Got Torah? Now You Want to Give It...

You just attended an amazing Torah class and you want to share your newfound inspiration with others. Or perhaps you recently started keeping Shabbat and feeling the beauty and peacefulness, and you wish your parents and siblings would just give it a try. What's the best way to touch someone's heart and encourage them to take their own first steps toward Torah observance?

In his book Nafshi Beshe'ilati, Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi suggests four approaches worth implementing:

1. Love them, don't preach to them

You went to a lecture and were blown away. Why? Was it just what the speaker said, or is there more to it? The Torah tells us that "words that come from the heart, enter the heart." When you truly desire to benefit others, they'll sense it. They'll be more impacted by the feeling behind your words than the words themselves. So, focus on loving them and wanting what's best for them. If they choose to go to a lecture, that's great -- but don't you go and lecture them!

2. Don't try to prove anything

Atheists invariably claim that no one has proved religion is valid and that until someone does, they're not interested. The famous saying, "There are no atheists in a foxhole" puts the lie to their claims. People don't , by and large, reject a religious and spiritual lifestyle because someone has yet to come along and prove it's correct. If you try to convince them, you'll just push them into a corner. Their problem is emotional, so you have to speak to their heart. 

3. Prayer and more prayer

Prayer is the key to success in all our endeavors. Who are we to think we can make someone change their mind on something so fundamental? But when we enlist Hashem's help, it's a different story. It's especially powerful to focus intently when reciting the brachah (blessing) of Ahavat Olam (that comes right before the Shema in morning prayers), in which we ask Hashem to "place in our hearts understanding to comprehend and discern, to listen, learn and teach..."

4. Be happy!

When people see that living according to the Torah brings happiness, tranquility, and meaning in life, they'll be attracted themselves. Especially in today's world, where so many people are constantly stressed, worried, and lacking in motivation, somebody who moves through life secure in his trust in G-d stands out a mile. Be Hashem's ambassador wherever you go.