One Minute Mitzvahs: (Jewish Koans)

Simple Sons Haggadah, Bob

HAGGADAH FOR THE SIMPLE SON

In the Haggadah of Passover (the Scripture of Passover), mention is made of the four sons. The Wise Son, the Wicked Son, the Simple Son, and the One Who Cannot  Even Ask A Question. All of these sons are part of us and yet the one who  most do not recognize or understand the power of is THE SIMPLE SON.  Who is he/she? Why is their point of view and contribution not only to the Seder, but to our lives so important?  Of course everyone wants to be the Wise one... But The Simple Son is asking u...

NO MORE GOSSIP, (TIME TO BUILD UP THE WORLD)

How in the world can we live without gossip? What would our relationships be? If we watch closely, most of our conversations are telling tales about others, and listening to gossip about them as well. There seems to be no end to it. When a group of students received a one week task of not gossiping or listening to gossip, they said they amazed. It was impossible to go to lunch, or join in most conversations. Naturally gossip (and slander) seems ordinary, harmless enough. But they are not. Th...

DON'T CREATE A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR OTHERS, OR YOURSELF

This wonderful, one minute mitzvah, is incredibly powerful. It asks us to stop and take note of the ways in which we create stumbling blocks and obstacles for others and ourselves unconsciously, all the time. Mitzvahs are not only here to protect and care for others, they are wake up calls. They ask us to become aware, to recognize what's going on, and to take a moment to stop and change our action, thoughts or words.  And what a moment it is. Although we may not realize it, these are atomic...

PLEASE RETURN A LOST OBJECT TO ITS OWNER

This wonderful mitzvah asks us to be Mindful of what just seems to be lying around. Is it an object that has been lost and belongs to someone? It takes only a minute to stop, pick the object up, care for it and return it to the owner. Return it to its Source. The mitzvah may take you on a journey that takes more than a minute...but your own awareness is opened in a minute. You stop racing, focusing only upon yourself, and see that a loss has taken place, and you may be the one to heal it.  A...

IT'S A MITZVAH TO BE HAPPY

As the lights grow stronger each night of Hannukah,   we can accompany the candle lighting process by discovering and performing another mitzvah, day by day. Remember it only takes on minute to do. And this minute can expand  to days, as the Hannukah lights do. A spark of light which starts small on one night, grows and grows naturally.  Most do not realize that it is actually a Mitzvah to be happy. In other words happiness creates a channel for the light to come to us, in many forms, of war...

LIGHTING UP EVEN ONE HEART

Each Mitzvah that comes to us to do has enormous effects that we have no idea of. These mitzvahs are not necessarily Good Deeds, they are forms through which we channel the divine light and love into our lives and into the world. Without this  light we could not exist, and it needs to be grounded into our daily actions, thoughts, words and encounters. All present an opportunity to perform a mitzvah, and it takes only One Minute, to stop, remember that, turn in the direction of the Light and ...

RECEIVING THE LIVING TORAH

The holiday of Shavuous is almost here, the time of the giving and receiving of the Torah, the Eternal Truth.  Not only is truth and light being freely given, but we must also be ready to receive it, open and available. A huge part of receiving truth is the ability and willingness to Listen. To listen truly we enter silence and absorb what is being said to us. We don't listen to the mad mind which contradicts itself constantly, but to the larger voice of the Divine, which is waiting to guide...

RECEIVING THE LIVING TORAH

The holiday of Shavuous is almost here, the time of the giving and receiving of the Torah, the Eternal Truth.  Not only is truth and light being freely given, but we must also be ready to receive it, open and available. A huge part of receiving truth is the ability and willingness to Listen. To listen truly we enter silence and absorb what is being said to us. We don't listen to the mad mind which contradicts itself constantly, but to the larger voice of the Divine, which is waiting to guide...

SEDER FOR THE SIMPLE SON

During the Passover Seder four children are discussed, The Wise Son, The Rebellious Son, The Simple Son and The One Who Does Not Even Know How To Ask A Question. Usually we all want to be the wise one. This is the one who knows so much, studies, listens, follows directions. But is this all needed for true wisdom? The four children mentioned in the Seder are parts of all of us. We all contain each one, and all must be integrated. The Simple Son, and The One Who Do Not Know How To Ask A Questi...

DON'T HESITATE! THIS MOMENT WILL NOT COME AGAIN

The Mitzvahs have many beautiful functions, and one is to rescue us from Time! They prevent us from lapsing into doubt, fear and hesitation, wondering which way to go next.  As we do that, the moment i lost, and part of our precious life is gone. This Mitzvah explores the way to break through the miasma of confusion and doubt and take complete action without  hesitation,  right now! 

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

This talk explores the nature of constriction and our slavery to time.  Based upon Passover and the splitting of the red sea, we see what it is that has brought plagues into our lives, and what is truly needed to go from freedom to liberation.

JUDGE EVERYONE FAVORABLY

Believe it or not, this is one of the most important and central mitzvahs. Your entire world and the world of others revolve around it. The mitzvah is guiding us to look for and focus on only that which is favorable, beneficial, uplifting in others. Of course we all contain many  aspects, but what we perceive in others we bring out in them. Not only that, what we perceive in others, we also see in ourselves. The mind constantly looks for what is wrong, bad or difficult. But, perception is a ...

