When Revolution Reigns Outside
In the days of radical change and revolution, everyone is swept outside. Private matters are pushed off, family life does not merit any attention, no one thinks it’s time to invest in the home.
Beshalah: Between Freedom & Liberation
Between the smashing of Egypt's military at the Sea of Reeds and the war against Amalek at Rephidim, the Hebrews had to develop a national perception of Emuna in preparation for receiving the Torah.
How Much Do You Trust?
The Mechilta D’Rebbi Yishmael comments that the Torah can only be elucidated by those who ate from the mahn.
Were The Jews Being Greedy?
After such a miracle, how could the Jews possibly think about accumulating material wealth?
Hearing Another’s Cry
In the parshah we just read, G-d says to Moshe Rabbeinu: 'And I, too, heard the groans of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians are holding in bondage, and I remembered My covenant.'
Bo: Israel’s Internal Transformation
What were the necessary steps for Israel to develop a national consciousness ahead of leaving Egypt?
You Can Change Your Nature
The Rebbe refused to accept his mishloach manos until he promised to control his temper.
Making Every Jew An Activist
He thus encouraged everyone to utilize their talents and natural abilities to influence Jews to reinforce and advance their level of Torah observance.
How BAD Was the Slavery in Egypt?
Rashi and Hazal are telling us Egypt was much closer to current diasporas than we think
Advice From Rav Hirsch and Rabbanit Mizrahi
Advice for this stressful time: Rav Shlomo Wolbe said that we should pray at the start of the day over crises that we know will come.
It’s All A Matter Of Will
All three individuals can do what was previously thought unachievable because their will and resolve unearth hidden strengths.
Va’eira: The Divine Revelation To Humanity
The ten plagues were part of a deliberate process to educate not only Egypt and Israel but also humanity.
Devotion In Prayer: Central To Yiddishkeit
Although I don't know you... I have heard about you that the spirit of G-d shines in you.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Va’Eira: A Quantitative Approach to Free Will
This story is actually a brilliant depiction of the interplay between divine providence and free will. Without taking away our ability to “surprise Him,” God – when needed – doesn’t hesitate to steer us in the direction He wants.
From Moshe To Moshe
Moshe (which means "drawn out”) was drawn out of the water and he in turn drew the people out of the depths of slavery and ignorance into a life of freedom and Torah.
Sh’mot: The Revolutionary Lawgiver
Did Moshe attempt to create a new Hebrew nation that would replace the children of Israel and be born free from the psychological degradation of slavery?
Do You Really Fear G-d?
If a diamond is exposed to the heat of a flame for 30-45 seconds and then dropped in icy water, it won’t react to the extreme temperature change.
The Aim Of Chassidus: Heartfelt Prayer
It is known among all the world’s religions that it is impossible for all members of a religion to be equally careful in observing the religion absolutely with all one’s heart and soul in all details.
Owning Up to Our Role in Our Troubles
A cautionary tale
A Scratch On A Diamond
Every act that a person does makes an impact on the world, whether good or otherwise.
The Purpose Of Chassidus – In The Alter Rebbe’s Own Words
Prayer with such devotion helps and aids one to withstand one’s evil inclination all day, even after prayer, to fulfill all G-d’s commandments, whether avoiding wrongdoing or doing good…for its memory remains with a person in his mind and heart all day.
The Tragedy of When We are both Right
So while a proper reading of the Book of Bereshit introduces us to moral complexity, its end pushes us even further. It prepares us for the fact that there is even a level of moral complexity, which we should realize exists even if we may never understand it
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
He responded, “Better that he broke your nose now than broke your marriage later.”
Asarah B’Teves: An Opportunity
This year, Asarah B’Teves falls on a Friday – the only time a public fast day falls immediately before Shabbos. In fact, the fast continues into Shabbos, until three stars appear in the sky.
Wise Marriage Advice
Judaism sees marriage differently. Married life is a microcosm of human interaction in the world at large. Marriage is the best school for learning the laws of human relationships.
VaYigash: Loving the Parents We Have
Here Yehudah faces the challenge of facing up to an uncomfortable truth of his family dynamic, his father’s greater need for Binyamin’s presence.
What Image Comes To Our Children’s Mind?
In a moment of crisis and doubt, Yosef is reminded of his father and mother, of their values, their home, and the moral compass they represent.
The Rebbetzin’s Vital Testimony
When the video was shown to the judge, those present in court say he was obviously favorably impressed by the Rebbetzin’s unexpected statement, which probably sparked his ultimately favorable ruling.
Everything Is A Miracle
The Hebrew word for ring, “taba’as,” has the same root as “teva” (nature).
Redeeming Relvance: Parshat Mikets: The Man who Could no Longer Tell a Lie
How Yehudah Turned Bnai Ya’akov into Bnai Yisrael