Take a Deep Breath

by Devora Gila Berkowitz

Parshat Va'eira

Did you ever try to encourage someone who then just ignored you?

That's what happens when Moshe tries to talk to the enslaved Children of Israel. He has a message from G-d Himself that He will take them out of Egypt into the Promised Land! But "they did not heed Moses, because of shortness of breath and hard work." (Shemot 6:9)

Rebbe Nachman teaches that "shortness of breath" refers to a lack of emunah, or faith. How can they listen to Moshe when they have no hope on the horizon?

The next time you're feeling down, notice your breathing. It is deep or shallow? Take a few full breaths. Do things look a little brighter?

Ready to Face G-d

by Devora Gila Berkowitz

Parshat Va'eira

Moshe must be a very special person.

After all, when he is ready, G-d faces him in a brand new way, unlike ever before: 

"I appeared to Avraham, to Yitzchak, and to Yaakov as El Shaddai, but with My Name Hashem I did not make Myself known to them." (Shemot 6:3)

Like Moshe, you are also special. Are you ready for Him to face you in a unique relationship?