Was The Flood Noach’s Fault?
Noach is considered responsible for the Flood because he felt no personal responsibility for his generation.
Parents
What was Adam missing? After all, he had everything – a female companion, food, a Garden of Eden surrounding him. What was lacking?
The Deal Breaker
Rashi writes that the world was going to be destroyed because of rampant immorality. So why does the Talmud say robbery sealed the decree?
The True Measure of a Man
God doesn't need a slave to order and say: Build an ark! He could have made it in a second. God desires a partner. It is up to us to rise to that role. Noah's greatness was that he figured it out.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Noach: A Death Penalty for Animals?
When Noach gets off the ark, there seems to be a whole new world order that surrounds him.
Be Grateful – Your Life May Depend On It
We see from the Talmud that ingratitude can be cause for harsh punishment.
Rashi Is More Than A Commentator
The universe was created for the sake of the Torah and for the sake of the Jewish people – i.e., in order that we Jews study and observe the Torah.
Starbucks With The Atheist
“How can you know there’s no G-d? Can anyone possibly prove there’s no G-d? How can you prove that?” I wondered.
Rav Karlitz’s Character
Of Rav Nissim Karlitz,(ZT"L) the Chazon Ish said “One day, the entire world will hear from him.” He was right.
Why Dance? Why Not Learn?
To cross the infinite gulf separating us – as finite created beings – from the infinite Creator, we need to nullify our sense of self-importance.
“Twin Mitzvos”
The Vilna Gaon (cited in Sefer Kol HaTor 1:7) states that one's entire body is involved in two mitzvos: the mitzvah of sukkah and the mitzvah to dwell in the Land of Israel. (the GR"A does not mention Mikvah). It turns out that the mitzvah of sukkah and the mitzvah of living in Eretz Yisrael are like sister mitzvos.
Shade Of Faith
A person only receives the amount of parnassah that was proclaimed for him in Heaven.
Look Up
Chag Sameach
Redeeming Relevance: Sukkot: When Shul is Meant to Be Annoying
Irritation leading to growth...
‘Amen’ – Not A Simple Word
A person who responds “Amen” with all his might…has the power to open all the gates surrounding Gan Eden.
No, We’re Not Hypocrites
Our soul wants, to be better, different, true. Now the soul prevails over the body, and in the last moments of this journey, we must take something with us, some 'soul food' for the road ahead.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Haazinu: Why Did Yehoshua Repeat Haazinu?
“If God only commanded Moshe to present Haazinu, what was the need for Yehoshua to join in?”
Hashem Is Closer Than You Think
Hashem’s love for us is like the love of parents for their young child; it’s an essential love not dependent upon the child’s conduct.
The Passing On of Leadership – Parshat Vayelech
We're going to talk about something that is probably one of the most practical pieces of advice for today. We're talking about handing over leadership.
The Heart Of Teshuvah
The Angel Raziel read the sefer together with Adam, who fell on his face, shaking.
Where Will I Be Next Year?
What we need to think about now – in Tishrei 5780 – is Tishrei 5781...Shana tova!
How Hard It Is To Trust In Hashem
The fear of success, the fear of being led astray, the fear of losing sight of where we started and the truths we used to know we had to hold self-evident, these were the fears Hashem was telling the Jewish people to have the strength and courage to overcome,
Parshat Nitzavim – Rosh Hashanah
Whereas all people need to be careful of what their words may cause, leaders must especially be careful in this regard.
Why Are Video Games More Popular Than Movies?
Lean back but be active
The Head Needs The Feet
The “head” – the great Torah leaders – are dependent upon all lower “limbs” of our people for their spiritual completeness.
A Defining Moment
A person should never despair of his ability to do teshuvah.
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Nitzavim: A Nation of Yentas
Since we are taught that each person is like a universe, to casually dispense with one individual is like dispensing with an entire universe.
Make A Difference
Finally, in a choked voice, the father said, “Yanky has a brother, Mutty, who has been in the hospital with a debilitating illness for many months.”
A Different Kind Of Election
Choosing what really matters