Rav Klonimus Shapira of Piaseczna related, in connection with the following Posuk: “Adam ki yakriv mikem korban l’Hashem, min habehema min habakar u’min hatzon etc.”

If the Torah gives us the ability to sanctify an animal, how much more so, we should realize, it gives us the ability to sanctify ourselves. Similarly, just as Hashem does not reject an offering merely because it is a lowly animal, so too we should not feel that Hashem has rejected us if we have not yet achieved the spiritual success we know we can. This knowledge should encourage a person to continue his spiritual climb despite his challenges and setbacks.

Sexual addiction or hypersexuality is defined as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex; pornography; compulsive masturbation; romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for a period of at least six months.

Do not EVER let the Yetzer Hara make you sad or dejected if you stumble. This sadness can be worse than the sin itself. The Yetzer Hara is hoping to get you depressed and take you away from Hashem and from yourself. We must always serve Hashem be'simcha. This is one of the most fundamental teachings of Chassidus.

The Lechevitcher Rebbe (a student of R'Shlomo of Karlin) once went as far as to say that even if a person just killed someone and the knife is still dripping with blood, but he feels can't stand up and pray Mincha (the afternoon service) with all his strength and with all his heart, then he has not yet tasted from the waters of Chassidus!

Going through Sha'ar Ha'bitachon in Chovos Ha'livavos six times helped (and still helps) me tremendously. (Addicts should start from chapter 1, not the 'pesicha' introduction, to the sha'ar, I think). It's just 70 pages of warm, warm loving words of compassion and personal loving attention from Hashem to us: to every single individual in his own avoda/struggle. It's similar to 12-Step program literature in many respects. As one of my litvish friends in SA said, "you know, in Sha'ar Ha'bitachon you always find just the right thing to settle your mind and heart".

(I saw many letters where the Lubavitcher Rebbe advised it to those who were 'stressed out' 'perplexed' or 'overly down' on themselves, which is the complete opposite of our approach in SA to this blessed joyous life as Hashem's treasured people).

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.