Let There Be Light

Why Are We So Unhappy?

As we celebrate the Yom Tov of Sukkos, which is known as a time for happiness, it is worth reflecting on reasons that preclude us from being happy. Please listen to this message about the timeless of Hillel about the a key to finding happiness.

Thoughts on Shavuos

Shavuos is known by different names in the Torah. One of the names of this holiday is called a Day of Bikkurim. The practice of Bikkurim was bringing the first fruits of the harvest to Jerusalem to the Kohen as an expression of gratitude. What does this have to do with Shavuos? Please listen to this interesting podcast by Rabbi Yaakov Fisch on this topic.

Becoming a Lighthouse

In the challenging dark times that we find ourselves in, we struggle to find the scarce resource of hope and optimism. There are so many ships at sea that are lost in a stormy sea, we are struggling with how to project ourselves in our interactions with family, community, and society. It's amazing what we can learn from a lighthouse!

An Unprecedented Yizkor

The Yizkor prayer that is recited four times a year is usually infused meaning and emotion as we gather to recite it as a community. Unfortunately, due to the situation this year with COVID-19, we will be at home on Pesach reciting Yizkor. This unique situation presents an opportunity to have a meaningful Yizkor. Rabbi Yaakov Fisch has a compelling message for these unprecedented times. 

Dear God: Where are You?

As the COVID pandemic wreaks havoc across the world, there is not any part of society that has not been affected. The faith community has been particularly challenged as they try to reconcile the notion of a kind and benevolent God with all the pain and tragedy raging around the globe. Rabbi Yaakov Fisch makes a return to his podcast to address this challenge as he tries to find the light among great darkness.

Understanding Holiness

Don't Become Desensitized to the Blessings in Life!

With all the chaos and tragic news going on in the world it's easy to lose sight of the tremendous blessings that we see every single day. Let us not become desensitized to all the amazing people and gifts that we are fortunate to be the recipients of on a daily basis. As King David wrote in Psalms, This day G-d created let us rejoice and be glad with it!

Avoid The Haman Syndrome

A person can have wealth, power, and fame. Yet if something is frustrating to him, he can get unraveled and consumed by this. It’s important to make the choice not to get consumed by the stress in our lives. I call that the “ Haman Syndrome”. Listen for more ...

Finding Happiness in the Imperfect Days

Many of us are challenged in our quest to attain happiness because we experience imperfect days. Sometimes we are chained to the difficulties of the past, and at times we fantasize about an unrealistic future. King David wrote in Psalms, " This Day G-d Created, let Us Rejoice and Be Happy With It." This was written by a man who had an extraordinarily difficult life and yet he was able to choose to be happy and rejoice. This is not easy and is a tall order, but it is something we must do. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people that make it challenging for us to choose the light over darkness, but it is imperative that we declare -- LET THERE BE LIGHT!!!

 

 

 

Discovering the Light Inside of You!

I am thrilled to present my first podcast to the public. This podcast will not be devoted to highlighting many of the ills of our society. That is not because I am naive about the difficulties that we as a people face daily. Instead, I think it is our challenge in life to identify the sparks of light among the darkness. Thank you for joining me on my journey!

 

Rabbi Yaakov Fisch