something control over them as opposed to having to think and do the hard work of developing on their own. When you submit to the will of others, you do not have to take responsibility if the results of your actions are less than desirable.

Perhaps there have been times in history that required this type of control system.  They have outlived their reliability and usefulness. They are not equipping people properly to deal with the current flow and its challenges. Today’s guides and those who espouse systems of old are out of touch with how the world has shifted.

In recent times no one has stepped forward to make the adjustments that are necessary to keep the system in balance with its users. This has generated much misunderstanding, alienation and lack of progress in the world.

On the other hand there are those who choose to deny all systems. These are those who have suffered much abuse at the hands of the system. They are convinced that the answer to their problems is to simply throw out anything remotely connected to those who were guilty of “spiritual malpractice.” These individuals too have no long term sustainability. Everything exists for a period of time.

True long term planning is when a person goes back to a basic relationship with nature and the Source. Utilizing knowledge gained from the experiences of human journeys, one may learn exactly what to separate from, without disconnecting from the pinpoint of essence. Only then can a person find balance in the myriad aspects of life and human experience.

Each person has an individualized “middle road.” It is determinable based on the factors connected to where and how they live. The middle road that many people accept is often the middle of one extreme or another. Additionally what is a balance for one person may be extreme for another. We are each different. We each must answer honestly and not hide ourselves behind a veil of “hurt” or use that as a proper way to excuse ourselves from our responsibilities. There is no middle road or balance that fits all society or even all in one family.

When we believe another person has achieved balance, it is not important if that balance is not the same as our own. While we must all follow within a certain framework of humanity, we must express our individuality in ways that allow us to be balanced and productive. That achievement and acceptance will allow each person to contribute the work that he/she is meant to accomplish here. If each one of us does exactly the same thing all the time, we will never achieve a harmonious flow for humanity within this realm. We must learn to apply that idea when we strive to utilize structure properly in its medium. Much like with our clothing and shoes, we all have similarities and differences. While we must wear clothing, we must find a way to choose proper attire that fits our needs while adding to the positive flow of the society we live in. When people act radically, others respond in kind. That works in all directions.

All the teachings are perspectives but not an ultimate for oneness of society. Each human and way of life has limitations that will not allow others to live by a specific standard.

For a true oneness to exist, it can only come from the depth of all human beings. Once all people have a direct connection with their innermost self, then and only then can a true peace last in society.

People are caught up in (Leviticus 10:1) the strange fire that does not connect with YHVH. By listening to that which connects YHVH (Leviticus 9:10) then the earth will be filled with the glory of constant life. To do this we all need to return to eating in the way that nature has programmed for us. The many wonderful changes we have made over time to the way we plant grow and process food has made the minds and bodies of mankind sick.

Take care to eat in a more natural way and health will be restored in many ways. Bring the balance of nature back into your life and balance will be restored to your mind and body.

Look and concern yourself with your own behavior more than that of your neighbor’s. When you are too busy correcting their behavior, you cannot possibly be spending enough time correcting your own faults and sparking growth in the present. Let us all have the wisdom to focus on our own growth and connection.  Live your life with love. Teach with love. Learn with love. Open yourself to the love that the Creator gives you when you extend a loving heart to others.

The understanding of the flow of power represented in the shape of the Hebrew letters (which were used to formulate this world) was shared with the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. The intention was to transform the land in which the nations live.

By following the guidance of the Torah, the potential of the whole world would eventually be expressed as a Holy land. There would be no blockage or separation between Creation and Creator. All would see and know the life force that animates existence. This is what is stated (Psalms 111:6): “The power of how all was formed, He informed his nation; to give them (the ability to transform the earth that is) the inheritance of the nations.”

The first days of Passover represent the freedom that was achieved through Moses. The last days of Passover represent the freedom that will ultimately be given to us. It is difficult for most people to envision the future. Just envision a world without impurity. It is a place where everything simply “is.” This happens as we all finally recognize with clear vision that all is One, because there is One life force that sustains all.

Holy and profane, good and bad will not exist. All of the things that have caused separations between people in the past will disappear. The belief systems, along with the negative teachings and threats that have frightened people over the millennia will cease to exist. There will only be one truth that connects all people in the flow of the universe, and every Creation will recognize its place in that existence.

