The Path From Hedonism To Apostasy
Above all, Ephraim becomes seduced by physicality. The little bit of pleasure he allowed himself dragged him into the pursuit of pleasure itself.
Willpower
It is told that if even a grain of salt inadvertently fell on the table, the great tzaddik R’ Yechezkel of Shinyev was scrupulous to put it back in the dish. He felt that discarding the salt was a display of disrespect for food.
What Do You Dream About?
Yaakov is now so confident in his newly acquired ability to protect himself from the scammers of the world, that he feels that he doesn’t need G-d’s help. So he heads straight for the web of deception in Charan.
How Much Do You Sleep?
The second project is 'A Home for Life.' It was established a little more than a year ago. This is a home for girls with special needs. They integrate into the community as they acquire life skills and learn how to live independently.
Surviving Life’s Tests
Despite Yitzchak’s financial and even familial successes, such alienation, disappointment, and betrayal must have been immensely painful for him.
Perseverance
Our sages tell us that the daughters of Tzlafchad had a strong love for the Land of Israel. As such, they were not willing to surrender their father’s portion in the Land of Israel, just because he had died without sons. They therefore came to Moshe to demand his portion.
Parshat Toldot – The Israel-Edom Conflict
The subconscious realization that the nation of Israel is ascending to become mankind's dominant moral light compels Western civilization to try limiting the size and strength of the Jewish state.
Torah Shorts: Parshat Toldot: The Spiritual Road to Material Riches
"Riches do not consist in the possession of treasures but in the use made of them."-Napoleon Bonaparte
Shabbos Pointers (Part III)
After announcements, we say Ein Keilokeinu. This prayer contains a lot of words, and sometimes the chazzan rushes through it all too fast. It is for this reason that I’m fond of those who sing the Ein Keilokeinu with its famous chant since it slows people down from the end of davening rush.
The Filthy Priests Of Debauchery
Malachi warns the nation of Israel not to take lightly the kohanim – past, present, or future – who are tzaddikim, who are worthy of their patrimony and who set an example by their own conduct for the proper characteristics of righteousness.
The First Pesach Seder – Toldot
This is not the first Pesach Seder mentioned in the Torah; that was when the three angels visited Avraham and he instructed Sarah to make matzos.
A Parshah For Zionists: Chayyei Sarah
Torah begins with the creation of the world in order to provide the counter-argument against those who would accuse the Jews of "stealing" the Land of Israel: Hebron; Shechem; Jerusalem-All 3 cities established and essential to Jewish history and identity
A Taste Of Eternity
Last week marks two years since the passing of Rabbi Professor Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and one of the most eminent Jewish voices of our generation.
Parshat Chayei Sarah: A Partnership in Giving
While the 'love' that exists before marriage can be easy, enjoyable and free from responsibility, the true test for a couple is to forge and strengthen a deep spiritual bond of love after the wedding.
Kosher Food
Our sages tell us that it is only specifically through food that a mishap is not generated through a righteous person, because it would be disgraceful if a tzaddik consumed forbidden food.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Chaye Sara: The Ultimate Agent
The condition of an enlightened mind is a surrendered heart. -Alan Redpath
Shabbos Pointers (Part II)
When you come to shul, don’t hang out in the hall. If you paid money to go to a concert or a sports event, you would not idle the time away outside in the hallway. When you come to the House of G-d, surely it should be no different.
Of Legitimate And Illegitimate Leaders
Much of the end of David’s life is marred by battle between the brothers and even occasionally between the brothers and their father over who will rule once David is gone.
A Mother’s Blessing – Chayei Sarah
Instead of Avraham donning his “superman cape” and praying to Hashem for help, he defers all responsibility to his wife, Sarah. Avraham seems powerless and totally dependent on Sarah for their salvation.
STOP BOWING TO BUSYNESS
Time to wash our feet of the illusion that busyness=productivity
Avraham’s Admirable Failures
If I am indeed correct that each of the four descriptions of Yitzchak represents a different aspect of the test and Avraham is only congratulated for two, could it not be that Avraham did not pass the two aspects of the test that went unmentioned?
Parshat Vayeira: The Binding of Yitzchak
A deep understanding of events helps us appreciate how Avraham’s transgression provided the opportunity for him to ascend incredible heights through an unbelievable act of tshuva m'ahava.
A Lavish Lunch – Vayeira
After preparing the delicacies, Avraham then waited on the guests, serving milk, butter and the three tongues in mustard sauce. The Malbim says that first Yishmael served the milk and butter and after that, Avraham served the meat, to separate milk and meat according to halacha.
In The Doorway
Our sages tell us that throughout history, the Jewish nation have always “sat at the entrance” of the countries as they settled in exile, apprehensive of the uncertainties of galus.
Don’t Draw Too Much Attention To Yourself
Rabbeinu Bachye teaches that it is dangerous for a person to be counted as an individual, rather than to rely upon the communal prayers and collective welfare.
Shabbos Pointers (Part I)
Fathers should bless their children – giving each one a moment of unique attention. Children have testified that they avoided temptations by conjuring up the loving image of their father blessing them before Kiddush.
Lekh Lekha: Avraham’s Valor
It is precisely Avraham’s valiant behavior in battle that proves the authenticity of his compassion to all of HaShem’s creatures, presenting a model of true kindness for the Hebrew nation to uphold.
Keep Your Enemies Close – Parshas Lech Lecha
No sooner has G-d told Avram that the land of Israel belongs to him and his descendants, there is a famine in the land and Avram finds himself on the road to Egypt. This is one of the tests of faith he undergoes to see whether he will question G-d.
TORAH SHORTS: Parshat Lech Lecha: Attracted to Holiness
A soul without a high aim is like a ship without a rudder. -Eileen Caddy
With Perfect Faith
The Zohar tells us that the 248 positive Torah commandments correspond to the 248 limbs of a person. The numerical equivalent of Avraham’s name is 248, to tell us that Avraham Avinu achieved that level of subservience where all his limbs were dedicated to fulfilling the will of Hashem.