Judaism

While one may not intend to imbue the secular calendar with any religious significance, the prohibition of Do not follow their statutes (Vayikra 18:3) includes mimicking gentile customs or practices that have no explicit reason, as they may have originated among idolaters (see Rema, Yoreh De’ah 178:1, citing the Maharik).

Rabbi Akiva said: For what reason did the Torah say that a thief who slaughtered or sold a stolen animal pays the fourfold or fivefold payment? It is because he has become entrenched in sin by slaughtering or selling the animal he stole.

I hear my mother’s voice, in the final years of her life, that she sees her childhood visions haunting her. The world is on fire and we are sleeping, she would insist over and over again.

The aspect of G-d that appears in the days of Moses and the Israelites is radically different, and it’s only because we are so used to the story that we find it hard to see how radical it was.

Certainly, Hashem has the power, if He wills it, to bring about redemption in a sudden fashion, as He did in Mitzrayim. However, if after our many centuries of exile we are still not worthy of redemption in our own merit, there are natural processes at work in the universe that will bring it about inevitably.

The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names. - Chinese Proverb Sun and Moon

The first two plagues should have convinced Pharaoh that these were the work of G-d, not the work of magic.

One should be galvanized and inspired to plead to the Omnipotent Hashem to be saved from any challenge in any situation. One should never despair of begging for kindness and compassion from the All Merciful.

We say, Shema koleinu Hashem Elokeinu – Listen to our voices, Hashem our G-d. The name Hashem denotes the attribute of rachamim, mercy, while the name Elokeinu is the attribute of din, strict justice.

It is explained that each child was taught his specific verse because it began and ended with the first and last letters of his Hebrew name.

While this story is one of extraordinary commitment and loyalty, it is also one of utter foolishness.

To answer the question, we need to look at the opposite end of the spectrum and ask if we Americans are too sensitive and wimpy.

Many talmidei chachamim do not observe the strict view on Chalav Yisrael, and one has a right to be lenient if he wishes to be

Between the words that are written in the Torah we must hear the voice of Hashem calling each and every one of us in our time.

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This isn't just any party. It's a chanukas habayis plus seudas hodaya for your smooth recuperation. We can't just serve sponge cake.

Rashba (1:1028) maintains that the estate is liable for the duration of the rental term, unless the lease allows early termination, because a rental is like a sale for that period.

Suffer The Thief ‘One Stole And Another Stole It From Him …’ (Bava Kamma 68a)

Don’t look for a particular party, look for the heart and soul of those who “get it” on the issues that matter to us.

Who or what does the burning bush represent?

This is not only about resiliency or a return to the routine of daily life and normal functioning. It is rather growth as a direct, beneficial consequence of the trauma itself.

Prayer is part of how we express this faith. Turning to Hashem in difficult times expresses our belief that Hashem is the One behind our suffering as well as the solution to it.

Question: Is it proper to look at tzitzit and kiss them during the recitation of the Keriat Shema? M. Stern Via email

This saintly man became the founder of Chabad chassidism, a movement that developed into one of the strongest and most dynamic branches of chassidism.

Due to the many doubts surrounding where and when this blessing should be said, many authorities rule that the blessing should not be said B'shem U'malchut - with Hashem's name.

According to some opinions (Zohar, Va'eira 25b), Moshe was cured of his speech impediment, along with the rest of Am Yisrael who were cured of their ailments, before Matan Torah.

After despairing of a slave revolt, did Moshe seek to create a new nation in Midian to replace Israel?

Reuven may seem a little silly until we consider that we are all Reuven at some time or another.

When we live holistic lives, tapping into the true meaning of existence, life becomes a song, a magical and immersive experience.

Korach’s motives were wrong. He spoke like a democrat but what he wanted was to be an autocrat. He wanted to be a leader himself.