Is it not time for us to awaken and find a proper balance to move forward with the flow of life? Let us decide now to show our willingness to accept the future by wiping out the hatred, scrutiny and judgments that we have wrongly displayed to those who have been severely hurt by our actions. By extending kindness instead of putting forth ego-boosting discrimination, we can go a long way to start to repair the damages we have inflicted. That action alone will greatly help to prepare us to recognize the signs of our imminent salvation.

We also must bond with the very earth upon which we live. The further mankind has moved from nature the more destructive it has become. We need to reconnect with the physical and spiritual source of our life.

A book that will be helpful is “The One-Straw Revolution” by Masanobu Fukuoka which discusses natural organic farming. He describes his experiences with science, natural farming and has many simple and beautiful insights into life. When will we realize that the tools we need to enhance instead of destroy are at our fingertips, and have been here all along?

Society has sold itself the lie that people can become dependent on others and give up their individuality. The business world has profited by this at the expense of millions of people dying or being killed in the name of progress. Money and power guides society making all the falsehoods acceptable. This is how people have become part of a world that is an illusion created by people until it falls apart leaving them with no power and ability to survive.

Just as the Children of Israel departed their bonds of slavery and moved into a new era, so must we. Unlike them, we have been given a very long time to prepare for the transition. Yet, we find ourselves running against the clock and may yet have to learn that the only way we can move on is to take only what we really need and leave the rest behind.

Squandering and exploiting the planet and people only because “we can” is something we must “get over.” While we have falsely lived with the notion that we can all have whatever we can afford, it is time for us, as a civilization, to grow up. The cost of having what we can afford will not afford us a future where we will have that which we need. Wake up, wake up, we are all leaving our bondage one way or another. Let’s pursue that route that allows the coming transition to be a peaceful one.

Isaiah 11:10; “And it will be on that day, one from the root of Yishai, will arise as a banner for the nations. To him, the people of the world will inquire and he will guide people with his peace, in honor.”

The movements of our planet communicate in silence. We are constantly surrounded by the vibrations and frequencies of the noise that we create, preventing us from hearing the silence.

Sitting in silence and taking no action does little to improve our life or the lives of others. Wise words may provide guidance, yet many use words to cover for actions not taken or to create a false picture for themselves and others.

While actions speak louder than words, the general society continues to be glued to the words which may sound constructive but are, in fact, destructive. They continue to vote into power or support those who promote that destructiveness. The words they use may sound convincing, yet they are chosen purposefully to cover corruption and deception. They often prey upon innocents who are pure and helpful, exploiting their connections and ideas to propel themselves at the expense of others.

We are woefully unfulfilled. We suffer from emptiness, with the feeling that something is gnawing at us from within. Our food source has become tainted by those things that increase the profits of others. The diminishing nutritional value of our foods denies us proper nourishment, despite promotion to the contrary. Although we attempt to compensate by consuming more or importing exotic foods from elsewhere, we are hungry and never truly satiated.

This is just as true when it comes to our souls. We may try to fill it with personal selections from many different belief systems. We may run after different ways of life as the result of being denied the truth and beauty that has been hidden from us. Try as we might, we cannot obtain proper peace of soul, heart and/or mind from all of those forays. The truth is that if the issue of our identity is not ironed out at the core, we may add layer upon layer, with no true growth and/or gains.

Some people search for clarification by seeking messages from past lives or turning to people who claim to see their futures. Having a “clue” about those things may seem to resolve their issues temporarily. Yet in the long run the answer is the ability to balance in the present. Achieving that balance can actually provide corrections and resolutions to the past as well as to the future. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT!

What we are truly searching for is not something we generally collect or dispatch from our communications and language. We must learn to listen to our inner sense and feelings, our hearts and our souls. Words are not the “be-all, end all” of communication. Rather, they are but an external and distant relationship to our true abilities in communication.

In ancient times when people were open to their spirits they did not require the use of (physical) words in order to effect communication. They built the tower in Babylon by being a cohesive “one,” utilizing their knowledge of all forms of communication. That they were using this knowledge in a destructive manner caused them to be separated from each other in the issue of communication.

