In the sugya of Matan Torah in Mesichta Shabbos there are (amongst many others) two mamorei Chazal: 1. The Yidden said Naaseh V'Nishman 2. כפה עליהם הר כגגית- the Eibishter held the mountain above the Yidden thereby forcing them to accept the Torah.

The question arises if they have already accepted the Torah, why was it necessary for Hashem to force them?
The Baal Shem Tov explains that if the Yidden would have only accepted the Torah of their own volition, than the keeping of Torah and Mitzvos would depend on their abilities. Then, in situations when they wouldn't have the ability to keep the Torah, they would be considered "Onus" - forced - whom "Rachmono Patrei" - Hashem exempts him. Therefore, Hashem forced them to accept the Torah, thereby ensuring that the fulfillment of Torah and Mitzvos is NOT dependent on the Yidden's own ability to overcome disturbances, and even in a situation that they wouldn't be able to overcome the challenge alone just being aware of the fact that Hashem is "forcing" them to persevere gives them the power to do so.

I just wanted to bring forth the point that the idea in the 12 steps that one has to admit helplessness and give it up completely to Hashem is not something that just addicts do to recover. It's a truthful idea that concerns all Yidden in Golus.

Download this Powerpoint presentation (right click and press "Save As") and internalize the beautiful lesson it contains!

The Daffodil Principle: One day at a time, one baby step at a time. We can learn to use the accumulation of time to create something beautiful and magnificent with our lives. We may not see it now, but when we come up to shamayim after 120, we will see the thousands - maybe millions - of beautiful daffodils that we planted with every little step we took in the right direction.

How do we proclaim Hashem's majesty? Do we walk down Mea Shearim and announce on a Speakerphone: "Yehudim Yekarim!! Listen up! Hashem is the King!" That's one way. Maybe. But there is another way. A more global way. Allow me to share the following famous parable...

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.