Pure Hypocrisy – Parshat Pinchas
Sinning, while purporting to do something positive, is hypocrisy par excellence.
The Divine Soul
In fact, our sages tell us that Pinchas did not concern himself at all with his physical needs. Rather he served Hashem with truth and sincerity, only heeding the spiritual benefit in his life.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Pinchas: Counter-productive Ambition
The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream. -William Shakespeare
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Fifteen
How surprised I was when he answered with a flourish that the most important blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei is T’kah b’shofar gadol l’cheiruseinu, our bracha that we beseech Hashem to initiate the final Redemption!
Legacy of a Zealot – Parshat Pinchas
A true pursuer of peace/completeness is one who identifies the obstacles to HaShem’s Ideal for this world and works passionately to remove them.
The Supreme Stamp Of Approval
The Korban Sotah in Marah removed all doubts from the minds of Bnei Yisrael regarding the integrity of their families.
Inherit The Torah
It is of interest, say the Sages, that Moshe’s request for a new leader immediately follows the inheritance of the daughters of Tzlofchad.
How Good Is Your Sanctuary
When our own spiritual striving is met by the support of Hashem through His love for us, then we enter into His house.
Bilaam and Shema Yisrael
The connection between Bilaam and the Shema Yisrael prayer.
The Secret of Bilaam’s Prophecy – Parshat Balak
While Moav & Midian championed a separation of 'religion' & state, Israel’s mission demands that spiritual ideals be materialized on a national level so that our Torah’s values be fully expressed on earth.
I am More than Me, Myself, and I
The concept of “Beshert" in life
A Tale of Two Donkeys
With this in mind, let us contrast two iconic figures in the Torah, both with donkey-related incidents.
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Fourteen
We start the blessing asking Hashem to bless us with a profitable good year... Why are we praying for this every day when the Gemara teaches us -Mezonasov shel adam kitzuvin lo mei’Rosh Hashana – The livelihood of the person is fixed on the New Year and sealed on Yom Kippur.
The Eye Of The Beholder
There are many other halachos in Shulchan Aruch concerning the Evil Eye. We do not count people for a minyan, for example; and two brothers, or a son and a father, should not be called up consecutively to the Torah for an aliyah.
The Richer Fruit Of Mercy To Others
People can be cruel to people they perceive as different. A sense of difference can be easily translated into a malignant moral hierarchy.
On Keeping Some Things To Ourselves
Perhaps you are familiar with this question: “If a tree fell in the forest and no one heard it, did it make a sound?”
Or,...
Raising Holiness – Parshat Korach
The coal pans of the rebels were used for the altar.
No More Strife
It would seem that this is an appropriate week to distance ourselves from Korach's path and put an end to all lingering controversy and strife.
The Value of Effective Communication – Parshat Ḥukat
Communicating the Jewish people's deepest aspirations can often serve to raise morale & strengthen Israel’s position on the battlefield.
Rebellious Ones
Korach and his group may be cynical, but they make good claims. Indeed, every member of the Jewish people is holy! Is that not so?
Humble Giant
It is the presence of humility that determines whether one merits leadership of the Jewish Nation; and, if one becomes arrogant after he assumes leadership, Hashem removes him from that position.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Chukat: Mouth Shut Open
Remember, every time you open your mouth to talk, your mind walks out and parades up and down the words. -Edwin H. Stuart
Parashat Chukat: The Meaning of Life, Depression and The Red Heifer
Depression is one of the worst conditions a human being may suffer.
There are several reasons for the occurrence of depression. One that is very...
Revitalizing Our Prayers – Part Thirteen
We add Ki sihilaseinu Attah – For You are our praise. Rab Yechezkel Abramsky, zt”l, zy”a, explains that we are clarifying that we understand our deliverance from sickness ultimately comes from Hashem. The doctor is only His agent.
Calling The Name Of Hashem
Shmuel overcome his baser nature and his worldly urges in order to fully devote himself to leading Israel in purity and doing the will of Hashem.
The Power Of Ketoret
Am Yisrael accused Moshe of murdering Korach and his followers by instructing them to offer a Ketoret offering outside the Mishkan, knowing full well what the consequences of such an action would be.
A Chief Rabbi And A Great Father Too
He would praise me even for grades that were not so good. He wanted me to feel good and successful even if I did not receive a hundred percent.
Equality – Parshat Koraḥ
Our equality doesn't result from being created identical but rather from the fact that we each have equally crucial functions and important roles to play as part of Israel's greater historic mission.
Parshat Korach and the ‘Just Not Bibi’ Protesters
Parshat Korach reminds us to remain vigilant against those who manipulate democratic ideals for personal gain.
Stiff-Necked
When a person maintains clarity of mind and the Torah is the basis of his rationale, the Evil Inclination will not be able to mislead him to go against the will of Hashem...