Ten Steps to Redemption

Many of us are feeling the birth pangs of Moshiach; the spirit of Geula (Redemption) is in the air. Are we and our families prepared for the blinding bright spiritual light that's on the way?

Let's not be caught off-guard. Here are ten ideas to prepare ourselves, our families, and our friends for the wonderful times that await us:

1. Be open to a transformative mind set.

Transformation means a willingness to let go of false ideas that run counter to Hashem's Torah. For some of us, it may be     acceptance of commandments that we cannot logically understand and learning to believe with a full heart in the Creator. For others, transformation means working on a closer relationship with the Creator. Hashem wants all His children to believe in and return to Him.

2.  Learn the truth and commit to steady, gradual growth.

Once we are inspired by and committed to truth, we ask Hashem to help us stay on the path of learning and sustained growth in Torah, prayer, mitzvahs, and character correction.

3.  Place hope and trust in Hashem and develop a personal and intimate relationship with Him. 

Speaking to Hashem in our own words applies to all Jews and all spiritual seekers. Before turning to a human “expert” in any area (health, legal matters, finance), look within for the message and be sure to consult the Master first, Who has all the answers.  Call out to Him on a daily basis.

4. Start a program of combined daily self-assessment and expressions of gratitude.

Daily teshuva combined with gratitude is very cleansing. It ensures a close connection to the Creator, especially when we pray for all of humanity to return to Him. We express appreciation to Hashem as we ask Him to enlighten us as to ways that we can improve. An example might be to thank Hashem for the abundance of food while apologizing for rushing through the Birkat Hamazon and striving to focus better the next time. Singing songs of praise to Hashem invokes tremendous Divine compassion.

5.  Choose empathy and kindness over being right all the time.

Set out to heal relationships. When we ask Hashem for guidance, especially on interpersonal issues, He leads us on the proper path, whether it is to remain apart for a while until things calm down or actively apologize to someone we may have hurt. When we place the feelings of others above our own, things can turn around quickly. Giving in for the sake of peace spreads positivism into the world.

6. Aim to choose the soul-based option over the feel-good one.

When we go out of our comfort zone for others and for Hashem and do His will, He not only is likely to do our will, but He sees to it that others are more willing to accommodate us as well. Giving to others both emotionally and physically is a gift that comes back to us. Every mitzvah, no matter how great or small, is precious in the eyes of Hashem.

7. Make the best use of time as possible, and avoid all evil speech.

We work on de-cluttering both our physical and spiritual space. We make time for prayer, meditation, Torah study, and our loved ones. Lashon Hara (slander and gossip) has delayed the end of the fourth and final exile, so refuse to speak or listen to derogatory or senseless comments about others. Instead, share some Torah wisdom.

8. Sanctify and honor the Shabbat.

We bring joy to Hashem when we actively acknowledge that He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. By increasing and strengthening our observance of Shabbos, we are helping to bring the Geula.

9. Spread Emuna with love.

Each of us is an indispensable asset. Partner with Breslev Israel and Rabbi Arush and Rabbi Brody by introducing others to the amazing books and CD’s on The Garden of Emuna and The Garden of Gratitude.

10. Celebrate victories and successes

When we turn away from the negative (from our vices and from destructive habits) and think, speak, and do only good, we dissolve evil with light. Keep smiling to fight self-persecution and despondency (a ploy of the yetzer hara). Visualize Hashem’s joy at each spiritual accomplishment. Hashem wants us to celebrate whatever we do that brings us closer to Him.

May we see continued evidence of the approaching Geula as we focus on bringing Hashem back to His garden here on earth where He wants to be.