IT'S A MITZVAH TO BE HAPPY! REJOICE (Welcoming The New Moon)

Most of us have no idea the power of Happiness in our lives. We would also never imagine that the Mitzvahs are The Path of Joy. Mitzvahs lift us above circumstances, good or bad, and offer a  constructive way to respond to whatever is going on. Rather than react blindly, we learn how to respond fully. We also learn to celebrate, be joyful, and find all we have to thank.  Our focus changes. This not only changes our personal lives, but brings harmony and well being to all. The more we take th...

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHERE ARE YOU GOING? TO WHOM WILLYOU MAKE A RECKONING?"

The Mitzvah today is from the Wisdom of the Fathers, which gives three precious steps to stop us from falling into confusion, destruction and pain.  As soon as we stop and contemplate these questions our choices and actions change. The mitzvah lifts us out of our temporary circumstances and causes us to see how we are spending our precious time. It also reminds us that whatever we do and do not do, brings consequences. These consequences may not be apparent now, but inevitably one day, we wi...

STAND BY ANOTHER DURING THEIR TIME OF NEED

it's easy to stay close to others when things are going well. We enjoy happy times together, wonderful companionship, parties, beautiful days.. But when that person falls into need, perhaps psychologically, financially, or socially, most so called friends disappear. It's painful to accompany the person through distress, to watch their fall or to not join in with others who might be now  finding fault with them. This mitzvah brings loyalty, courage, and the true experience of what it means to...

"WHO IS WISE? (He Who Learns From Every Person)"

We often confuse wisdom and information, or knowledge of all kinds. Knowledge can be acquired, skills developed, and we gain the ability to acquire many things in this world. But that does not necessarily create fulfillment or meaning in our chaotic world. While knowledge is important, it never takes the place of wisdom. And it is easy to confuse the two. Wisdom is different, it is the very essence of who we are. True wisdom is a food that nourishes us deeply, creates the ability to be clear...

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

In the endlessly compulsive racing of our minds, and lives, no matter how much we do, and who we meet, deep down we feel  it's not enough and that ultimately, we are alone. There is never time to do enough, or meet those we want to see. The sense that we are missing something haunts us endlessly. But what is it that is missing?  Be Still and find out. This simple, direct, one minute mitzvah guides our lives in a new direction. It also shows us what it means to truly "know" something and how...

GIVING THANKS CONTINUALLY

All day long we receive gifts, encounter others, move from action to action. Mostly, though, the days seem ordinary, just part of our routine. However, when we are able to take on this mitzvah, we no longer can go on automatic. We must pause to truly see who is before us, what they need and are asking of us, and give thanks for the opportunity of this meeting. Everything we meet is sacred and precious, and as we learn to encounter it truly, deep thanks arises naturally from the bottom of our...

GIVING THANKS CONTINUALLY

All day long we receive gifts, encounter others, move from action to action. Mostly, though, the days seem ordinary, just part of our routine. However, when we are able to take on this mitzvah, we no longer can go on automatic. We must pause to truly see who is before us, what they need and are asking of us, and give thanks for the opportunity of this meeting. Everything we meet is sacred and precious, and as we learn to encounter it truly, deep thanks arises naturally from the bottom of our...

SINCERE SERVICE (Authentic Help)

We take many actions we think are helpful or  to prove that we are good people. However, many of these actions do not bear fruit or leave us distressed. That is because we are being helpful mostly to ourselves. Sincere Service is different. This podcast explores what it mean to be sincere. Sincerity itself is a mitzvah, when our deeds, thoughts, actions and heart are aligned. When we do not look for the outcome of our actions, but offer ourselves to it whole heartedly. Again and again. 

SINCERE SERVICE (Authentic Help)

We take many actions we think are helpful or  to prove that we are good people. However, many of these actions do not bear fruit or leave us distressed. That is because we are being helpful mostly to ourselves. Sincere Service is different. This podcast explores what it mean to be sincere. Sincerity itself is a mitzvah, when our deeds, thoughts, actions and heart are aligned. When we do not look for the outcome of our actions, but offer ourselves to it whole heartedly. Again and again. 

SERVE ME SINCERELY

How do we spends our days and years and lives? Who are we serving, where does our attention, energy and devotion go? For many we serve our small selves, the one who is always demanding, complaining, upset and unsatisfied.. This mitzvah asks that we turn that around and Serve the Divine. See God in each person and situation that appears and turn around and serve That. Listen for the voice within that brings Light and Love to all.

RETURN TO GOD (Teschuvah, Turning Around)

This powerful mitzvah is the basis of our entire life, and especially the theme of the upcoming holidays. It asks that we Turn Around. Only takes a minute to take the first step. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, stop and turn around in a new direction, towards the spirit that is waiting for you. Just as one mitzvah brings another, one step brings the next. Even one step in a new direction is a powerful message to yourself that you are ready and willing to life a life of true meaning.

