CHESSED VE’EMET · WITH RABBI ELIYAHU SHEAR
A Moment of Torah to Return To
Explore past daily Torah teachings by topic. Open a section to find the original images, full reflections, and sources.
See this week’s Torah inspiration on the homepageShabbat Shalom Messages
A Quiet Moment with Hashem — Shabbat Shalom.
Parshat Chayei Sarah · Bereishit 24:63 · Rashi
In Parashat Chayei Sarah, Yitzchak goes out into the field as evening approaches. Rashi explains that he went there to pray. (Bereishit 24:63)
As the light softens and we finish preparing for Shabbat, we can follow Yitzchak’s example. Take a quiet moment to thank Hashem for one blessing from this week, or to say a prayer for someone who’s on your mind. A few sincere words can be a beautiful way to welcome Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom from the Holy City of Jerusalem!
Rabbi Eliyahu Shear — A Teacher, Wherever You Are!
www.lovingkindness.co
Rambam & Conversion Guidance
Bring Your Questions.
Rambam · Letter to Ovadiah the Convert
Bring your questions. 🌿
Ovadiah, a convert to Judaism, wrote to Rambam with a deeply personal question: could he say “our God and God of our fathers” in prayer?
Rambam answered that he could. Avraham is the father of those who enter beneath the wings of the Divine Presence.
— Rambam, Letter to Ovadiah the Convert
His question opened the door to a beautiful explanation of belonging.
Whether you are beginning Torah learning, preparing for conversion, or have studied for years, you need not hide what you do not yet understand. A sincere question gives your teacher the opportunity to help.
For those preparing for Orthodox conversion, lessons can support understanding alongside the direction of your recognized beit din.
What question have you been waiting to ask?
Rabbi Eliyahu Shear — A Teacher, Wherever You Are!
www.lovingkindness.co
Tanya & Chassidut
Nourish Your Soul.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · Tanya, Chapter 5
Nourish your soul. 🌿
We understand the importance of nourishing our bodies. What nourishment are we giving our souls?
In Tanya, chapter 5, the Alter Rebbe describes Torah as food for the soul. Just as food becomes part of us, Torah that we learn and understand is absorbed within us—uniting our minds with Hashem’s wisdom.
Every sincere effort to understand matters, each according to their ability.
Today, choose one short Torah teaching. Read it carefully, ask about anything unclear, and try explaining it in your own words.
Give yourself time to savour its meaning.
What Torah idea would you like to understand more deeply?
Rabbi Eliyahu Shear — A Teacher, Wherever You Are!
www.lovingkindness.co
Parshah Reflections
Let Their Voice Be Heard.
Parshat Chayei Sarah · Bereishit 24:57–58
In this week’s Parshah, Chayei Sarah, Rivkah’s family says: “Let us call the maiden and ask her” (Bereishit 24:57). They then ask whether she will go with Avraham’s servant, and she answers for herself.
Rashi draws a powerful lesson from this verse: a woman’s consent is essential to her marriage.
There is also a reflection here for our everyday relationships: when a decision affects another person, have we given them the opportunity to speak?
Even with the best intentions, we can assume we already know what someone wants. A sincere question—and the patience to hear the answer—can open the way to greater understanding.
This week, try asking: “What matters to you in this decision?”
Rabbi Eliyahu Shear — A Teacher, Wherever You Are!
www.lovingkindness.co
Pirkei Avot
There Is Always More to Learn.
Pirkei Avot 4:1 · Parshat Chayei Sarah
There is always more to learn. 🌿
“Who is wise? One who learns from every person.”
— Pirkei Avot 4:1
Wisdom grows when we remain willing to be students.
Someone younger may teach us a new skill. Someone older may offer perspective earned through experience. A quiet person may show us patience through the way they live.
Like the clay in this image, we can remain open to being shaped—while using Torah to guide what we take to heart.
In your next conversation, try asking: “What could I learn from this person?”
There is beauty in discovering that, whatever our age, we still have room to grow.
Rabbi Eliyahu Shear — A Teacher, Wherever You Are!
www.lovingkindness.co
Torah-Based Life Coaching
Pause Before You Conclude.
Parshat Chayei Sarah · Bereishit 24:21
Pause before you conclude. 🌿
In Parshat Chayei Sarah, Rivkah draws water for the camels while Avraham’s servant watches in silence. He is waiting to see whether Hashem has made his journey successful (Bereishit 24:21).
He has reason to be hopeful, yet he gives the moment time to unfold.
Like a reflection that becomes clearer as the ripples settle, a situation can look different once we’ve had time to observe. A pause gives us room to notice what we missed or ask a question we hadn’t thought to ask.
The next time you feel sure you know what a situation means, try asking yourself: “What do I know for certain, and what am I assuming?”
Rabbi Eliyahu Shear — A Teacher, Wherever You Are!
www.lovingkindness.co