Judaism

Though the Torah commands many mitzvot that guide our relationship with Hashem, the mitzvot that govern interpersonal relationships are the most important. Disregarding them causes churban and subsequent mourning.

Question: In the many shuls that I've attended, I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan. Is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via Email

An individual may bring a Mincha offering, but it may not be offered in partnership, yet it's a communal offering.

Our sages warn us of the possibility that great Torah scholars can lead Israel away from serving HaShem.

Here is some practical advice regarding our current period of mourning as we approach Tisha B'Av.

The Rebbe spoke of the need to shine a beacon of light into these days of darkness through participation in a siyum during each one of the nine days.

In a 2010 Tablet Magazine piece, Lee Smith described how the U.S. counter-intelligence community took up the failed, decades-long effort by media and academics to undermine solid American support for Israel by criminalizing legitimate, pro-Israel advocacy in Washington...

Following his approach that each element of this mishna relates to advice for Torah study, Rabbi Lipschitz explains that knowing before whom you toil will also help with effective learning.

Age brings the reflection and detachment that allows us to stand back and not be swept along by the mood of the moment or passing fashion or the madness of the crowd.

Perhaps we still call our silent devotion Shemoneh Esrei, or Eighteen, even though in reality it is now nineteen, out of respect for the Anshei K’nesses HaGedolah, or because eighteen is the gematria of chai, life, emphasizing that we are actually praying for our lives and our livelihoods.

In general, in Jewish literature, association with animals is seen in a pejorative light. While certainly not anti-animal, classical Judaism sees humanity unequivocally as superior to the animals, following the account of Creation in the Torah.

There are two different types, or aspects, of perfection. The first is static perfection (sheleimus), where something is, has been, and always will be absolutely perfect. Such a being does not struggle, has no conflicting wills, and never fails.

Why, if we have so many masterful presentations which resonate so deeply and create such a deep impression, do we seem to struggle so much with the very issues these videos are targeting?

In this essay, we explore the verb romes and its etymology, with an attempt at discovering if and how romes differs from its apparent synonyms, dorech and boss.

Would one consider asking the question regarding Yom Kippur? While the two are not analogous, the shared uniqueness in the twenty-five hours of fasting reflects the awesomeness attributed to each.

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Geula was not the same as it is now. There were so many shopkeepers that lived there. Some were religious, some not. But it was a community. We all were one. And Ruti and I would go everywhere together.

When someone considers himself as a wicked person, there is a strong likelihood that will lead to him sinning even more.

Shlomo looked at his watch. It was already late afternoon; he wouldn't have time to go to the garage and get back to shul for Mincha. On the other hand, he knew that there was a mitzvah to pay wages promptly, on that day, and a prohibition – bal talin – to delay payment.

Completing An Assignment ‘A Get May Be Written And Given Even One Hundred Times’ (Gittin 63b)

The very fact that the Haggadah that we recite on Pesach speaks to four distinctive personalities is proof that our Sages realized that people are different and they articulate their belief in G-d in many ways.

Normally choose a Haftara that corresponds to Parshat Hashavua, but not during the Three Weeks.

The Chafetz Chaim explained that it took him a long time to complete his Shemoneh Esrei because of the time he spent reciting the Modim beracha. (He was shocked that others could say the beracha so quickly.)

Question: In the many shuls that I've attended, I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan. Is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via Email

The Rebbe speaks quickly and with a singsong. The chassidim stand around the table with closed eyes, trying to concentrate and hear every word. He speaks of the secrets of the Torah.

Indeed, we know what is of primary and what is of secondary importance in life, yet this understanding is not always easy to apply.

“Do not judge your fellow man until you have reached his place.” (Hillel, Pirkei Avos 2:4)

By waging war on Israel, even if not consciously aware of its inner motivation, a person or group is declaring war against the Source of all Creation.

Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable. -Jean de La Fontaine

The Ran expounds that one who builds a personal altar could mistakenly believe that he is actually doing a mitzvah by being extraordinarily scrupulous in offering sacrifices to Hashem. He doesn’t realize, though, that he is in fact committing a grave sin.