Transcending the Stars
How often do we create mental cages of our own? How often do we allow other people's opinions of us to become our reality?
The Last Command
By now Moses had given 612 commands to the Israelites. But there was one further instruction he still had to give, the last of his life, the final mitzvah in the Torah:
“Now therefore write this song and teach it to the people of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be My witness against the people of Israel” (Deuteronomy 31: 19).
Creation Appreciation
Rav Kook says, “Anyone who thinks in a pure, G-dly way cannot hate or denigrate any creation or potential found in our world.”
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.
The Yom Kippur Miracle
My treasured parents loved Yiddishkeit. Their belief in Hashem was unwavering. My darling Daddy used to tell me that if I was ever afraid, I should recite the Shema. Whenever I was troubled, my precious Mommy would reassure me, "Gott vet helfen!" (God will help!).
When publishing a deceased person’s writings, may one censor some amount of material?
A final caution: It is assumed as a matter of common decency that in publishing such posthumous works that one do so with the permission of next of kin or other copyright holder, unless many years have passed and the work is now in the public domain.
Why Be Jewish
The sages believed with great force that an agreement must be free to be binding. Yet we did not agree to be Jews. We were, most of us, born Jews. We were not there in Moses’ day when the agreement was made. We did not yet exist. How then can we be bound by the covenant?
Music During The Nine Days (Part II)
Question: Is it prohibited to listen to music in the privacy of one’s home (or car) during the Nine Days?
The Danger Of Fake News
The universal theme of this week’s parsha seems to be interpreting facts correctly, and not listening to fake news.
For the Sins of 5777 of…
May we be forgiven for these and all our mistakes and sins...
Shmot: If Midrash is Real, Why Isn’t It Peshat?
Rabbi Fohrman discusses the medrash and suggests we put ourselves into the eyes of Pharaoh's daughter to help us see that when we want to achieve something, God will help us find a way to do it.
Is It Proper To Frequently Post Photos Of Your Life On Facebook Or Instagram...
I’m not sure what positive value there is in posting photos beyond one’s immediate circle of family and friends. To me, it smacks of inappropriate exhibitionism.
Halakhic Differences Between Sephardic And Ashkenazi Traditions
Sephardic Jews are very strict in not keeping hametz in their homes during Pesah.
Q & A: Sitting In A Sukkah
Question: Why do we sit in a sukkah? Is one allowed to travel during Sukkos to a place where no sukkah is available?
Moshe Jakobowitz
Brooklyn, NY
Ways To Welcome The Divine
When one buys or builds a new house, he should make a chanukas habayis. It’s an important act of thanking Hashem . . . a time of dedication when one energizes the holiness of the dwelling.
Magic in Jerusalem
Those who cannot find meaning in their countries of exile find it in this ancient city.
V’asu Li Mikdash
The Satan waits for opportunities to undo kedusha, particularly on erev Shabbos, when the potential to bring the Shechina into the world is great.
Universal Participation In The Study Of Rambam
Because one of the principal goals of learning Rambam is to unite all Jews, women and children should also participate. – The Lubavitcher Rebbe
Remember To Erase The Memory
On the stage of history, we have been taught that Hashem often uses the wicked to destroy the wicked. One evil nation will conquer another, only in due course to be conquered by the next to arise.
Take What You Deserve?
Mr. Gefen approached Rabbi Dayan and related the story. Can I take from the store what I deserve? asked Mr. Gefen.
The Director Behind the Scenes
Hashem’s control over what happens in the world means that our lives and fate (even in this world) are fully in His hands.
Insight From Two Priests
Can you imagine davening on Yom Kippur with, of all people, a priest?!
Hear My Prayer
We sometimes cry such tears, not realizing that we have the choice to change our situation. Instead of bemoaning our bitter lot, we should get up and try to do something about it.
Q & A: Tzedakah (Part XVI)
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah?
Zvi Kirschner
(Via E-Mail)
Kindness By The Case
“I have no words to thank you,” Marcus stammered. “But, would you mind if I ask you a question? Why did you decide to bend over backwards to help me?”
For All Generations And For All The People
Our fervor and dedication to Torah study must never wane. In that way, Hashem will achieve true satisfaction and pleasure, as He did when we stood at Har Sinai and accepted the Torah.
Saving Precious Jewish Children
The trip took a bit longer than they expected, which put them a bit off schedule because in addition to wanting to get back to the kids, it was a Monday and that was when Yaakov, at eight o'clock, gave his class to the neighborhood kids.
Yoram Ettinger: Purim Guide for the Perplexed 2012
Purim is the holiday of contradictions and tenacity-driven-optimism: Grief replaced by joy; Esther's concealment replaced by the disclosure of her national/religious identity; Haman's intended genocide of the Jews replaced by redemption; Haman replaced by Mordechai; national and personal pessimism replaced by optimism.
Start With Why
Unfortunately, it is too easy to just go through the motions, traversing life without knowing our purpose, cause, and what drives us to get out of bed every morning.
The Ben Franklin Effect
One is allowed, and perhaps even obligated, to hate someone whom one has seen transgress a commandment.