Sep 24, 2017

Raize Guttman 09-24-17 (4 Tishrei 5778)

Today is Tzom Gedaliah (Fast of Gedaliah). It is one of the 4 Fast days that remind us that Jerusalem and the Beis Hamikdash were destroyed.

The period we are in now is Aseret Yemei Teshuva (the 10 days of repentance).

Today Raize talks about 6 ways to do Teshuva (6 ways to reconnect to Hashem).

1) A person has to know his self worth
2) Taking on a small kabalah (resolution)- a small action that will lead you in the right
direction to self improvement.
3) Connecting our ruach (spirit) to Hashem's spirit - This is called amera naima (a
pleasant statement). Connecting to the beauty, the upliftance, the geshmak
(deliciousness)of Torah & Mitzvot.
4) Return that which has been stolen.
5) Connect to the The Yud Gimmel midos of Hashem - The 13 attributes of GD.
6) Do the 4 steps of Teshuva
* Charata – Regret
* Aziva - Leaving the sin
* Kabalah – making a resolution not to do it again.
* Vidduy – verbal confession

Sep 17, 2017

Raize Guttman 09-17-17 (26 Elul 5777)

We continue our discussion of Rosh Hashanah - the birthday of man. The day we make Hashem King.

Rosh Hashanah is known by 3 different names:
* Rosh Hashanah – the head of the year - New beginning, fresh start.
* Yom Teruah – The Day of Sounding - blowing (the Shofar). This is the actual name that the
holiday is called in the Torah. Blowing the shofar is the mitzvah of the day. It is more
important than any other custom or mitzvah on that day.
* Yom Hadin – The day of judgment – the day we get judged.

10 reasons why we blow the shofar compiled by Rav Saadia Gaon (click image below):


Raize gives over a truly profound, yet simple mashal called Pushing Against The Rock.
The nimshal is we have to exercise the faith that moves mountains, but we have to remember it is only Hashem that moves the mountain.

Sep 14, 2017

Raize Guttman 09-10-17 (19 Elul 5777)

We are in the middle of Elul, with Rosh Hashanah shortly approaching. In preparing for this shiur, Raize tried to find a topic that we have not discussed previously during time of year. She focused on teachings of Rav Shimshon Pincus zt'l.

We should ask ourselves "what is our goal in Elul"?  We have a motivation.  We want to change. The goal therefore is to take out the habits from our actions.  We are so used to doing things a certain way that we don’t even realize what we are doing.  We are doing good, but the habit is robbing us of what we are doing.

Saying "na'aseh v'nishma" is a segulah at this time.

Sep 3, 2017

Raize Guttman 09-03-17 (12 Elul 5777)

The month of Elul.

The avodah (job) of Elul is "ani le dodi ve dodi li" (I am for my beloved and beloved is for me). During this time we should ask ourselves what can we do to develop our relationship with Hashem? The way to show love in a relationship is by giving, but in our relationship with Hashem, he gives us everything, so technically we can't give him anything. The way we cultivate a relationship with Hashem is by taking. But not just by taking, but and by taking & thanking! By being grateful you give him nachas and pleasure.

We spoke in a prior shiur about the 5 languages of love between people.
Four out of the five apply to our relationship with Hashem.
1) Acts of Service - every time you perform a mitzvah you are showing Hashem your love.
2) Spending quality time - when you pray from a siddur with kavanah (intention), or just sit down and pour your heart out to Hashem - and say you are the only one who can help me. That is quality time with Hashem.
3) Compliments - Saying words of affirmation to Hashem - your name should be praised forever!
4) Giving gifts - greatest gift we can give to Hashem is appreciating what he gives to us.
We need to stop complaining & start appreciating!