Judaism

About 15 months after the Second Lebanon War, we were called up to reserve duty in the Gush Talmonim region, part of the Binyamin Regional Council. On the second Friday night, I enjoyed the privilege of leading the entire company in singing, "Shalom Aleichem." Although there wasn't even a minyan of shomrei Shabbat men, the soldiers pulled out their hats in honor of the song (a handful placed a hand on their heads), and all respectfully rose to their feet - including the Bedouin trackers.

Mr. Lazer ran a successful restaurant. He employed close to twenty people: a chef, cooks and a baker; waiters and waitresses; supply and maintenance personnel; and two cashiers. At the end-of-year accounting, something seemed amiss. There was a small but noticeable discrepancy in the cash receipts of his enterprise. In the following semi-annual account, a similar discrepancy was noted.

Rabbi Fohrman asks about an interesting name of God and leads a whirlwind tour of modern cosmology

On April 14, 1912, at 11:40 p.m., the Titanic struck an iceberg. It sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 15. Thus, this month (both according to the Jewish and secular calendars) marks the centennial of the disaster. Despite the passage of time, the tragedy still fascinates people and continues to be a source of lessons learned - both good and bad.

I felt good to be able to help out like this and was grateful for the opportunity. If we could not be together for yuntif this year at least I could contribute in this way.

Upon awakening, I noticed several messages on my phone wishing me “mazal tov” on the arrival of a little maidel.

"It is sometimes possible through hataras nedarim, nullification of vows," replied Rabbi Dayan, "but it's not simple for charity pledges.

It was the last week of the summer season that I would spend in my upstate home. I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend, although a busy week of cleaning and closing up the house for the year was in store.

German poet Heinrich Heine: “Since the Exodus, freedom has always been spoken with a Hebrew accent.”

The Arizal taught this same approach, making the point that the Torah would never mention wicked people and their sins if there was not great depth involved from which we are to learn from.

"It means that the disqualification of relatives as witnesses is a procedural issue, not a question of honesty," explained Rabbi Dayan.

If you can't control your mouth, then you don't deserve to be a part of the community, and hence your abode is out­side the camps of Israel.

It is important to appreciate Terah, the foundation from which the patriarchs and matriarchs emerged

The answers, though, were out there, waiting patiently and shimmering in the distance until the One with all the answers decided to enlighten us.

Shmuel Bender and Asher Beckerman were study partners (chevrusas). They also sat next to each other in shiur. Shmuel felt fortunate to have the privilege of learning with Asher, whom he admired greatly.

The obvious question is why Hashem decided to give this mitzvah right at the time when we were leaving Mitzrayim?

while each of us is an individual, we are also part of a larger unit

Enjoying A Hot Dish ‘What Was Really Meant Was Replacing It…’ (Shabbos 37a)

Mr. Leiner checked the calendar, and saw that April 13 came out on Chol HaMoed. I was considering taking off that day, Mr. Leiner told his boss.

The nefesh habahami on the other hand is comprised of the base instincts necessary for survival.

The thief took his advice and did so. Yet, when the official got up to speak, he informed the court of all the horrible things the highwayman did to him.

Question: As Shavuot is fast approaching – a holiday on which we dwell on the story of Ruth and the origins of the royal house of David – I was wondering if you could help me resolve something. The Mishnah never makes any mention of the Hasmonean kings, the mitzvah to light a Chanukah menorah, or the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Some people say that Rabbi Yehudah HaNassi – the redactor of the six orders of the Mishnah and a scion of King David – omitted these topics because the Hasmoneans improperly crowned themselves, ignoring the rule that all Jewish kings are supposed to come from the tribe of Yehudah. They argue that this is also why the Talmud does not include a separate tractate on Chanukah. Is this true? Menachem (Via E-Mail)

Question: When reciting a berachah in English, does a person fulfill his obligation if he says “Hashem” instead of “L-rd” or “G-d”? Yosef

QUESTION: I was at a kiddush recently where a lot of food (hot and cold) was served. Kiddush on wine was made, but no one washed the hands for eating bread. I am sure that most people were unable to eat a seuda afterwards. This seems to be a trend which is far from the kiddushim of the past, when a piece of herring and kichel and shnaps were the fare.As I do not wish to denigrate my hosts, who were so gracious in spite of what I see as doing something incorrect, please omit my name.Name Withheld On Request

The eternal wisdom of Rebbetzin Jungreis (a”h)< This week the conclusion on making peace and fostering it in our families, our communities, and our people.