Haggadah Refresh: A Review Of Two Seder Masterworks
Although the haggadah is the essential tool to convey historical occurrences, the development of our People, and Jewish self-awareness, frequently the new releases have so many sideshows and kitschy illustrations that the message gets lost in the sauce.
The Ever-Amazing Reb Elimelech (Part XV)
Reb Elimelech maintained that just for him alone they will have to make a new Gehinnom, for the one that already exists is not adequate enough. He also commented – in his infinite humility – that the reason people come to him and request his assistance with children, health and parnassah is because it is his sins that are responsible for the absence of these blessings.
A Humbling Lesson (Part III)
Nothing is more effective to diminish envy than gratitude.
Reb Elimelech M’Lizhensk (Part VII)
In 1648 and 1649 Bogdan Chmelnitzky and his hordes of Cossack warriors perpetrated an annihilation campaign against the Jews of Poland and the Ukraine. Almost 100,000 Jews and 300 communities perished at the hands of these murderous mobs. All of the Jews, including infants, were targeted for murder; the general populaces nearly always joined in the attacks, and the torture and degradation of Jews was an integral aspect of the murderer’s procedures.
Clandestine Weapons For A New State
For the washing machine to conceal the noise and smell of the factory, it had to be in use 24 hours a day – which adds up to a lot of loads for a small kibbutz. Even the clothing had to do its share for the nascent State...
The Judge Knot
Should the judge be strict and abide by the law, or make an exception because of the circumstances?
Guard Your Influence (V)
This Torah family, despite being in mourning, truly understood the value of every act and how it could change the world.
The Way To React With Tact
In most cases, people don't desire us to fix their problems or provide perspective, they wish us to acknowledge their feelings and show that we care about their experience.
The Voyage Of The Exodus 1947
Exodus passengers were separated on the port into men and women, invoking the worst associations to these concentration camp survivors.
The 29th Of November And Its Aftermath
Eight days after he was sworn into office, Truman was visited by a Zionist delegation headed by Rabbi Steven S. Wise. Truman told his visitors that he supported the Zionist goals, but he was very concerned about the very vocal opposition of the State Department.
Perhaps The Chofetz Chaim Never Imagined; But He Did Predict
If the walls have ears (as the Midrash points out) then how much more so, human beings.
Reb Elimelech M’Lizhensk (Part I)
Just when it seemed that the Jews could never recover from the ruinous events of the 17th and 18th centuries, their plight was worsened yet, by even heavier taxes imposed by the Polish government.
Breakfast And Happiness (Part I)
After having written this column for so many years, and covering so many topics, I am (finally) bowing to the numerous requests to write about our blessed family. More specifically, I shall commit to paper everyone’s favorite routine: the scene at our breakfast table.
Close Encounters With Rav Elyashiv, zt”l
I didn’t let go of what I correctly perceived was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and accompanied Rav Elyashiv all the way home – again just the two of us.
Israel’s Inventive Capture Of The Negev
Israel’s innovative, young commander of the Negev campaign was Yigal Allon. In order to break the Egyptian hold, he would have to get his troops to the south undetected. This was a significant challenge as the only surfaced road was bordered by several Egyptian strongholds.
What Motivates Our Decisions?
Who could ever know if learning with disciples was preferable to pursuing self-growth and attaining spiritual perfection at the feet of the generation’s most respected saint?
A Humbling Lesson (VIII)
If we are certain that God is on our side, we can easily become arrogant and even cruel
The Noachesque Perspective
Sometimes when we are locked in our little boxes, we, like Noach in the ark, need a window. When we think our world is crumbling and that we are doomed to a fate that is too difficult to bear, the Almighty tells us to make a window.
Three Boats, One Message
On board were 769 refugees bound for Palestine. This should have been a voyage of just a few days, but due to engine trouble, the boat headed to Istanbul for repair.
The Kielce Pogrom
The Poles were also fearful that the Jews who had returned to Kielce would reclaim their prewar houses and businesses.
The Yale Five (III)
The Yale 5 were treated liked pariahs by their fellow Jewish students; their beliefs rejected
The Impetus For Two Improbable Movements
By 1939, not only had Novardhok reestablished itself on Polish soil, but it also had a network of 85 yeshivos! This dynamic phenomenon, unparalleled in Jewish history, came about as a result of a single statement.
President Truman’s Recognition Of Israel
Eight days after Truman became president, he was visited by a Zionist delegation headed by Rabbi Steven S. Wise. The President told his guests that he supported the Zionist goals, but he was very concerned about opposition from the State Department.
Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer, zt”l, And The Gedolim
The technician was certain that the Rabbi intended to upbraid him personally for having caused him discomfort and for attempting to continue against his will. Rav Moshe, however, had something else in mind.
A Tribute For The Lion Of Justice, Norman Rosenbaum, z”l (Conclusion)
If secular Jewish groups refused to get involved with the Crown Heights Riots because it was so politically incorrect – “chassidim victimized by African-Americans” – how much more so would the Democrats wish to steer clear?
Friendship To The Rescue
The United States was convinced that Israel could never prevail against so many Arabs and feared that U.S. troops would be called in to save Israel.
The Ever-Amazing Reb Elimelech (Part XIV)
As has been noted in a previous column, Reb Elimelech – like the Baal Shem Tov before him – asserted that pessimism and depression cause sin and spiritual apathy. Repentance (yes, even repentance!) that causes depression and sadness distances the Holy Presence.
Guard Your Influence (II)
A person's environment can work for the good or the bad; but it works more powerfully for the bad.
The Rubashkin Saga – XI
Rubashkin was treated like no other defendant ever arrested on illegal immigration violations. The federal prosecutors sent marshals to handcuff and shackle him as they led him past a phalanx of waiting photographers and TV crews
The Celestial Phone Call
So why then are we not attentive enough to all of the signs that surround us? I have not the psychological training to analyze this question, but what seems clear is that slumber is not only restricted to our beds.
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