There is a remarkable teaching by the Frierdicker Rebbe who notes that one can focus a thought on someone across the other side of the globe, and with that thought affect the person both materially as well as spiritually. In other words, our physical self may be in one place and yet our spiritual self defies the limitations of space and distance.

As I am lecturing at various communities and universities in USA, I am encountering a sense of helplessness articulated by my audiences – helplessness to meaningfully assist our brothers and sisters in Israel. And when I quote the Frierdicker’s teaching, immediately a spark of hope flickers in their eyes. And when I point out that saying Tehillim is a direct link, they can’t wait to pull out a book of Psalms and begin. These are often the same people who under other circumstances wouldn’t give any consideration to spiritual understandings of the nature of consciousness and universe.

Which convinces me even more that challenge and danger removes the dross of intellectual superficiality and allows the soul to come into its own. We know full well how one’s attitude has a direct relationship with physical wellbeing. Negatively disposed people are more prone to illness than optimists are. The mind and body are intricately intertwined. But so are soul and the ‘body of the world’.  The Neshama can fix a compass bearing to profoundly affect others on the other side of the globe. Indeed, often you find that through staring at someone they suddenly turn around and look at you.  Or when you are thinking of phoning someone, they seem to call you first. The Neshama cuts through the tyranny of distance.

So, send your thought waves of strength and confidence all the way to Israel.  If we do so collectively through group-recital of Tehillim (Psalms) nothing could be more powerful. I will join you – even though I am in USA. But distance is, as you see, no barrier!