When Selfish Becomes Selfless
Everyone wants to contribute something significant to the world. This desire is an inherent part of being human.
Hearing Within the Darkness
On a national scale, one day, we will see how centuries of tragedy were actually bringing us closer and closer to our ultimate destination, similarly, on a personal level, the same is true for each of us;
A Little Sweeter
We didn’t think much about it, and, in fact, we wouldn’t have even noticed that he didn’t bring anything. But then on Sunday night we discovered many candy wrappers on the floor and an empty platter on the floor in Shalom’s room.
Is it proper to daven in public in a large minyan (such as at...
Where it can be arranged such as a designated pray area away from the public’s way, then there should be no problem with forming a minyan for prayer. In fact doing so offers the public at large... great spiritual protection, as our prayers are not only for us, but for humanity at large as well.
Jews Of Silence
When my father visited Russia, Jews there asked him: 'How many are marching for us in America?' He was embarrassed to tell them how few there were.
Parshat Nedarim – Parshat Vayetzei
Nedarim are bad, except...
When We Don’t Follow Rabbi Akiva’s Advice
The Torah explicitly states that there is only one man who may not marry a widow: the Kohen Gadol.
Turning Curses Into Blessings
Jewish history isn't just Jews enduring catastrophes but renewing themselves after every disaster
What If He Denies Borrowing Money?
If Mr. Miller had admitted that he lent money only once, clearly one of the witnesses would be lying and his testimony would be worthless.
Q & A: Reading The Megillah (Part I)
Question: If someone heard Megillat Esther in shul, and he then has to read the Megillah at home for his wife and other members of his household, does he recite the blessings again?
Menachem
Via E-mail
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
All Glory To Hashem
There is another important parallel between the parsha and the haftara – the miraculous victory over an apparently superior enemy with the aid of Hashem.
The Politics Of Freedom
Having set out the broad principles of the covenant, Moses now turns to the details, which extend over many chapters and several parshiyot. The long review of the laws that will govern Israel in its land begin and end with Moses posing a momentous choice.
The Right Person, Place And Time
I realized from this story that I was sent as a messenger from above. Hashem has many helpers in this world to help do his work.
Is It Proper…? – Is It Appropriate To Eat Kosher Imitation Bacon, Crab, Or...
Is it appropriate to eat kosher imitation bacon, crab, or any other such food?
Jewish Immortality
What is the secret of Jewish resilience?
The Spirituality Of Song
As music connects note to note, so faith connects episode to episode, life to life, age to age in a timeless melody that breaks into time.
Seder Customs From Around The World
The house is clean. The last bit of chametz has been burned. What happens next?
Parshat Shelach
A truly great leader is someone who not only leads and influences his immediate circle, but the broader world as well.
A New Month And A New Me
When we see the new moon at the start of each month, it is a sign from Hashem that we can renew ourselves spiritually.
Hanukkah: What, How and Why
A concise, comprehensive guide to the holiday of Hanukkah.
Getting Heaven Into Our Head
We stand everyday as did Nadav and Avihu, searching to elevate our actions into meaning, desperate to 'make a difference," trying to get the heavens into our heads
Q & A: HaGomel And Air Travel (Part X)
Question: I am very appreciative and, if I might add, flattered that you answer and publish many of my questions. Due to your superior knowledge, I am always confident when I send in a question that I will receive a proper response. I wonder if you could address whether one should say Birkat HaGomel after flying even though flying is statistically safer than driving. Also, do women say HaGomel as well or only men?
Menachem
Here, Take it!
The Golds were planning a two-week vacation. Mrs. Gold did not want to travel with her jewelry, but was concerned about leaving it in their apartment while they traveled.
Honoring A Father
Shem realized that he owed his existence to his father who brought him into the world.
How Terrible To Overturn The Laws Of Nature
A story is told in the Gemara (Shabbat 53b) of a man whose wife died, leaving him an infant son. The man was too poor to afford a wet nurse to feed his baby, so he miraculously grew breasts and nursed the baby himself.
Why Don’t We Make A Berachah Over Korech?
The Gemara in Pesachim 115a says that there was a machlokes regarding how one was supposed to eat matzah and marror in the times of the Beis HaMikdash. Hillel said that during those times, when there was a korban Pesach, matzah and marror should be eaten together. His peers argued that they must be eaten separately. The Gemara concludes that since the halacha was not paskened we eat matzah separately, then marror separately, and then both together to accommodate both opinions.
Daf Yomi
In The Aftermath Of The Betar Massacre
‘Forty Se’ah Of Phylactery Casings Were Found…’
(Gittin 57b-58a)
Daf Yomi
The Impropriety Of Flattery
‘They Flattered King Agrippas’
(Sotah 41b)