Judaism

Chen And Now:Forbidden Praise & Esav’s Paradox

In Print Rabbi Simcha Feuerman

Though the Shulchan Aruch agrees with the Rambam’s broad prohibition, his final clause might offer some room for an answer. It is permitted to note the beauty of an idolator if the focus of the comment is to praise G-d and not the person.

The Root Of All Idolatry

In Print Avraham Levitt

Idolatry is insidious and it sneaks into the hearts of the unwary by way of small compromises and prohibited acts that appear insignificant at first.

When Hashem Asks for Your Phone

In Print Rabbi Dani Staum

Rabbi Sauber told his class, We are about to learn about the greatest act of self-sacrifice that ever occurred.

From Last to First: The Story of the Nesi’im

In Print Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

The most obvious form of chesed is giving money, but this is far from ideal. Short-term monetary gifts do not usually solve a long-term struggle with poverty; the person will therefore remain dependent and poor.

Parshas Balak

In Print Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Through the Mail Slot

In Print Rabbi Meir Orlian

If the borrower slipped payment through the mail slot without prior arrangement, and somehow it got lost in the household shuffle or some other manner, it is unclear whether this is considered valid repayment, replied Rabbi Dayan.

Daf Yomi

In Print Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Exchanging Land? ‘Nor Shall You Show Them Favor’ (Avodah Zara 20a)

Q & A: Mi Sheberach (Conclusion)

In Print Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Is there a halachic source for the Mi Sheberach other than its presence in the siddur?

Masters of Deception – Chukat

In Print Eliezer Meir Saidel

It is impossible to reach an agreement with Amalek, because the only thing that will satisfy them is our obliteration and…G-d's name in the world can never be complete until Amalek is obliterated.

A Pivotal Pause For The Para Aduma

In Print Phil Chernofsky

Unlike the two previous sedras of Shelach and Korach, each of which were two-thirds story and a third juxtapositional mitzvot, Chukat’s three mitzvot are part of the same mitzvah topic – namely, para aduma (the red heifer), with the bulk of the sedra being a string of episodes in the Midbar-wandering period.

I Have Tried To Become Wise But It Is Beyond Me

In Print Avraham Levitt

Because if it is corruption we are worried about, there is no greater corruption and source of impurity than the presence of death itself.

What’s Your Legacy?

In Print Slovie Jungreis Wolff

We are living in a world of chaos, never sure what tomorrow brings. As I write these words it is impossible for me to know what our days will look like by the time you read my message.

Making Your Spouse First

Parsha Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

The attitude that one knows that you’ve got my back isn’t born overnight. It’s achieved with a persistent series of small acts and gestures where husband and wife demonstrate that you are first in my book.

Reining In The Ego: When Even Horses Bow To Providence

In Print Rabbi Simcha Feuerman

Like many Israeli leaders, Netanyahu often peppers his speeches with biblical verses, usually used as cultural or historical touchstones rather than as expressions of personal religiosity. Keinon points out that Netanyahu’s use of the Shema prayer is less typical and perhaps indicative of a deeper religious arousal.

A Fascinating Din Torah

Parsha Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

When one makes peace in his home, the Torah considers it as if he established peace among the entire Jewish Nation.

Were We Saved From Destruction Without Teshuvah?

In Print Rabbi Aaron Zimmer

Perhaps the fullest picture of what is truly unfolding emerges only when we consider most, if not all, of these perspectives together.

The Five Stages of Torah

In Print Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

Only when there is silence, and the complete absence of ego, can the truth be heard, understood, and accepted. The Torah is the absolute and whole truth and can therefore only be given when there is absolutely nothing else competing against it.

Losing Sleep for What Matters

In Print Rabbi Dani Staum

Obviously, staying up all night isn’t about qualitative learning, but about demonstrating excitement. One only stays up late, or all night, for something truly important or exciting.

From Korach to Chukas

Parsha Raphael Grunfeld

Destruction and death come to those who do not serve G-d out joy but out of fear alone.

July 4, 2025: The United States and American Jews at a Crossroads

In Print Rabbi Moshe Taragin

In place of conventional warfare, terrorist organizations have emerged that have taken terrorist activities to a new level.

Parshas Chukas

In Print Rabbi Yaakov Klass

Ben Zoma’s Four Questions

In Print Dr. Janet S. Sunness

We can learn from people with good character. And we can even learn from people with bad character how not to live our lives. We can extract true lessons when we hear how an enemy criticizes us. We can learn from children and those in all strata of society.

Silver Coins

In Print Rabbi Meir Orlian

The common practice is to use silver coins, whether silver dollars minted in the U.S. or special silver coins minted now in Israel with the proper silver content, concluded Rabbi Dayan. Where this is not possible, though, you can redeem with other movable items or possibly even cash of the requisite amount.