Equality
We see from this that Eltzafun was called upon to help others and did as he was told. Perhaps, this is an indication of Eltzafun’s humility and that his heart was in the right place.
How To Find Consolation This Year
Suffering may be painful, but when we realize that Hashem is behind it, the month truly becomes Menachem Av.
The Fourth Crown
Managing a good reputation is an essential value, particularly for a spiritual leader. Maintaining a good name enables the values he or she embodies to be respected and internalized.
‘Torah Live’
Rabbi Dan Roth's very first day teaching in yeshiva did not at all go as planned. After learning in kollel for many years in some of the best yeshivos in Israel, Rabbi Roth got his first job teaching in a program for teens-at-risk. A short time before taking the job, he wrote a sefer on modern-day lessons gleaned from the teachings of Pirkei Avos. In the process of writing the book, he realized that he had a talent for making Torah concepts relevant and down-to-earth.
This Week’s Luach
New York City
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Feb. 1, 2002 ? 19 Shevat 5762
4:53 p.m. E.S.T.
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Feb. 1, 2002 ? 19 Shevat 5762
4:53 p.m. E.S.T.
Our G-d
Hashem equated His relationship with us to that of a father with his son. Though Hashem created all human beings in His image, He chose us as His children (Avot 3:14). All humans resemble G-d; we, the Jewish people, have a personal relationship with Him.
Perpetual Aspirations
The obvious question is why Hashem decided to give this mitzvah right at the time when we were leaving Mitzrayim?
Pain Of Separation
What emerges from these Acharonim, especially Magen Avraham, is that the regular proximity to one’s spouse, even if physical contact is prohibited, is comforting, and losing that proximity is discomforting – and this discomfort might be sufficient to exempt a person from sukkah!
Start Daf Yomi – It’s A Lifesaver (Part I)
Rav Shimshon Pincus informs us that for every blatt we make an attempt to study, we will be allowed to master it in the yeshiva shel maalah.
Shemini: Why Did God Reject Nadav and Avihu
This week's parsha discusses the sudden and disturbing death of two of Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu
Path To Greatness
How can we even expect that our actions will reach those of our great ancestors?
Do We Deserve To Dance?
If we have fallen short, does that mean we shouldn’t dance with the Torah? Of course not. What it does mean, however, is that when we hold onto the Torah, it should be with a renewed commitment to spend more time with it during the coming year.
What Our Teachers Can Learn From The Burning Bush
The first reference to Mount Sinai in the Torah occurs when our teacher Moses witnessed a strange phenomenon there. As he was shepherding his sheep he glanced up at the mountain and saw a thorn bush that was burning without being consumed by the fire.
Are Our Leaders The Final Word?
“Abba,” he said. “How can we believe our gedolim and their decisions when there are so many examples of corruption and abuse amongst them?”
Want To Be Young? Serve Others
Even a cursory reading of the pesukim leaves the reader in awe of the speed Avraham exhibited in performing the mitzvah.
What Really Happened In Charlottesville
There has been very little media coverage of the actual events, and there are many unanswered questions.
Are We Really Blameless?
Instead of belonging to the "Ayeka" club – deflecting blame – why not join the "Hineni" group? Instead of blaming our surrounding, why not ask ourselves what part we played in creating the existing situation? Instead of expecting change from someone else, why not offer something different?
The Fourth Dimension
Some Jews have a custom to greet others on the first night of Rosh Hashanah with the words “Le’shanah tova tei’katev ve’tei’chatem le’alter le’chaim tovim u’le’shalom.
Re-Creation
The world was created soooo long ago that we can feel like it’s “old news.” But by just opening our eyes and seeing the amazing design of the natural world around us, we can feel like we have front-rows seats to creation. Hashem made the world and everything in it -- including us -- with a master plan. By tuning in to the awesome design in everything around us, we can feel connected to that plan and to Him.
Living In Hashem’s World
When we donate our money, time or effort to Hashem, we naturally assume that we are giving Him something that is our own. In truth, we are merely giving Him what is (already) His.
Promotion Or Prevention Focus
Many first violate smaller sins, and that serves as a gateway to more significant violations. To avoid the dangers of such minor infractions, contemplate deeply on what is above you.
A Prerequisite Confession
In order for a person to properly confess a sin he must first feel that he is great. He must have an appreciation for himself and his self-worth.
Pray Like A Mentch
When we hear of school bus tragedies, we should pray for the safety of our children. When we hear of someone suffering from Covid-19 or another dreaded disease, we should pray for health. When we see flashing lights on the highway, we should pray for safe travels.
Q & A: Gebrockts (Conclusion)
QUESTION: When I recently got married, I discovered that my wife has a different custom regarding Passover, namely, not eating matza and matza products that have been soaked or cooked in water, also known as the practice of 'brocking'. What is this based on? Whosepractice should prevail in our home?Name Omitted By Request
To Hear And Appreciate The Power Of Song
Often times when I pray and the chazzan chants a haunting melody, I close my eyes and it seems as if I am singing with the Shechina of Almighty G-d.
Moshe, The Burning Bush And Jewish Teachers
Rashi states that the fire was a sign that G-d would be with the Jewish people even in hard times when they were slaves in Egypt.
Emotional Hijacking
If we want to assist a friend in need, we must know how emotions impact not just ourselves, but other people. When someone else is emotionally hijacked, our well-intentioned methods can potentially exacerbate the situation.
Yes, You Can Change
The curses that Moshe delineated in Parshat Ki Tavo were meant to deter those who would consider abandoning faith in G-d and turning to other gods.
What Non-Jews See In Jews
We don’t realize how often non-Jews sense something unique about us.
When “Bad” Things Happen: How To View Suffering
During difficult times, we should remind ourselves that everything, including suffering, emanates from Hashem. Though Hashem is the ultimate good and wants the best for us, we know that grief also comes from Him: A person does not stub his toe below unless it was declared above (Chullin 7b).