Dividing Wall
"If we share the wall, that means half is mine and half is yours," said Mr. Hauser. "At most, you can prop the beams on your half of the wall, but not on my half!"
Preconceived Notions
Why can’t they see the facts staring them in the face? It is because they have preconceived notions about the president and they can’t let facts get in the way!
Redeeming Relevance: Parshat Vayigash: How Many Daughters did Ya’akov Have?
Earlier commentators may well have still shuddered in awe when they thought of Ya’akov’s daughters – how could it be that they would exist and that we would not know about them?
The Unexpected Leader
The stories of Judah and of his descendant David tell us that what marks a leader is not necessarily perfect righteousness. It is the ability to admit mistakes, to learn from them and grow from them. The Judah we see at the beginning of the story is not the man we see at the end.
The Foundation Stone: Parshat Vayigash
Could Judah REALLY expect the Viceroy to grasp his subtle threats and insults when translated? He didn't.
Seize The Moment
Sometimes you are having a bad day. Nothing seems to be going as you expected. And then you see someone at work or school who needs help with something and you help them out.
‘Diaspora Jewry’ Doesn’t Exist
There is, not one, but two distinct Diaspora Jewries: 1) a politically and religiously conservative Jewry and 2) a politically and religiously progressive Jewry. The former is Orthodox; the latter is not. The two groups live in separate communities and rarely interact.
Tefillah: A Meeting With Hashem Hallel – Goin’ Wild
One who recites the Hallel reserved for outright miracles every day declares that he believes that Hashem only gets involved on those rare occasions – the rest of the time, the world runs on autopilot.
The Rubashkin Saga (Conclusion)
The conclusion to Shalom Rubashkin's circuitous route through the US legal system that ultimately led to justice
Daf Yomi
Aiding Or Abetting?
'Due To Suspicion, We Check'
(Chullin 12a, Rashi)
Q & A: Three Chanukah Divrei Torah
Rabbi Senter is the founder of KOF-K Kosher Supervision, one of the largest kosher certification agencies serving the Jewish community worldwide.
Sleeping In Someone’s Room Without Permission
Chaim had no right to let you use my room. If you continue sleeping in it, you'll have to pay me $50 a night, like a hotel.
On Rav Steinman And Tooting One’s Own Horn
It has been one year since the passing of Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman at the age of 104, on Chanukah Eve. Many stories were...
Ready For Takeoff
I reminded him that the government had recently changed the rules and an appointment was now required.
The Miracle Of The Streams Of Arnon
By exposing these tunnels before an attack was carried out, rachmana litzlan, Hashem has once again saved us without a single shot being fired.
The Foundation Stone: Parshat Mikeitz
Could Judah really expect the Viceroy to grasp his subtle threats & insults when translated? He didn't.
Chanukah Scheduling Conflicts: The Time Frame For Lighting Menorah
Nowadays, however - thanks to artificial light - most peoples' workday or school day extends well beyond twilight during Chanukah... Must one leave work or school early to light Chanukah candles on time?
Everyone Can Be Successful
What does it take to be deemed successful? The Torah describes Yosef as an "ish matzliach," a successful man. but I can't fathom anyone using the term “success” to describe Yosef at this point in his life. Yet, success, according to our Sages, is dependent on man’s frame of mind.
Speaking To Non-Jews About God
Judaism was and remains unique in its combination of universalism and particularism. We believe that God is the God of all humanity. He created all. He is accessible to all. He cares for all. He has made a covenant with all. Yet there is also a relationship with God that is unique to the Jewish people. It alone has placed its national life under His direct sovereignty
A Time Of Miracles
A person can be anywhere in the world and he or she can feel the holiness of the holiday or of the Shabbat, no matter what.
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?
Bring the Future or Wait for It? Yosef and Chanukkah
Neither Yosef nor the Chashmonaim had reasonable chances of success, nor did the founders of the State of Israel, who declared the State in spite of warnings of certain doom. They and others in our history have identified moments when seemingly futile course of action was the start of historic success.
Hannukah Starts Tonight So Here’s 18 Differences Between Chanukah & Christmas
Put on your yarmulke, Here comes Chanukah; So much funukah, To celebrate Chanukah; Chanukah is the festival of lights:
Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights
Undying
Daughters and sons were washed away: many drifted, some drowned. Each child that left the woman dealt her a fresh salvo of pain.
Baked Falafel Latkes With Tahini
Because it is a tried and true favorite, I decided to shake up the recipe a bit to create a healthier and more festive Chanukah feel.
The Fight Of Our Lives
The routing of Antiochus’ mighty army was accomplished by strong, brave Jewish fighters possessing minimal munitions but one most powerful weapon: Heavenly assistance.
More Than Just Candles: Chanukah in Kenya and Beit Shemesh
My quest for knowledge became life-changing. Like a bat (I didn’t mind the negativity associated with the flying mammals – I’m short-sighted anyway so there was a ring of truth to the simile), I honed in on the answers I’d been searching for.
Why Do We Light With Olive Oil?
For the Greeks, everything that was externally beautiful was good; to the Jew, everything that is inwardly good is beautiful.
8 Short Thoughts For 8 Chanukah Nights
So as we celebrate Chanukah, spare a thought for the real victory, which was not military but spiritual. Jews were the people who valued marriage, the home, and peace between husband and wife, above the highest glory on the battlefield. In Judaism, the light of peace takes precedence over the light of war