There is no doubt that with the situation in Eretz Yisroel, around the world and in America today, we are living in very difficult times. Let us take these emergency recommendations to heart and with us into the coming year. This will certainly serve as a source of great brocha for us and all of Klal Yisroel.

WHAT IS A GOOD HEART?

The Mishnah (Avos 2:9) records that Rebbe Yochanan ben Zakai asked his great students "What is the Derech Yeshora-the correct path-that everyone should cleave to?"Reb Elazar ben Arach responded that the ultimate "Derech Yeshora" is a Lev Tov-a good heart, and Rebbe Yochanan told his students that he preferred this response to all others, for having a "Lev Tov" is all-inclusive.

What is a "Good Heart"ed person? The Tiferes Yisroel (ibid, note 88) enlightens us.

It is someone:

   1) Whose heart is always happy; and

   2) Who is ready to help everyone.

As we move towards the beginning of a New Year, perhaps we can try to resolve to follow this most preferred path of a "Lev Tov"-always being happy and ready to help!

GIVING BROCHOS TO OTHERS

1. The Gemara (Megillah 15A) teaches that the brocha of a hediot (which includes Non-Jews) should not be treated lightly by anyone. All brochos are valuable, and, in fact, should be sought after. Incredibly, the Pele Yoetz (page 55) writes that Eisav and his descendents have been so successful in history because, when Yakov received his father's brochos, Eisav cried out "Can you not bless me with [at least] one brocha, Father?" We can most certainly take a lesson from this positive trait exhibited by Eisav.

 2. The most common brocha we share everyday is Sholom Aleichem. The story is told that the venerable Reb Yechezkel Sarna ZT'L, Rosh Yeshiva of the Chevron Yeshiva, once especially walked and stood outside the Beis Medresh in the yeshivah plaza to give a "Sholom Aleichem" or "Gut Voch" to the exiting students on Motzei Shabbos.

3. When blessing someone with Sholom Aleichem or Gut Shabbos, care should be taken to give the brocha with feeling"May you live in peace" or "May the zechus of Shabbos bring you goodness. "

4. Other brochos with which to bless others include

1. When one is to set out of the house or on a trip, some say "L'Chaim U'Lesholom".

2. When one is working, one should say, "Titzlach Be'Maasecha (Be successful in your work) (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 183:6). "

3. When someone you know suffers damage or loses money or an object of value, one should feel his pain (Avos 2:17 ) and should give him the following brocha "Hamakom Yemalei Chesroncha (May Hashem replace what is missing). "

Of course, any special brocha you give, with feeling, reflects a high level on your part of V'Ahavta L'reacha Komocha.

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