Feeling Overwhelmed? Try Rabbi Auerbach’s Simple Path to Peace

A well known Jewish man once came to speak with Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. He had something heavy on his heart.

“Honorable Rabbi,” he said, “I support an important kollel (Torah study center) where dozens of young men are learning Torah every day. But the financial burden on me is becoming too much. Every month I’m under so much pressure, wondering how I’ll cover the expenses. It’s gotten to the point where I can’t sleep at night…

I even went to a top expert, and he told me I have no choice but to close the kollel. He said it’s the only way to relieve the stress and anxiety I’m carrying. Should I follow his advice? Should I really shut it down?”

Rabbi Shlomo Zalman listened carefully and thought for a moment. Then he responded gently, “You’re right to want to free yourself from this pressure—it’s very heavy on you. But is closing the kollel truly the answer? I want to suggest another path...”

The man leaned in, listening closely. What the rabbi said next took him by surprise.

“Take on a new habit,” Rabbi Shlomo Zalman said with a smile. “Find a small notebook that you can carry in your pocket, and give it a name: Gratitude Notebook. Every day, whenever something goes well for you—anything at all that feels like a success or a little help from Hashem—write it down.

Before each tefillah (prayer), take out the notebook and glance through it. That way, when you say Modim (the part of the prayer where we thank Hashem), you’ll know exactly what you’re thankful for.

The more you get used to giving thanks, the more you’ll start to feel that Hashem is with you—that He is the One giving you the strength to succeed in everything you do. And just as He’s helped you with the small things you’ve written down… He’ll help you with the bigger things too—including covering the kollel’s needs.”

The man left with gratitude in his heart. Right away, he went out and bought a little notebook. Soon, it was filled with lines like:

“Just as I got to the grocery store, a truck came with fresh milk.”
“When I tested my son, I saw he’s doing great in school.”
“My daughter came home with an excellent report card.”
“Someone suddenly donated 2,000 shekels to the kollel.”
“I found the baby’s lost pacifier!”

That simple notebook changed his life. The man felt calmer, more grounded, and full of hope. With a heart full of trust in Hashem, he continued supporting the kollel with new energy—and fundraising became easier, too. The kollel flourished.

That’s the power of hakarat hatov—gratitude. It brings us closer to our Creator, opens the gates of blessing, gives us peace of mind, and fills our hearts with hope.

Let’s take a moment to open our own notebooks. Let’s notice the many points of light in our lives—and thank Hashem from deep in our hearts.

Because Hashem loves to give to those who know how to say thank You.