Judaism

In the parshah we just read, G-d says to Moshe Rabbeinu: 'And I, too, heard the groans of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians are holding in bondage, and I remembered My covenant.'

On days that we recite Hallel, why do we do so before Keriat HaTorah? Shouldn’t the Torah reading come first based on the rule that whenever two matters face us, we do the more frequent one first (tadir v’she’eino tadir, tadir kodem)? Menachem

What were the necessary steps for Israel to develop a national consciousness ahead of leaving Egypt?

The Rebbe refused to accept his mishloach manos until he promised to control his temper.

He could have stressed the evilness of slavery or underscored the responsibilities of freedom... Instead, though, Moshe spoke about children and education. At that moment, in Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’s words, “the Israelites were told that they had to become a nation of educators.”

Moses’ insight was profound. He knew that you cannot change the world by externalities alone, by monumental architecture, or armies and empires, or the use of force and power.

Clearly, the plagues weren’t the result of chance; they pointed to the hand of Hashem.

He thus encouraged everyone to utilize their talents and natural abilities to influence Jews to reinforce and advance their level of Torah observance.

The Zohar interestingly seems to echo this idea (Bo 34a), stating that “Bo el Pharaoh” teaches us that G-d brought Moses into some sort of heavenly inner chamber that was somehow associated with the sea-creature that characterizes Egypt.

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Should a Jew avoid living in Germany? What about doing business there?

Human nature is to get used to things and not wanting change.

Rashi and Hazal are telling us Egypt was much closer to current diasporas than we think

In the grand room where the chuppah would be held, chairs were spaced apart. In spite of this needed distance, we felt only closeness from our guests.

Mazal Tov! ‘They Recited Shema Yisrael’ (Pesachim 56a)

Norman responded, “Captain, nobody is going to storm City Hall, but go and tell the mayor that he’s got to come out and see all of us.”

Advice for this stressful time: Rav Shlomo Wolbe said that we should pray at the start of the day over crises that we know will come.

On those days that we recite Hallel, why do we do so before Keriat HaTorah? Shouldn’t the Torah reading come first based on the rule that whenever two matters face us, we do the more frequent one first (tadir v’she’eino tadir, tadir kodem)? Menachem

When looking back into our history we often find examples of people being in the right time and place, and making history that gave meaning and purpose to their entire existence.

All three individuals can do what was previously thought unachievable because their will and resolve unearth hidden strengths.

The ten plagues were part of a deliberate process to educate not only Egypt and Israel but also humanity.

Although I don't know you... I have heard about you that the spirit of G-d shines in you.

Rabbi Pappenheim writes that “achu” refers to the brotherhood between the different animals that join up in fertile land to feast on its produce.

Leadership, even of the very highest order, is often marked by failure.

As a young man, raised with royal treatment in Pharaoh’s palace, Moshe Rabbeinu didn’t allow himself to relax in splendor. Rather, he went out to his suffering brethren and shared in their fate.

Pharaoh’s refusal to believe in the miraculous power of G-d is evident even before the plagues begin.

Shabbos Times

Should a parent encourage a child who wants to join the U.S. Army?

This story is actually a brilliant depiction of the interplay between divine providence and free will. Without taking away our ability to “surprise Him,” God – when needed – doesn’t hesitate to steer us in the direction He wants.

For the past number of decades there has been much religious tolerance and Jews have been able to serve their religion without fear, for the most part.