Miracle Oil
There is a glaring difference between the Beis Yosef’s answers.
Mesorah: The Gift And The Responsibility
Hanukah reminds us of the challenges in Galus. How we understand & react to Galus defines us as Jews
Do Not Shame: Tamar’s Righteous Lesson
Tamar realizes Judah has no intention of giving her his last son. Now trapped-an agunah-she acts
Breaching & Provoking
Chanukah celebrates those willing to provoke the Greeks & prod the Jewish people from their slumber.
Aleph Beta: Vayeishev: Harlots & Coats & Goats, Oh My!
Is Vayeishev,this weeks parsha, a chapter in Genesis or an episode of Game of Throne?!
Redeeming Relevance on the Weekly Parsha: VaYeishev
Tamar initiates the process, opening Yehudah’s eyes to her essence; “clothes don’t make the (wo)man"
Wrestling with Our Enemy – Then and Now
We face bitter adversaries who find glory in the act of randomly, mercilessly killing good people
A Matter Of Perspective
The Mesilas Yesharim (Chapter 1) explains that our purpose in this world is to gain entry into the World to Come. The medium for that is Torah and mitzvos, for which one can only achieve reward in this world.
IS HIS NAME YA’AKOV, YISRAEL OR BOTH?
People have 1 name because it supposedly reflects identity. What if a person has a double identity?
Spiritual And Physical Challenges
We must re-focus our priorities & our communal resources from Jewish defense to Jewish spirituality
Parshas Vayishlach
We’re the westernmost Jewish community on the planet (!) thus always “wrapping it up” for Klal Yisroel by making the last kiddush or havdalla, lighting the last Menorah, etc.
The Merit Of Eretz Yisrael
The answer to this question can best be understood with a perspective on capitalism.
Daf Yomi
The Burning Of Kever Yosef
‘Alongside Shechem’
(Sotah 32a)
Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XIX)
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah?
Zvi Kirschner
(Via E-Mail)
True Strength
Jewish history is the story of exile. Jacob blazed the trail for the Jews in exile.
Down To Earth (Korban Minchat Choteh Vesotah)
When a person who has given in to his or her animal instincts wishes to bring a sacrifice to atone for such conduct, the sacrifice should be as basic and unadorned as the instincts to which he or she gave in.
Eras & Archers
Of course Hashem still cares for His people and can still perform miracles.
The Day I Missed My Stop
Although I did not know it yet, missing my stop was predestined.
Name Changing
In any event, how do we explain the fact that Hashem changed Avraham’s name entirely but merely added another name to Yaakov’s?
What Differentiates Us From the Barbarians
Celebrating acts of terror & praising the killers as “holy martyrs” can only emanate from barbarians
Jacob’s Justifiable Distress
“Jacob was very afraid and distressed.” His fear was physical-fear of death. His distress was moral.
Details & Foundations
By making two lists-Details & Foundations-you will find your Thanks will become an act of Giving.
Aleph Beta: Vayishlach: Difficult Conversations
Join us as we consider the story of the Rape of Dina with the respect and understanding it deserves.
Alaska
I told her that I could teach him the brachos to make on the Torah, he could get an aliyah, and in addition, I would help him write a short dvar Torah from the parsha.
Every Relationship Contains Elements Of Surprise
How is it possible that Yaakov didn't know he spent his wedding night with Leah rather than Rachel?
Learn With Your Son!
"Does Mr. Goodman have to pay me the $1,000 he agreed to for learning with my son?" Danny asked.
The Influence Of Society
Yaakov Avinu wasn’t afraid that he would learn to steal because of Lavan; he was afraid that his image of what is considered normal behavior might be affected.
Daf Yomi
Incurring Lashes?
‘On That Day Rabbi Akiva Expounded’
(Sotah 27b)