Author Archives: Yitzhak Sasson

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”

Keeping all the mitzvot in our lives or even changing one bad habit is known to be challenging, and it’s like this by design. Why? Why did G-d make change, self-control, or self-improvement so difficult? A primary reason is to teach us that we cannot do it alone and that we need G-d’s help toContinue reading “We Can’t do it Alone.”

When praying for something we want to change the language we use is important. For example, if someone prays that they stop speaking lashon hara or to stop looking at inappropriate material, it’s possible they could get throat cancer or blindness – G-d forbid. Since “everything is in the Hands of Heaven but fear ofContinue reading “Full & Complete Desire”

It’s not wrong to do something good that is simultaneously exponentially self-serving. In fact, it can be considered a really sweet Divine “carrot” to encourage proper behavior. What am I referring to? ATFAT — a turn for a turn. A turn for a turn (ATFAT) is similar to mirroring. With people, mirroring is the consciousContinue reading “A turn for a turn.”

The sobering quote, ‘If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness’ is a call to action — while we can. Similarly, in terms of gratitude, it could be understood as don’t wait to appreciate. In order to maintain free will in the world, GodContinue reading “Don’t wait to appreciate.”

New year resolutions, both secular and religious are known to fall apart shortly thereafter. Why not consider a simple, doable, lasting change in an area of life where the change itself is rewarding — like with gratitude? Our Sages tell us that God helps us go in the direction we desire. We may entertain ideasContinue reading “A change for the better.”

A Seudat Hoda’ah is a festive meal of gratitude for family, friends, and/or the community usually made because of a salvation brought about by God. It’s a way of saying, “Thank You!” to God — but publicly. One might (or should) host a Seudat Hoda’ah after recovering from an illness, serious accident, or from beingContinue reading “A public expression of thanks.”