Tisha B’Av: Turning Mourning into Action
Our job is to make sure we can answer the call of ayeka, where are you? Are you taking responsibility?
Tisha B’Av, a Day that Lives in Infamy
Although Tisha B’Av marks the day in which both Jewish Temples were destroyed, the Jewish People endured many tragic events on this specific day throughout history. Despite this, we endure and are the Eternal People
Mourning the Loss of Mourning
What is the connection between feeling more connected to God and having the Temple? And why does that require sacrifices?
The Most Calamitous Jewish Day of the Year
The 9th Day of Av Guide for the Perplexed
Listening to the Prophetic Voice: Tisha b’Av 5778
Wishing you a Tzom kal (an easy fast)
Tisha B’Av – The Ninth of Av
Overview and laws of the Jewish national day of mourning.
Are We Repeating The Sin Of The Spies?
Let us use these Nine Days for self-reflection about the issue that first led to our crying during these days. And let us consider what Shlomo Mula was willing to do to make it to Israel, crossing a desert by foot.
ABCs of Tisha B’Av & the Three Weeks
Rules and guidance for the Jewish national period of mourning.
Shall We Continue To Weep And Fast? Or Shall We Fight the Times?
‘What can a person do against the trend of the times!’” A question in every generation. Compromise at home is good; compromise in Torah is not. Knowing the difference will bring the final ge’ulah.
Shavuot (Pentecost): Guide for the Perplexed, 2018
Chag Sameach-Happy Shavuout!
Lag Ba’Omer: Guide for the Perplexed, 2018
Happy Lag Ba’Omer and PLEASE BE CAREFUL with your bonfire.
Lag B’Omer: Better than Love
Rabbi Akiva must have made love of fellow man the very essence of his curriculum. Yet it was his disciples who failed to treat each other with mutual respect. How do we understand the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students?
Letting Go of the ‘Old; Israel: A Talmudic Insight about 70 years
Israel fully understands that with power and wealth comes responsibility; it does not panic every time it is criticized; and can finally plan for the next 70 years instead of worrying about the next 70 days.
SHVII SHEL PESACH: The Essential Bones of Yoseph
SPECIAL FOR THE 7TH DAY OF PESACH
Passover Guide for the Perplexed, 2018
Wishing all a Happy Passover!
Ze’ev Jabotinsky on Passover
Jabotinsky’s story is said to be adapted to the psychology of four typical children.
If it Takes You More Than a Day to Clean for Pesach, You are...
I beg you to ask yourself this question: Which sounds will ring in your children’s ears in the future when they think back to Pesach in their home? Will it be moans, groans, bitterness and complaints or will they remember the joyous sounds of an energized family eagerly preparing for a meaningful Yom Tov?
Open Your Eyes
Look into the darkness, to search for the source of faithful illumination that can guide us along the path of spiritual integrity. The flames of the Chanukah menorah shine bright out of the deepest darkness, when the days are shortest and the cold of winter has descended.
Hanukah: Celebrating Hebrew Sovereignty Over Eretz Yisrael
The Maccabean revolt was not merely a struggle to revoke harsh decrees or secure freedom of worship. HaShem’s Divine blueprint for mankind demands Hebrew sovereignty over Eretz Yisrael
Move Over, Sandy Koufax
While NFL players are running away from their country and refusing to stand during the national anthem, Israel’s professional athletes are doing the complete opposite! They are connecting to their nation and showing just how proud they are to be Jewish.
Shmini Atzeres – Simchas Torah – V’zos Ha Beracha
It is so very hard to leave the holiness of the Sukkah but Shmini Atzeres offers a unique opportunity to attach ourselves to God and enjoy that special relationship.
Simchat Torah: The Unyielding Sefer Torah
Looking at and taking notice of a Sefer Torah is therefore of great value. Here is an item that has not changed an iota. Its physical nature attests to its stability. It is the only thing in the world that would not give in to innovation.
Simchat Torah in Soviet Russia 1928
An inspiring story of Jewish sacrifice and commitment during the early days of Communism
Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) Guide for the Perplexed, 2017
Sukkot has played a key role in the reconstruction of the Jewish Homeland and the ingathering of Jews – and their transition - to the Land of Israel.
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles): Guide for the Perplexed, 2017
The temporary structure of the Sukkah highlights the historical significance of the permanent Jewish State in the Land of Israel Chag Sameach!
SUCCOT
For the Jews whose minds are focused on Eretz Yisrael and what it represents, namely, Kedushah (holiness) and Tahara (purity), their Succahs become the embodiment of Eretz Yisrael.
The Lulav: Prosecutor Or Defendant?
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.
The Sukkah and Exile’s Positive Side
Sukkot is a holiday that brings a unique inner peace – a peace that would seem to resemble the messianic era, a universal acceptance of God’s moral and spiritual order; an order that is best advanced by helping the Jewish people serve God and further educate mankind.
Yom Kippur: Guide for the Perplexed
Yom Kippur’s focus on forgiveness highlights humility, fallibility, soul-searching faith, compassion, thoughtfulness, being considerate, accepting responsibility and magnanimity.
For the Sins of 5777 of…
May we be forgiven for these and all our mistakes and sins...