HEARTFELT PRAYER G-d wants to hear you admit that you need Him, and to live humbly in that space. Some people get the message early, and enjoy an interactive relationship with God. That means, when you strive for connection, God welcomes that effort, and you see open and obvious evidence of His help in your life. But there are some people who only start heartfelt prayer at life's end, when they see their health or wealth is in decline or decay. God's place in their life is as a "rescuer' in hard times, instead of a source of strength and faith at all times. Better to start early. Start now. Especially now, since the world situation is so tense. HUMILITY BRINGS YOU CLOSE TO GOD These articles give details: The Golden Calf is now a Raging Bull Dying for a Promotion Your Instant World — Have it all Now 10 Rules for Perfecting the World What's on Your Mind, and Who Knows About it?

ACTS OF KINDNESS The Hebrew word for this is Chessed. It involves putting your "self" aside long enough to experience another person's needs. From that space you can more easily see how to be helpful. It takes practice, since our base instict is to take more than we give. God wants us to keep our "taking" selves under control and develop a sensitive heart that can empathize with others. You can lean much more about this if you search for "chessed" at aish.com.

TZEDAKA (GIVING CHARITY) There is great suffering in this world when money is lacking. God included the concept of "lack" or "deficiency" so good-hearted people like you can help ease the suffering, and also gain merit & spiritual excellence as you do. Here are some reliable Israeli charities. They help the neediest, so the merit for supporting them is very great: • Hatzalah Israel: First on the scene, motorcycle based medical/rescue corps • Magen David Adom Fully equipped ambulance medical/rescue corps • Yad Sara: Provides free loans of medical equipment • OneFamily Fund: Assists and supports families of terror victims • Zaka Rescue Corps: Provides lifesaving first aid to terror victims

OTHER MITZVOT There are lots of interesting mitzvot (Jewish deeds based on Torah law) that add holiness to the world and help drown out evil. Practically speaking, if you're going to be in this world anyway, you might as well forge a relationship with God through deeds and prayer. It's a life well-spent. By "inviting" God into your innerspace, you reach a deeper level of humility, and a higher level of connection. Here are some online resources that give some hands-on training & education in Mitzvot: • 10easyThings.com • Aish HaTorah • Ohr Somayach • Chabad Online