Archive for July 9th, 2009|Daily archive page
The Daily Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk – 17th Tammuz, 5769
Filed under: GuardUrEyes, Jewish Sexuality, Judaism, Mussar, Shmiras Ainayim, Shomer Habris, The Zohar, Torah | Tags: GuardUrEyes, Jewish Sexuality, Judaism, Mussar, Shmiras Ainayim, Shomer Habris, The Zohar, Torah
Leave a Comment
The Daily Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk – 17th Tammuz, 5769
|
|
GuardUrEyes A website for Jews struggling to maintain their moral purity in today’s world |
Why is Sexual purity so important in Judaism? Our sages called Shmiras Habris “Yesod”, meaning “Foundation”. The foundation of a building is “underground” and no one sees it, yet it holds up the entire building! Shmiras Habris is the hidden part of a Jew, it’s the real you. If the foundation of a Jew is weak, his whole spiritual structure is fragile and in grave danger of collapse. At guardureyes.com we are finally joining together, for ourselves and for all future generations, to strengthen the foundations of our people!
There is a lot of material out there on the subject of guarding the eyes and the Bris, but sometimes “too much” is overwhelming.
A little bit each day is just right, to be able to read, digest and apply it to our lives.
The booklet “Windows to the Soul” by R’ Zvi Miller of the Salant foundation. (Right click the link and choose “Save Target/Link As” to save the PDF booklet to your computer). To subscribe to eMussar, the daily lessons of the Salant Foundation, send email to salant@netvision.net.il
The Zohar compares this world to a churning ocean and the body of a man to a ship in the sea. Therefore, man requires knowledge in order to guide himself on a straight course, avoiding mishap and losing his way. The ocean of life roars fearfully and continuously. The winds of challenge blow and the negative impulse rips about like a tornado with unimaginable force. All of life comprises great and endless tests, which can easily capsize the ship and sink it into the murky, nethermost depths.
Yirat Shamayim and the study of Mussar will prevent the body from sinking into the miry depths of desire and corrupt character traits.
(Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, Ohr Yisrael)
Today’s Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk
Know the Laws of Shmirat Einayim
(Guarding One’s Eyes)
Just as there are Torah laws that regulate our speech, there are Torah laws that regulate our sight. When we are first introduced to the laws of Shmirat HaLoshon, we might feel overwhelmed. However, with study and practice, we learn how to guard ourselves from evil speech and we reap both spiritual and emotional benefits.
When we first learn the laws about regulating our eyes we also think, “This is impossible! There’s no way I can be this careful.” However, the more we understand the wisdom of these laws, the more fulfillment we will derive from their observance and the more motivated we will become.
The Four Primary Laws Pertaining to Looking and Thinking about Women
(Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer, Chapter 21, Law 1)
For the sake of clarity and implementation, we have summarized these rulings. By familiarizing ourselves with these laws, we will have a ready and practical guide to live by. (There are different laws regarding one’s wife):
1. It is forbidden to look at a woman if she is dressed immodestly.
2.
A. If we know of an area where immodestly dressed women are present, it is forbidden to enter this area. An alternative route must be taken.
B. However, if it is necessary to pass this route and there no alternative route, or the alternative route is impractical or costly, a person is permitted to pass through an area of immodestly dressed women, providing he makes every reasonable effort to avoid seeing the immodest sights.
3. It is forbidden to have thoughts of desire for any woman.
4. It is forbidden to derive pleasure from looking at the beauty of a woman, even if she is modestly dressed.
Clearly, these laws are not easy to apply in situations where women cannot be avoided, such as a work setting. The upcoming segments will deal with specific advice and techniques regarding various scenarios.
Does the Torah think men are angels? How can any man realistically fulfill these laws?
It is very true that controlling the eyes is a tremendous challenge. However with sincere motivation you will ultimately prevail. The Torah does not expect that we will instantaneously master our eyes. Changing ourselves requires study and the persistent practice of new behavior until it becomes second nature. By studying this guidebook and applying its principles, we will eventually be able to fulfill the Torah’s laws regarding our eyes.