From that time until the present we have thus been limited and closed off in the issue of know-how in the myriad of potential forms in which we could otherwise communicate. It is true that we are (currently) able to express many things in words for which the ancients had no form of expression. Despite that, comparatively speaking, we are “stuck” in a much more limited space.

Many people speak of various levels of existence. Among other descriptions and qualities, each is an expression of a different level of communication. As children we are open to communicating in silence. As we develop into adults we are taught not to be as intuitive. We are told that we must block our ties to the intangible in order to become productive members of (the corrupted) society. Have we ever noted that it is precisely the blocking of our natural tendencies in this area that allows the corruption to multiply in its greed, and to conquer even those who champion its existence?

What would it look like if we did not utilize our language skills for the purpose of further obscuring the true reality of this world? What would it be like if we did not have a need for words to communicate? The very need for words and descriptions shows that we are not truly one. We exist within an illusion of creation. That illusion has become the reality of society.

For some people, silence is the only place that has provided a medium for healing. It is in that space that many have found an opportunity to heal and become one with all of existence.

With Passover at hand we are busy recounting the memories and details of the ten plagues. It occurs to me that while doing so there is something that generally has escaped our attention. We have totally missed the point if we fail to recognize that they (the plagues) signify the fact that that a higher power is in charge on each of the (ten) levels of existence.

The Maharal of Prague points out that the first plague was in the water, (which flows to) the lowest place. The next plague was with something that emerged from the water; frogs. Then came the lice (which existed on a level above frogs) pestilence on the land, boils. Then came things from the higher strata; hail, which was followed by something flying; locusts. Next came a level beyond that, which brought; darkness. The final plague directly touched the souls of people; the death of all first born.

The greatest freedom is actually in seeing that everything is an intrinsic part of the one life force. Freedom is often defined by the successful acceptance of the limitations about things that we can do and/or control. We must let go, at least temporarily, of all expectations, purposes and ideas that limit and block us from the ability to acquiesce to the natural order to which we are destined. That act allows us to function within the mode that is exhilaratingly freeing for our whole being.

As we recall the various types of slavery society has been through, we find that we are, ourselves, in a society of slaves. Although the names have been changed, we still are not truly liberated. Slavery and freedom exist on many levels.

Spend time in silence to enable yourself to become open to reclaiming your personal freedom. We don’t want freedom to Passover us, we want it to pass through us.

Let us make certain that the symbolic changes we are making will spur us to making those changes within that will make all the difference. Then the spirits that guided us in the past can usher us into our proper maturity. It is up to each one of us to get to that meeting space on our own.

When one person is open to another, it is common to feel vibrations that echo from that person. It can relate to mood, pain, excitement or change that happen to that person. (This extends to relationships between all of creation and the creations.) Thus when a person thinks that the other person has read his/her mind or know how he/she feels, that is not exactly how it happens. The other person picks up what you think or feel. At times the “read” may be “exact.” At other times it may just provide a general sensitivity to your mind/heart/soul set.

The Mo’or Voshemesh (Shmini 120:3, Korach 165:3) explains that in the times of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Priests and Levites were open to receiving the thoughts and feelings of any person who arrived to bring an offering. They would instinctively “feel” or “think” the impure thought or feeling that emanated from that person. That is how they knew about the “issues” of the person. It also allowed them to know precisely what it was that a person needed to do to clear him/her self.

When the Priest felt that the person had residual blockage, he would signal this finding to the Levites. The Levites then proceeded to remove the blockage by shifting the person through the music that they played. It was not the purpose of the music in the Temple to create a nice atmosphere, even if it did. Its main function was to spark and support the spiritual awareness and growth of those who entered.

We also learn that there was a spirit form and shape within the fire over the altar. When a person brought his/her sacrifice, those who had vision were able to discern the effectiveness of the sacrifice. The shape would change indicating whether or not it was accepted.

The Zohar (3, 32b) says that if the image changed to one of a dog the indication is that the person requires further cleansing. The Levites would then play on their instruments. When the person’s thoughts or intentions were corrected, the image would change from that of a dog to that of a lion.

