Author Archives: Yitzhak Sasson

The common thought is that we pray for things we want or changes we want to see happen. And this is 100% what we are supposed to do. But why? What happens when we pray for something? The purpose of prayer is to change us — not G-d. G-d is perfect and does not needContinue reading “The Purpose of Prayer”

Complaining can be tantamount to heresy. It means that we do not believe that G-d is doing the right thing — chas v’shalom! Just because we don’t understand why something seems unfair/wrong doesn’t mean it is. Besides being the reason for 40 years in the desert and countless other tribulations, nobody likes a complainer. TheContinue reading “No More Complaining”

It is a known fact, that employers want qualified, dedicated, and energetic employees. Single people commonly have a list of qualities they want their future spouse to have. But what about G-d? How well do we know His qualifications? Do we appreciate His skill set? This brief Divine resume review is an alternative, light-hearted, yetContinue reading “The Resume”

In the physical world things that are physically near to each other are said to be “close” to each other. For example, an apple is 5″ from the bowl. They are close to each other. But what does it mean to be “close” in spiritual terms? (The answer is very fascinating and I hope youContinue reading ““Closeness” in Spiritual Terms”

There is no doubt in any parent’s mind about the influence of our children’s friends. As adults, we may also look back at the friends of our youth and see the positive or negative influences they’ve had on us. These realizations can be sobering but there’s no need to regret them because well…we learn andContinue reading “The Power of Friends”

Personal prayer is not just for Brelovers or Chassidim — it’s for anyone and everyone. The Chofetz Chaim was meticulous concerning his utilization of time but would spend 1 to 2 hours a day in personal prayer. Clearly, personal prayer is not a waste of time. Personal prayer was the way of our Fathers andContinue reading “Personal Prayer & Teshuvah”

Double jeopardy is the term used for being tried for the same crime twice. This is forbidden in legitimate courts throughout the world and it is also forbidden in our Heavenly courts too. What do I mean? If someone slips up and does a sin — or even does an intentional sin — there areContinue reading “No Double Jeopardy”

“Am I going to be okay?” can be a frightening question if the right or even a soothing answer is elusive. Unfortunately, this unsettling feeling is all too common these days, however, there is good news — and we read it every day! In the Moadim blessing of the Amidah, we can find comfort andContinue reading “Am I going to be okay?”

In a recent Inc. story, Contributing Editor Marcel Schwantes resurrected a 1994 interview with Steve Jobs to drive home an underappreciated, underutilized point — ask for what you want. Most people never pick up the phone and call. Most people never ask, and that’s what separates the people who do things from the people whoContinue reading “Just Ask”

During the Peseh seder, we have the custom of putting the afikomen in a pillowcase, slinging it over our shoulders, and are asked the following three questions. Where are you coming from? Where are you going to? What do you have with you? Positive psychology, motivational speakers, and (I am confident to say without knowingContinue reading “Three Big Questions”