TODAY: Decide to make a periodic review of these laws in order to strengthen their observance.
Practical Application
“At first, these laws are a little overwhelming,” thinks Steve. “However, I can handle them knowing that we don’t have to change overnight. By reviewing the laws on a timely basis, I will little by little integrate them into my life.”
After studying these laws a few times, Steve put his knowledge into action. This morning he walked into the conference room for a business meeting. Three of the six people in the room were women, two were dressed immodestly. Because the laws were fresh in his mind, he immediately was conscious of guarding his eyes. He was very careful where he looked – and it made a great difference in his control.
Two Free e-Books, courtesy of GuardUrEyes that will change your life!
Right click on the links below and choose “Save Link/Target As” to download them to your computer. (Print them out to read at your leisure!)
The GuardUrEyes E-mail Chizuk Lists
The Yetzer Hara thinks of new ways to win us over every day. What better way to combat him than to have some chizuk and a new insight every day!
List 1.The GuardUrEyes Chizuk List – Breaking Free.
Receive each day antidotes, tips, articles or quotes from the holy texts, therapists and fellow strugglers, to help you break free of sexual addictions, pornography and/or masturbation.
List 2.General Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim
This list will focus less on the “addiction” aspect and more on general Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim that anyone can use, addicted or not. This list is less intense and explicit than the first, and is appropriate for everyone.
Please note: We strongly advise anyone who struggles with masturbation or pornography, even if infrequently, to join the first list as well.
Click here to join one (OR BOTH) of the Chizuk lists described below.
The tools on GuardUrEyes network include:
Two Daily Chizuk List options (hundreds of members!)
Hundreds of tips; divided into categories; tips from therapists, tips from other sites and from fellow strugglers.
An active and thriving forum – a powerful feature of group support
The “Jewish Healing Group“, an anonymous 12-Step group that meets on the phone once a week
A live hotline, for people to get advice and started on their journey to recovery
Sign up for a Partner / Sponsor. Download the Questionnaire
Many stories of recovery, struggles and suffering
An elaborate FAQ page
Over 20 filter options, and everything a person could want to know about filters
A section on the 12 steps
A "Kosher Isle" to help people find entertaining and more productive things to do with their time
Download here a powerful PDF file, translated from a Hebrew book called "The First Day of the Rest of My Life", to help people break free of sexual addictions
A Rehab Option in Florida
Many Therapy Options
An inspiring Music Page, to chase away the impurity and inspire thoughts of Teshuvah
A "Wall of Honor" page, to keep track of your sobriety and get group support
How Can You Help?
Source: GuardUrEyes
|
|
|
Daily Breaking Free Chizuk – 17th Tammuz, 5769
Filed under: GuardUrEyes, Jewish Sexuality, Judaism, Mussar, Shmiras Ainayim, Shomer Habris, The Zohar, Torah | Tags: GuardUrEyes, Jewish Sexuality, Judaism, Mussar, Shmiras Ainayim, Shomer Habris, The Zohar, Torah
Leave a Comment |
|
GuardUrEyes A website for Jews struggling to maintain their moral purity in today’s world |
With the advance of technology and the ease of availability and privacy that the internet provides, it has become a daily struggle for many religious Jews to remain Erlich (morally and ethically upright) even in their own homes. Jewish Leaders, Rabbis and Experts worldwide, are beginning to speak out about this serious problem more and more.
|
Why is Sexual purity so important in Judaism? Our sages called Shmiras Habris"Yesod", meaning “Foundation”. The foundation of a building is “underground” and no one sees it, yet it holds up the entire building! Shmiras Habris is the hidden part of a Jew, it’s the real you. If the foundation of a Jew is weak, his whole spiritual structure is fragile and in grave danger of collapse. |
There is a lot of material out there on the subject of guarding the eyes and the Bris, but sometimes “too much” is overwhelming.
