Parshas Bihaaloscha (Israel and out of Israel have a different Parshas)

" They must be newlyweds. He's treating her with kid gloves like
everyone does the first year."
"Actually, they are married for 27 years, but he still thinks she's
his bride."

"And Aharon did so." (He lit the menorah as G-d commanded.) (Bimidbar
8:3) The Sfas Emes explains that the Torah is telling us that he always did
it with great enthusiasm.

Treat all mitzvos (and spouses) with fresh feelings !!

Have a great Shabbos !!

Rabbi Chaim Flom

Dear Rabbi Flom,
How does one keep Mitzvos (and a spouse of 27 years, or even 5)fresh? I've been davening the same davening, and saying the same brochos for a long time.
Sincerely,
Mark

Dear Mark,
Thanks for the question.Obviously, as is true many times, the theory is simpler than the practice.
On one level, we should do various things within ourselves to make G-d and mitzvos be more real to us. If we view G-d's presence as real and He's here, that will make mitzvos easier to do. Read the Mesilas Yesharim. Look at all the hashgacha pratis (hand of G-d) that happens to you. Obviously, we can't understand why many things happen in this world,but certainly we have all felt the hand of G-d. (And it is pretty pathetic to think that only sometimes He can do things, and other times He can't do even "easier" things.)G-d gave us the Torah, so He obviously wants us to do the mitzvos.
In terms of davening, if you understand what you are reading it is very helpful. If you read different commentaries on the davening, the Tehillim will take on new light. In terms of the requests,we have different needs at different times, so they shouldn't become just rote.
There is so much more, but I think that this should be helpful.
If anyone has useful tips, share them with us.
Take care.
Chaim Flom