Regarding the verse (Leviticus 1:2) “This is the guidance of the olah (elevation offering);” The Talmud (Menochos 110) states that “All who involve (it does not say study) themselves in the olah it is as if they offered an olah.” This refers to a person(s) who contemplates (and thereby elevates thought.) In that case it is considered to be the same as if he brought the actual physical offering.

(Leviticus 1:5, 6) “The fire on the altar (mizbayach) needs to burn, not become extinguished. Therefore, the priest has to stoke it every morning … A constant fire needs to burn on the altar.” This includes keeping it burning on the day of Shabbos. In Exodus 35:3 it states “Do not stoke a fire in all your dwelling places on the Shabbos day.” From the verse in Leviticus we see clearly the difference in the way we handle fire in the Temple vs. where we dwell, is that whether or not we can add fuel to the fire on Shabbos. This refers to fire both in the physical and metaphysical spheres.

With regards to a fire on Shabbos, a person should not do things to increase their anger, jealousy, or anything that constitutes fire on the Shabbos. That is a deeper meaning about the prohibition related to fire on the Shabbos. The Temple is a place of humbleness and transformation, therefore the fire was always positive and holy.

The Hebrew word for altar is “mizbayach,” which means; “place of flow.” Internally, a person should be open to the constant universal flow of life force. Therefore, the altar in the temple (in each person’s heart) must be stoked every day. A person stoking the external fire must take a “breather” at least one day a week. In this way each person can rebalance him/herself.

We feel fire and lack of it in others as well. Many person’s are attracted to the fire whether it leads them on a positive or a negative journey. We connect with the energy of others without taking onto account the long term effects.

As a result of what we think and feel we do have a definite impact on ourselves as well as on others. Thus it would make sense to take the time that is necessary to refine ourselves, rather than to abuse time by sidetracking ourselves with issues that do not address the core of our being.

Listen, think, focus and maintain balance. Too much of our time is wasted busying ourselves with issues that have no real relationship with the daily flow of life which we receive. Instead of internalizing it in a proper manner, we divert the life force that we are given as a gift. The more time we spend interfering, the less time we have to rebalance and to be tuned into the inner function of our being here.

When we focus on “correcting” those things that we should not touch, we increase our frustration and our anger levels. That adds a negative energy to this world. It is time to take note and say “enough.” Become able to distinguish when a healthy enthusiasm from feelings erupts into dangerous zeal. Embrace our goals with humility and reserve that a human is capable of.

Ultimately we will all be sensitive and open picking up the nuances of each other’s thoughts and feelings. That is part of what will happen as balance is restored. Because nothing will be hidden, no-one will be able to fool another. The negativity will cease and peace will be restored to mankind. It begins with each person accepting personal responsibility, elevating their awareness and keeping balance with the moment to moment shifts that are occurring in the journey of life.

Over the years there have been many discoveries that have broadened our perception beyond our normal visual capabilities. For years science, by way of experimentation and microscope, has shown us things that are way beyond our limited physical senses.

Many abuse words like science or religion to contain themselves within, what is for them, a “safe” environment. Among this group are those whose dependency on these words is so extreme that it drives them to fundamentalist behavior.

In order to expand our consciousness and vision we need to clear our thought process and focus. That cannot be achieved by directing oneself to the extreme in any one direction. Attempting to enhance one’s experience by becoming more metaphysical or spiritual is fine. That is true only when one does not excessively dedicate him/herself in a disproportionate manner that prompts imbalance.

In fact, to properly adjust our perspective we need to see and help reveal to others, the existence of the Creator life force in everything. When we are able to do that, the things that we obsess over fall by the wayside. What is left is the relationship that connects with our most internal being and is thus able to give us the purest guidance of conduct within this world.

Being very extreme in any direction brings about imbalance. Each person needs to find his/her appropriate balance.

Leviticus 1:3: “When a person wants to become elevated, then he draws closer (to the Creator) through the physical components of himself.” This issue of elevation is explained in Kabbalah as referring to repairing thought. It is through seeing the Creator in the physical components.