A little bit each day is just right, to be able to read, digest and apply it to our lives.
The Image of HashemWhen Shem and Yefet covered up their father’s nakedness, they held a blanket and walked backwards so as not to see him. They could have walked towards him and kept their eyes lowered. Why did they feel it necessary to walk backwards?
Since the image of Hashem is etched upon the human countenance, simply exposing the face to improper sights is spiritually harmful!
Therefore, they walked backwards to protect their souls. (The Alshich)
From the booklet "Windows of the Soul" by R’ Zvi Miller of the Salant foundation.
The booklet "Windows of the Soul" by R’ Zvi Miller of the Salant foundation, is a MAN’S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MASTERING HIS EYES
(Right click the link and choose "Save Target/Link As" to save the PDF booklet to your computer).
To subscribe to eMussar, the daily lessons of the Salant Foundation, send email to salant@netvision.net.il
The GuardUrEyes Chizuk – Breaking Free.
Antidotes, tips, articles or quotes from the holy texts, therapists and fellow strugglers, to help you break free of sexual addictions, pornography and/or masturbation.
Today 17th Tammuz, 5769 – Breaking Free Chizuk
The Zohar, Shemot 3b , states: We have learned that the Holy One Blessed Be He has no zealousness, except for His zealousness over the holy Brit, for this Brit is the secret of the Sacred Name and the secret of faith. As is written, ‘And the people began to commit harlotry with the daughters of Moav’ (Bamidbar, 25:1), then, immediately afterward, ‘And the anger of the L-rd was kindled against Israel.’” Sexual immorality brings about a kindling of the anger of G-d.
The Zohar emphasizes that it was through the Brit with Avraham Avinu that Israel made its initial attachment to with the Holy One Blessed Be He, through the act of circumcision and the Covenant to safeguard our lives in sexual purity. Judaism is founded upon this Covenant. This is our connection to the Shechinah. Thus, Rabbi Shimon explains, a Jew who is false to this Brit is false to our Covenant with G-d.
Two Free e-Books, courtesy of GuardUrEyes that will change your life!
Right click on the links below and choose “Save Link/Target As” to download them to your computer. (Print them out to read at your leisure!)
The GuardUrEyes E-mail Chizuk Lists
The Yetzer Hara thinks of new ways to win us over every day. What better way to combat him than to have some chizuk and a new insight every day!
List 1.The GuardUrEyes Chizuk List – Breaking Free.
Receive each day antidotes, tips, articles or quotes from the holy texts, therapists and fellow strugglers, to help you break free of sexual addictions, pornography and/or masturbation.
List 2.General Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim
This list will focus less on the “addiction” aspect and more on general Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim that anyone can use, addicted or not. This list is less intense and explicit than the first, and is appropriate for everyone.
Please note: We strongly advise anyone who struggles with masturbation or pornography, even if infrequently, to join the first list as well.
Click here to join one (OR BOTH) of the Chizuk lists described.
The tools on GuardUrEyes network include:
Two Daily Chizuk List options (hundreds of members!)
Hundreds of tips; divided into categories; tips from therapists, tips from other sites and from fellow strugglers.
An active and thriving forum – a powerful feature of group support
The “Jewish Healing Group“, an anonymous 12-Step group that meets on the phone once a week
A live hotline, for people to get advice and started on their journey to recovery
Sign up for a Partner / Sponsor. Download the Questionnaire
Many stories of recovery, struggles and suffering
An elaborate FAQ page
Over 20 filter options, and everything a person could want to know about filters
A section on the 12 steps
A "Kosher Isle" to help people find entertaining and more productive things to do with their time
Download here a powerful PDF file, translated from a Hebrew book called "The First Day of the Rest of My Life", to help people break free of sexual addictions
A Rehab Option in Florida
Many Therapy Options
An inspiring Music Page, to chase away the impurity and inspire thoughts of Teshuvah
A "Wall of Honor" page, to keep track of your sobriety and get group support
Source: GuardUrEyes
|
|
|
|
