Our Work is Child's Play

by Devora Gila Berkowitz

Parshat Chayei Sarah

There's no turning back.

In our parsha, Eliezer receives instructions on finding a wife for Yitzchak. Under no circumstances will Avraham permit his son to return to the land of their ancestors.

It's so crucial that he states this condition twice (Bereshit 24:6,8).

Avraham does not want Yitzchak to fall into spiritual decline. Just as he was led into the promised land, so should his son be.

Know that when you transcend your own limitations, you give your children the ability to do the same.

What false belief about yourself can you let go of today, in order to let your child move ahead spiritually into new ground?

No Fear

by Devora Gila Berkowitz

Parshat Vayeira

What is Avraham feeling the day he brings Yitzchak as an offering to G-d

 (Bereshit 22:2)?

Fear or courage? Hesitation or enthusiasm?

Here are some clues from the text: Avraham Avinu wakes up early in the morning, saddles his own donkey, splits the wood, stands up, and goes (22:3).

The secret to conquering fear is in the doing. Doing it now, doing it with enthusiasm, doing it as an expression of avodat Hashem.

Is there something you've been procrastinating? What practical steps can you take now to conquer your fear?

(Translation from the picture: Courage to say what I think, to do what my heart says, to ask for forgiveness, and to not be afraid. And don't forget that you don't need to have a lot of muscles! --Susana Tavares)


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Make a Good Point

by Devora Gila Berkowitz

Parshat Vayeira

Lincoln-Douglas debating is child's play compared to Avraham's argument with G-d in our parsha. Persisting for almost ten whole verses (Bereshit, 18:23-32) he tries to dissuade Him from destroying the evil city of Sodom. Avraham insists that if righteous people currently inhabit Sodom, then it should be spared.

Let's imagine that Sodom represents any negative situation from your past. Not just anything, but the ugliest, ickiest, most horrific or embarrassing, guilt-ridden thought that may still inhabit your consciousness.

Believe it or not, in that memory lies a spark of positive energy. A redeeming factor: a good intention, a worthwhile cause, an innocent beginning. If anything, the "good point" in this memory is the fact that it brought you to where you are today in your life: the home and family you've created, your list of accomplishments, and your dreams, hopes and visions in potential, waiting for the right time to be manifested.

So rather than waiting for parts of your life to decay in the cellar of your consciousness, raise them up with the help of Avraham, who insists that a spark of righteousness lies within.