Talmud Brochos 63a: “Bar Kapporoh taught, what is a small verse upon which all fundamentals of Torah depend?” It is, Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways know Him, and He will straighten your paths.” Rava explains, this means even in that which is considered a transgression.”

“Bar” means “son” and “Kapporoh” (In Hebrew K is written with the letter kof or koof) means “atonement.” The word “son” indicates something that is “born from” something. Thus he is indicating that one way of achieving Kapporah is” born” through the focus of this sentence. When a person learns how to properly focus, that action alone will prompt the atonement, then it will atone for much of that person’s actions and/or imbalances.

Rava (Rav means many) is indicative of expansion. Therefore, Rava expounds on the expansion of possible extension on this idea.

In Hebrew and Aramaic each name has a meaning. The Talmud mentions names of sages and what they said. There were many therein who made the same statements on issues. The Talmud accords each interpretation of an idea to a specific name. The meaning of the name correlates directly with the words (opinions) that are stated on a soul and spiritual level. Unfortunately this is not the way Talmud is taught in schools today. However it definitely should be. Likutei Levi Yitzchok gives many examples of such precision. If teaching was enhanced by at least incorporating this information, our youth would gain greater insight, and thereby gain a deeper relationship and understanding of Torah than they do today.

“Know,” refers to the bonding that a person has with their mind and heart. A person should not be judging him/herself. Instead he/she should be focusing on the spark of the Creator that exists within each matter. When one does so, the Creator straightens his/her path.

Any person who thinks that knowing the Creator only happens as a result of good and positive actions, displays that they do not believe that the Creator is truly everywhere. It further demonstrates how limited is their view of the Creator. As the Creator’s thoughts are beyond our thoughts, it makes sense that the Creator’s view of all matter is beyond our view.

We “aim to please” by our acts and yet we judge those who do not pursue our exact standards. We have not learned to properly demonstrate the love for all things that emanate from the Creator. The challenge of encountering people who have differences may be to open an opportunity for both sides to expand, grow and learn. It is a time to listen, not to preach.

After the flood Noah thanked God by bringing animal sacrifice. A deeper meaning is that he took his complete physical being and gave it to God in thanks. Genesis 8:11 “And YHVH smelled the pleasant smell and YHVH said to his heart, I will not add to curse the earth because of man.”

The Sifri explains that the “pleasant smell” refers to when a person does the will of the Creator. This aspect of a pleasant smell is only mentioned in the issue of coming close to the Creator. The word Korban means to bring oneself closer yet is commonly translated as sacrifice. The word refers to the intention of the person, not the action.

Isaiah, chapter one, mentions that God has no interest in animal sacrifices. The Creator’s interest is in the intention of the person. If the thought of the person bringing a sacrifice in the Temple was not proper, the offering was invalid. Sacrifices in the Temple were accepted from all nations thus this refers to all people. All people need to connect with their heart and thought to the Creator.

From the Creator’s perspective, thought is action. We see the world is mired in turmoil in a myriad of ways. Religious leaders are calling for “special dedications and prayers” to deal with these imbalances. What we need is to stop lecturing and creating enhancements to the errors we have made in the past. We need to focus on our connection with the Creator. It is only the Creator that can direct us to the path that allows the flow to continue as is intended.

May the Creator open our eyes, ears, hearts and souls so that we may receive and be blessed with redemption.

The origin of all existence has no form or shape. Yet, we have a continuous need to find a way to define it within human boundaries.

While reducing something beyond definition to human terminology is admirable, it also leads to problems. People have a tendency to become “stuck” within the confines of what they define. They do not realize how limiting the act of “grasping with their senses” renders them.

Certainly we need a base from which to operate. The base gives us a platform to expand and propel ourselves beyond our limits and into infinity. We can then return from that expansion to a fully grounded solid base, with a better understanding of what is expected of us during our sojourn here.

Unfortunately many misuse the “grounding tools” that we have been given as anchors. They fear the expansion and personal connection. It is this fear that is preyed upon by those who wish to be in control of our actions. There are also those who misuse their expansion and must come to terms with understanding that the very creation of this universe required boundaries and so it is with them as well.

