Parshas Chukas: Fatal Error
After listening to the driver’s incredible story, Rabbi Levenstein asked him, “What about you? After seeing such a miracle why didn’t you became Torah observant?”
Earning A Living Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult
The rock doesn’t have needs, yet it listens to Hashem. How much more so should we, who have so many needs?
Rov Vs. Chazakah
How can we be certain that any animal can be counted toward ma’asar beheimah when perhaps it is a treifah?
The Message Of Parah Adumah
Scientific disciplines don’t ask "why", a metaphysical question. They ask "how does it function?”
Daf Yomi
A Siyum Validates It
‘Thereupon The Decrees Were Annulled’
(Ta’anis 18a)
Q & A: Birkat HaGomel (Part VI)
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait?
Name Withheld
(Via E-Mail)
What A View!
"You cannot restrain Ari from building a fence on his property," answered Rabbi Dayan.
A True Disciple
Question: How can one determine whether someone is a true disciple of a rav, Rebbe, or rosh yeshiva?
A Journey Worth Taking
A few seats away, I noticed a man with a Mishnah in hand, talking intently into a cell phone. I soon realized the man was participating in a Daf Yomi shiur, utilizing his traveling time well.
Chukat: Was Hitting the Rock So Horrible?
What was the small act of Moshe talking to the rock meant to teach the people of Israel?
Two Little Words That Go So Far
The two words "thank you" have no time expiration; even if spoken after many years they’re as potent as ever.
Keeping The Ego In Check
Leaders must be careful to subdue their ego. The cause is larger than the personal concerns of one person.
Shabbos Mevorchim Tammuz
Known by all as a happy-go-lucky fellow, Yossel’s lackluster parnassah never got the better of him. His dejected-looking wife, however, hardly shared his simchas ha’chayim and Yossel would often attempt to cheer her with words of chizuk.
The Nation’s Guardians Do Not Sleep
When it comes to passing on Jewishness we must follow the mother - for it is she who ensures it.
Parshat Korach
Although famous for his smile, Ike Eisenhower actually harbored a volcanic temper that he worked arduously to control.
The Power Of The Spoken Word
Clearly, they were lacking in bitachon. Their faith in Hashem was deficient. But they weren’t guilty of speaking lashon hara.
Cool Emergency
"I would understand if I became sick and could not finish," said Mr. Braun. "But here it was my choice to stop the work and go take care of my mother."
Separating The Kohanim
This separation between Kohanim, Levi’im and Yisraelim obligates us to honor kohanim.
Roe V. Wade In Jewish Law
Question: Does halacha agree with the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade permitting women to have abortions?
Korach: Can We Influence God?
Is it possible for us to influence God?
The Rainmaker (Tefillat Hageshem)
The prayer of Mashiv haruach u’morid hageshem mentions God’s rainmaking powers but it is not an immediate request for rain.
Daf Yomi
A Unique Challenge
‘Tithe, You Shall Tithe…’
(Ta’anis 9a)
Q & A: Birkat HaGomel (Part V)
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait?
Name Withheld
(Via E-Mail)
The Lost Mezuzah
It’s written, it says, with all the segulos for shalom bayis and you gave it as a gift to a chassan and kallah.
A Humbling Lesson (Part I)
Thinking about how much we can do in comparison to what we have done serves as a corrective against pride and arrogance.
One Nation, United In Anguish
Let us shake the heavens. Let us not stop until our boys and all our people are liberated from bondage.
Parshas Shelach: What Caused Rachav’s Epiphany
Yehoshua knew that the outcome of the battles would depend not on military might, but on the spiritual strength of Klal Yisrael.
Parshas Shelach: The Cow And The Hero
Twelve of the greatest leaders of the nation, one from each shevet, were dispatched to survey the land. The results of that mission were catastrophic.