Our Life In Perspective
People often see themselves as worth more than they actually are. Remembering our lowly origins and eventual demise humbles us.
The Pursuit Of Perfection
Because when you reduce humanity to its essence, there is only the naked will and the Torah which complements it, so that man becomes a spiritual being, an enlightened consciousness.
Why We Celebrate Lag B’Omer (Part I)
Although one might think that a day of fasting and introspection would be in order for the yahrzeit of a tzaddik, as is the case regarding the yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu, Lag Ba'Omer is uniquely different.
Steep Climb
Because we are so blessed with material comfort and convenience, we need to remember that growth and greatness only come with exertion, persistence, and effort. Discomfort, and often pain, are par for the course.
Showing Teeth
Although the word shein usually means “tooth,” sometimes it refers to things made out of ivory, which is a material made out of teeth.
Is it proper for a man to dye his hair?
It is clear that the prohibition obtains only when one dyes his hair to achieve the same result as women who dye their hair.
Israeli Independence Day
As we moved around the country to different locations, every section had its own beautiful way of celebrating on this special day. I was so proud. And felt so honored to be living here in the holy land of Israel.
Selling Part Of A Season Ticket To A Non-Jew
If we have seats, and charge someone for using them for Shabbos, answered Sol, perhaps it's like we're charging rent for the seats for the Shabbos games!
Daf Yomi
Incurring Lashes?
“On That Day Rabbi Akiva Expounded”
(Sotah 27b)
The Importance Of Relationships
Rashbatz adds that there is also a positive aspect to social pressure. Fear of social consequences can be an effective motivator to avoid ethical and spiritual violations.
Q & A: Sefirat Ha’omer Which Day? (Part III)
Question: We celebrate two days of Passover in chutz la’aretz, the Diaspora, because we are unsure as to which is the first day of Passover. If such is the case, what is the basis for beginning the count of sefirat ha’omer in chutz la’aretz on the second night of Passover?
M. Goldman
Via email
Aware Of Awareness
Obviously, our awareness of the constant presence of Hashem’s “eyes” should have an even stronger impact. That is part of what makes religion a force for honest and altruistic behavior and mitzvah observance: the belief that G-d sees what we do.
The Special Month Of Iyar
Iyar represents the return to the mundane – going back to work after Yom Tov. At this point, it becomes difficult to infuse our Torah learning and mitzvah doing with warmth in a cold and mundane world.
Knowledge is Power: 6 ESSENTIAL Facts about the Holocaust
We face Holocaust denial, ignorance, and forgetfulness, as well as claims that the Holocaust was not a unique or particularly anti-Jewish event. It is therefore more important than ever not only to remember what happened, but to make a commitment never to forget.
Parshat Metzora – Mitzvot that Challenge Values
While it is unfortunate that even observant Diaspora Jews can be corrupted by the moral values of their host countries, the greater tragedy is that they are not living up to their full potential in life.
Parshat Tazria – Striving for Positive Achievement
Teaching a bigger Torah would not only succeed in bringing back more disconnected Jews but also in advancing the Hebrew mission of illuminating the world with the light of HaShem’s Truth.
Watch Your Mouth
If you want to understand the origin of something, search for the first time it is mentioned in the Torah.
Revitalizing Our Prayers (Part Six)
Hashem’s manifestations of holiness serve as a model for how we can be holy.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Tazria-Metzora: Idolatrous Self-Gratification
Mankind are an incorrigible race. Give them but bugbears and idols -- it is all that they ask; the distinctions of right and wrong, of truth and falsehood, of good and evil, are worse than indifferent to them. -William Hazlitt
The Plague of Evil Speech
What was the connection between the internal Jewish struggle and the Christian burning of Jewish books?
Sefiras Ha’Omer: Achieving The Impossible
In truth, we are not counting down to Matan Torah, but rather are building toward it, ascending one day at a time.
It Happened On Tuesday
Our commentaries say that if a person has animosity in their heart towards another, it would actually be better to be open and tell them about it rather than to harbor ill feelings and transgress this prohibition.
Chair of Thrones
Maimonides (Guide for the Perplexed 1:9) writes that the idea of a kisseh implies importance and power, presumably because in ancient times ordinary people did not have chairs but merely sat on whatever flat surfaces were available.
The Prohibition Of Taking Sefarim And Produce Out Of Eretz Yisrael
Almost all contemporary halachic authorities rule that in our day, when sefarim are abundant and relatively inexpensive, it is permitted to ship or otherwise take sefarim out of Eretz Yisrael without exception.
Greater Adventure
There were some key phrases she used that resonated with me; quips such as, It’s a no brainer and Have your money do the work for you.
My Pesach Vacation In Dubai
Dubai was so majestic and picturesque that it gave me clarity and strengthened my faith how royal I am as a Jew, and just how beautiful and wonderful the true and final Redemption will actually be.
Honoring The Memory & Legacy of Yehoshua Bin-Nun
Yehoshua was one of Israel's greatest leaders because he represented the ideal expression of the Yosef force - one consciously rooted in, guided by and completely subordinate to the Hebrew mission.
1 Million Shoes Saved, 1 Million Lives Destroyed
Reflections from Rabbi Sacks’ following his first visit to Auschwitz in 1995