Many use the human terminology as a point to narrow themselves in, to not venture beyond but stay within what is for them a comfort zone. This builds walls that they are afraid to venture from. In order to balance and protect the walls, they create illusions with their imagination and believe in that as reality.

They do not venture forth to become united or in touch with the flow. The damage that ensues is one where they use their narrow definitions as a tool to exclude or shun those who do not do as they do. Their negative projection closes off the universal connection as it sometimes does irrevocable damage to people who are pushed away.

Although they were well meaning and self-righteous, they do not understand that their actions murder potential not only for their growth but also for the contribution of others. By exuding scorn and disrespect for the differences of others, they create a reality based on illusions, convinced that their intentions represent the real truth. Somehow they have convinced themselves that they cannot cause harm if they are confined to a narrow space.

In contrast, those who run wild with freedom and self-created exoneration must also realize the danger they cause to others. The giddiness resulting from allowing oneself to answer to nothing leads to self-righteous liberalism that can cause just as much damage and hurt as those who destroy with too much restriction and control. The answer lies in balance and the ability to listen to the Creator’s direction.

The Creator created boundaries and balance within those boundaries. We were instructed not to add or detract from those boundaries. So why is it that a portion of mankind has decided that adding to the boundaries is admirable, while detracting from them is deplorable? It is ok if a person has an individual need for restriction to have a proper connection. It is a problem when the person imposes the same restriction on others. It is also ok for an individual not to have a restriction. It is a problem when the person imposes lack of boundaries on others.

Every matter of existence has a life force that gives it its existence. Life force exists in everything originating from the source of all life. We have a variety of tools that gives us a way to relate to that life force. They are only tools for receiving life force but they do not tell us what the original origin of these various forces are.

All matter is a channel for the life force that comes to and through it. A person has the choice to be a clear channel or create distortion and block the flow into and through the person.

All existence is the imagination of the Creator and as such it is an illusion. Yet we exist in this illusion and the life force that we receive from it. That life force is the reality of our existence. As long as there is one who person remains openly connected with the original thought of the Creator the whole universe continues to exist. We are a reflection of the thought of the Creator. Therefore our ability of thought and imagination is the basis of our universal and personal creation.

The word “Breishis” the first word of the Torah has a variety of meanings. One meaning is “With thought.” Thus it is with thought that all was created.

Talmud Brochos 17b “The whole world is sustained because of Chaninah my son.” The Be’er Mayim Chayim explains: The channels that flow energy into the creation have holes (leaks.) It is through these holes that negative forces nurture. Chaninah was able to fix these holes so that the world received flow without the negative receiving more life force. The Talmud is saying that at that period of time everyone and everything received its complete life force because Chaninah kept the spiritual channels whole.

The first Hebrew word of the book of Genesis is “Breishis.” It is a composite of two words boro – create and shis which one of its meanings is hole (shitim.) In other words creation comes to us through the metaphor of holes.

The Hebrew name Betzalel means in the shadow of power (God.) (Exodus 35:30) “Betzalel son of Uri (light) son of Chur (hole.)” He was blessed by the Creator to know all the variations of flow in the spiritual realm and thus was able to make a physical tabernacle reflecting all the vibrations of the spiritual realms.

He understood the secret of the Hebrew letters and each detail that they represented. The word for letters in Hebrew is “oss” which also means sign. The Hebrew letters are a sign for something. The shape and form of each Hebrew letter and word reflects the various flows of life force in creation.

The book of Leviticus and the end of Exodus discuss the Temple and all of its details. In Chassidus and Kabbalah the Hebrew words of this book are shown to represent spiritual realms and how they relate to the human existence. For many the book is about something physical that was. It is studied because of the belief that a new temple will be built and it is part of Torah. Yet if one studies the Hebrew words of the Torah and the flow of life force that comes through the form of its letters, a new world WILL open for them. It will then not be about what was or what will be but what is. It will become a living Torah as it reflects the flow of life force in creation.

Once this happens, our need for leadership will be limited, as each person will have found his/her personal bond with the Creator, the source of life. This knowledge and bonding is very much needed so that when the walls of society fully disintegrate, that which is left will be precisely what is needed to fill that void. Only the Creator runs this world. We need only to participate in the flow.