Keep Your Mind Stayed On God

It seems as though we are accosted with endless challenges all day long. Confusion develops along with a sense of helplessness. But the mitzvahs come to correct this instantly. They return us to true strength and understanding on how to proceed . This beautiful mitzvah shows us how to stay free of the forces of confusion by turning our attention and action to the divine.

Clean Your House

As we prepare for the great journey of Passover from bondage to freedom this great mitzvah tells us to clean our house! Eliminate all the yeast! Whatever puffs us up and makes us proud. The journey to freedom comes as we let go of arrogance and hardening if the heart. Both our external and internal homes must be prepared.

GIVE THANKS ALL DAY LONG

It's very easy to find many things to complain about. The mind naturally looks for what's wrong, how we can fight it,  who is to blame! But this beautiful mitzvah asks us to do something different. It asks us to find something good about whatever happens and offer thanks. Sincere thanks. Our thanks includes everything. So much that we receive is taken for granted, a smile from a neighbor, a simple breakfast. Beyond that, stretch further and give thanks for what may seem like a painful event ...

ALWAYS PAY YOUR WORKER ON TIME

Surprisingly, it is an extremely important Mitzvah to pay your worker, (or for a service) on time. We are not aware of the need of another or how badly they may be hungering. They have earned their wages, given to you, and it is crucial not to leave them worrying, chasing you for what is theirs, the payment, feeling humiliated, losing faith. We are seldom aware of the needs of others and this mitzvah comes to wake us up, to protect the self respect and pride of others, to make sure their fai...

AN END TO GOSSIP AND SLANDER

 We have no idea why love leaves our relationships, things take a downwards turn, or why we get ill? But the power of our words is overwhelming. When we engage in gossip and slander, either by speaking or listening, we are tearing down the entire world. There are three who suffer greatly when gossip and slander go on, the one who speaks, the one who is spoken about and the one who listens. Give up gossip and slander for one week and watch what happens!

Unload The Burden From A Tired Animal

"If you notice the animal of someone you dislike lying under its load, you must make every effort to help him." Usually we pass by those who have buckled (including their animals), especially if we dislike them.. Focused only on our own burdens, we are blind to the needs of others. This wonderful instruction asks us strongly to do the opposite. Stop in your tracks, extend yourself to them, and unload their burden. Don't place any extra burden on them either. Be there with open hands and hear...

Purify Your Heart To Serve Me Sincerely

Most of our actions and thoughts are directed to being happy, getting what we wants, Serving ourselves. When life doesn't go our way, anger and despair erupts quickly. But this mitzvah turns that all around. Each day, each action and interaction is dedicated to Serving the Divine, the One Who Sent Us. Whatever we encounter then, is a potential mitzvah. All we have to do is turn things around and ask How May I Serve You? With a sincere heart.

IT'S A MITZVAH TO BE HAPPY. REJOICE!

We think of life as sad, depressing, and spiritual practice as difficult as well. Some feel they are forced to reject  large aspects of what hey really like and  who they are are. This mitzvah says otherwise. It is a great practice to be happy and rejoice, especially during  difficult situations. We not only lift ourselves then, but all we engage with. We become able to see the beauty in all that is happening, and not get caught in the web of pain that keeps us frozen. What strength it takes...

GIVE EVERYONE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

When we've been hurt or blind sighted, it's so easy to start doubting others, thinking the worst. All kinds of stories roll around in our mind about how awful this people are. We then tell the stories to others, intensifying the upset, creating chaos everywhere. But as soon as we stop, and make the choice to Give That Person The Benefit of the Doubt, everything turns around. If need be we can even make up stories about what happened that put the other in a good light. We often make up stori...

"WHO IS HONORED? HE WHO HONORS OTHERS."

We all want to be regarded highly, feel valued and worthwhile. Yet, looking for this, the danger of pride and arrogance arises. But honor is different. Honor goes beyond the personality into the very heart of our being. It is about living an honorable life, uniting with the divine. This mitzvah teaches that to live our lives honorably, to bring light to all, we must honor others. We must see beyond their difficulties into who they true are, a branch of the divine. 

RETURN A LOST OBJECT TO ITS OWNER

It is such an important mitzvah to return a lost object to its owner. This requires us firstly to be aware of what's around us, what is lost. Then to stop, pick it up and Intend to return it to its owner. That only takes One Minute. There are more mitzvahs embedded in this one, to find the owner, and return what he or she has lost. Not only objects need to be returned, what about people who are lost? Do not pass them by, help them return to their Owner, to reclaim the parts of themselves tha...

YOU ARE THE LIGHT

As the year ends and the days grow darker, holidays come to bring light and love into the world. We do all we can to light candles, give gifts, decorate the world with . We crave the warmth and glow of light. And yet, the deepest light we all search for, the light that sustains us through all our lives, is who we basically are. Let us taste, shine and share the light of our being and truly light up the world.

Judge Everyone Favorably

Judging others favorably is one of the most important mitzvahs and can be done in only One Minute. The moment you notice yourself looking at anyone with  a jaundiced eye, seeing the worst about them, turn it around on the spot. See that person favorably. Find their beauty, value and strength. See how it effects that person, and yourself as well. The way we see others not only brings that quality out in them, it bring it out in us as well.