R.E.S.P.E.C.T

          For some time now I've been reading and enjoying the book Run After the Right Kavod by Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum. Besides for discussing how much I love the book, I'd like to zero in on what it talks about, which as its's title states- Kavod כבוד. For easier reference I"ll be referring to this word in it's transliteration form, as Kavod. In general Kavod is translated into English as "honor"or "respect". The vast information and importance of Kavod is too immense to mention all at one time, but the book makes sense of it all, and I highly recommend it. But carrying on, the gematria for Kavod is 32 (20+2+6+4). Let us see what other Hebrew words have the same gematria, and how we can link them to the concepts of honor and respect.
1. The word לב, or heart in English has a gematria of 32. One concept which I have learned from the book mentioned above, is that it is not enough to outwardly act with Kavod towards others only on the outside. It is imperative to also feel the Kavod for others from within. Where does this "within" come from? It comes from our לב- our heart! The commandment of showing other's Kavod isn't meant to be put on as an "act" so to speak. The commandment is for us to feel the Kavod towards the other person within our internal beings as well. It shouldn't be a robotic like action, rather an action filled with meaningful positive feeling. 
2. The Hebrew word for wheat in Hebrew is חיטה, which also has a gematria of 32 (some spell it without the י). What is wheat? Wheat is essentially the staple of food, which is of course needed for survival. Not only that but many Mitzvot revolve around wheat, such as Matzah, Shmittah, and Challah. In other words, wheat is important because it gives us life! So too does Kavod. Taken from the book, in the name of the Alter from Slabodka it says that if person didn't receive any Kavod he would cease to live. Kavod is a source of life for a person, and so is wheat. When we give somebody the proper Kavod that he deserves, it is as if we are feeding him and infusing him with life. And just as a side point- now it is clear why we need to give bread so much Kavod, and we are not allowed to throw it away without wrapping it up.
3. A third Hebrew word that has a gematria of 32 is יחיד, which means individual. The book I am reading shows the tremendous importance of self-respect aka self Kavod. Kavod doesn't only apply to others, but to an individual as well. We must show ourselves Kavod in order to be the best we can be. The book goes in length regarding the importance of having Kavod for oneself. According to the book, a person with this lofty trait (in good measure) will acquire confidence, happiness, and the ability to overcome one's desires, along with a plethora of other good acquisitions. Although it may not be easy, it is very worthwhile to build up one's personal Kavod as an individual. 

          From these three connections to the word Kavod, it only touches upon the importance of this character trait, and how we constantly have to work on all facets of it. Not only is Kavod a commandment but it is a driving life force for others, and on an individual level. May we all take these concepts to heart (gematria of 32!) so we can emulate our great forefathers and sages. I also highly recommend Rabbi Kestenbaum's book for anybody looking to refine the trait of Kavod.

Say Cheese

The other day out of nowhere I realized I didn't know how to say "to smile" in hebrew. So I took advantage of the internet and quickly google translated it. It came out to be that the verb "to smile" comes out to be "לחיך". At a first glance one can clearly see that the word "חי", which is hebrew for "life" can be seen in this special word. But come to think of it- what is smiling all about? I can easily write pages upon pages of the benefits of smiling, and its psychological effects. But in short, even if you are in the worst of moods, if you throw a smile on your face (even if you don't mean it one bit), soon without realizing it, your mood will begin to change for the better. Would you look at that! Hashem gave us a simple tool, to help us ease into a better mood. Try for yourself, and you will see it works. When we smile, our bodies release a substance called endorphins. Not only does this substance help lighten one's mood, but it helps relieve stress and it can even lessen pain. 

As we can see the clear health benefits of smiling, taking a look at gematria will help us understand smiling on a deeper level. The gematria for the word "לחיך" is 68 (30+8+10+20). 

1. The word חכם is also equal 68 in gematria. One who is truly a חכם will see Hashem's hand in everything which will cause him to smile.

2. The term כל הדאגה is equal to 68 in gematria. This term translates into "all the worries"...all the worries will what? All the worries will melt away when you smile. 

3. Here's a tip for all the ladies on the dating scene. The hebrew word for spouse/mate is בן זוג, and of course its gematria is none other than 68. What does this tell us? It never hurts to flash a smile or two (or keep one plastered onto your face), because you never know who is looking!

4. א׳ אלול is a very important date in the Jewish calendar. This is the day when Jews all over the world begin to do some "soul-searching", and look into their deeds and sins of the past year. It is the day when many Jews begin to take on new things, in hopes of cleaning one's slate for the coming new year. Of course the gematria for this important day is 68. Having this day in the Hebrew calendar should definitely be a cause of smiling, because look how lucky we are! We get an opportunity to 

reflect on our year and rectify our past sins. 

5. Here are a few words with the gematria of 68 thrown together.... "How great" מה טובו- 68 is our "life" חיים-68 that Hashem has given us! We are all "100 percent" מאה אחוז-68 "special" מיוחד-68, and we must embrace the lives we  have, and of course don't forget "to smile" לחיך-68, every step of the way! 

6. Here is a last one that is more on the wacky one but is sure to make you smile...the Hebrew word for discount is הנחה, and its gematria is 68. Now who doesn't smile after getting a big discount!?

Enjoy! And Smile 😁