Opponents

Opponents Been honest to myself, I do not think that I have ever been afraid of any opponent. One thing I always fear is myself, and because of that, I fear the lose of the Shekinah of my King, and my G-d, blessed is He. That is the reason why, I believe, walking away from evil takes much courage. A human being is an animal, and there are those who do not know how to control their instincts. When the time comes to face a strong opponent, it is better to appear as coward than to face death, unless it is a moment to save a life. Reply

That is true Reply

I try to not entertain political righteous adversaries. I seek peace of mind. Reply

fear of G-d means remain in awe. In doing this, I am able to be thankful and joyful and these two things dispel all fear. Reply

Dear Rabbi Freeman I find it hard to increase my fear of G-d, since, I've always been taught that G-d was loving to those who "followed His Commandments and studied Torah". Your comment is more esoteric than you realize. Now I'm really confused! Reply

Thank you Now this I understand, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman.
Thank you!
Chanuka sameach! Reply

Hungary circa 1939 In a village in Hungary, 2000 Jews allowed themselves to be cowed and watch a torture by a couple dozen Hungarian nazis. Why ? Because the nazis had guns.

Hundreds of thousands of Incas allowed the same fate to a few dozen Spanish conquistadors. Why ? Because they had guns.

There is a time for the commandment/mitzvah thou shall not kill. But there is a time to face physical fear in the face, and atatck, whether premeditated or reflex. Sometimes there is no time to think, but to act automatically without any thought to consequence because to think twice is gravely erroneous.

Were the Warsaw Ghetto resistance fighters religious ? Were the kibbutzniks who survived the Holocaust religious ?

This is not an argument. It is information and questions. Reply

their power comes from your fear Dispel the fear and they have no power. Reply

fight or flight Love this 16 word suggestion.

To me it means confront fear.

But then, I am somewhat confrontational by nature. One's best trait can be their weakest/Achilles.

Some are remarkable for diplomacy, and i applaud them. i choose not to be diplomatic in matters of fear. More like an attitude of fight to the death, all in , be 100 % invested in the fight.

On that note, have a Great Shabbos and moreover, a fabulous Chanukah. How timely. The Maccabees are one of my favourite response stories. Maybe my favourite. But then i tend to say that about so many figures and stories in our rich heritage. And so there are hundreds of Jewish heroes, past and present. Who could forget Moses, Moses Maimonides, or Abba Eban ? Reply

How broadly does this apply? Does this apply equally to the "good guys" and the "bad guys" ? Reply

Difference between Fear and Awareness The point is not to fear but to be aware of your enemy's power, then knowing the reason for your fear you can elevate your soul and ask G-d for guidance. There is a wonderful conference on Chabad Jewish TV entitled: Esau Kissed Jacob by Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin. Rabbi Aaron explains in detail Jacob's reasons for his fear. Reply

Opponents Wow! Reply

Opponent Short, succinct and to the point. Fear always gives others power. The idea is to take back your power. Reply

comment So what is the solution to this dilemna? Reply

Don't understand Dear Rabbi Freeman,

I am so sorry, but I do not understand, what I read. Maybe it's the fact that I am not so good in English. - Normally I understand well what I read in the Daily Dose. But this time not.
Could you explain to me or if there is something printed about it already, tell me where I can find it?
Thanks so much in advance! And have a Happy Channuka with your family!

By the way, Chabad does so much for me, you can not imagine. Reply

Opponents How succinct! A wonderful reminder of how much of our "forward movement" (and I'd like to add "forward thinking" as well) is measured by how hard we have to work to get beyond opponents, both real AND imagined!
I think back to the numerous times I've been "held back" in my life by "fear of opponents". (And to quote FDR, "We've nothing to fear but fear itself.")
So many times I've not succeeded, not because of anything on my part other than the fear of success, the fear of having to raise my voice, or stand firm with my own "line in the sand."

I had a wonderful mentor as I was growing up, and even as a grown adult. She taught me from an early age that there wasn't anything I couldn't do by stretching my intellect and concentrating on my studies. Before she passed away, I was working as her personal assistant, and in one final lesson, she told me to choose my battles, and "Always fight the good fight". On her deathbed, I assured her that I'd follow her, and abolish my fears. Reply