The Tragic Vacuum (Part Four)
In last week's column I began my response to the woman who wrote expressing her fears regarding the escalation of anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel throughout the world. I explained that our Sages and Prophets predicted it; they tell us that what we are witnessing today isikvesi d'Mashiach - a period in which we can hear the footsteps of the Messiah and experience the birth pangs that will precede the coming of that great day.
Chesed And Rachamim In Our Lives (Part Two)
More eternal wisdom from Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h. This week considering how to become an agent of chesed (compassion) and rachamim (mercy)-continued from last week.
Two Little Words That Go So Far (Part Two)
Gratitude=Great Attitude. Appreciation is always appropriate.
A Himmel Geshrai
“A himmel geshrai” is a Yiddish phrase that, loosely translated, means “a tragedy of such catastrophic proportions that the heavens themselves cry out.” Sadly, every one of the letters on family breakdowns I’ve featured these past several weeks can be summed up as “a himmel geshrai.”
What Really Constitutes ‘Compassion’?
I’ve received numerous e-mails in response to my recent columns on the Sandy Hook massacre, gun control, and the violence and immorality in our society. Here is one of those e-mails, followed by my response.
Shidduch Challenges: Where Is Your Soul Mate?
In this concluding column I would like to focus on the big question so many have asked: Since our faith teaches that every person has a soul mate – bashert – designated by Heaven, how is it that so many cannot find their partners?
The True Meaning Of Compassion (Part One)
How do we teach rachamim? To impart new values to our sons and daughters, we ourselves must change
Every Yiddishe Neshamah
We hear so much about the hopeless predicament of our assimilated brethren. Statistics show that our young people are indifferent to their faith and heritage and would not be unduly perturbed if, G-d forbid, Israel ceased to exist. I have never believed that to be true
The Little Shofar Of Bergen-Belsen
Rosh Hashanah arrived and shofar was blown in Bergen Belsen. The sound revived us-we trembled & wept
‘The Kollel Wife’ (The Readers Respond)
Special Note: A few weeks ago, I published two letters - one from a Kollel wife, the second from a young woman who was aspiring to become one.
Still A Nation That Dwells Alone
The legacy of Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h is the wisdom and love she recorded for us. Please enjoy this inspiring gift.
Welcoming A Special Guest – A Lesson From The Rebbetzin
The treasure that Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h, left behind is her teaching that continue to guide us. This week's legacy is a personal story from her daughter.
‘Another Aspect Of The Shidduch Problem – The Working Boy’ (Conclusion)
In last week's column I published a letter from a young man who felt that he was treated unfairly in his quest for a shidduch.
The Sword In The Tongue
While the devastating effects of lashon hara have had much exposure through shiurim and literature, there has been little focus on the deleterious effects of onas devarim/verbal abuse
Chesed And Rachamim In Our Lives (Part One)
More eternal wisdom from Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h. This week considering how to become an agent of chesed (compassion) and rachamim (mercy).
Hashgachah Pratis – Guidance From Above
Even if we do not see Hashem’s Hand it is there; sometimes hashgachah pratis is undeniably obvious
Helping Our Divorced Brothers And Sisters
When it comes to divorce, the empathy is not quite the same as it is for a widow. There is no funeral or shiva, no shloshim to recall the life of the departed one. Divorcees suffer differently. There is much whispered gossip. People take sides.
One Woman’s Journey (Part One)
Over the years I’ve received letters from all over the world in which people share feelings and thoughts they’ve experienced upon becoming became Torah observant. Usually these letters arrive not long after the writers had heard one of my speeches. No matter where a particular speech took place, and no matter whether I spoke the language or had to use a translator, the magic always works. In reality, it’s not magic at all but a little voice in the soul – the “Pintele Yid,” that spark of G-d’s Word engraved on all our neshamahs. Here is one recent letter.
Jews Have Forgotten How To Pray
To be a Jew is to know how to pray but, alas, it seems most Jews turn to everyone and everything but our Heavenly Father. I would like to offer some practical suggestions to help us grow in prayer
Hashem Is The Ultimate Shadchan
Rebbetzin Jungreis (a"h) offering words of support and encouragement to a baalat-teshuva mother concerned for the shidduch prospects for her children due to her parents’ lack of observance
Gratitude: Great Pillar Of Our Faith
Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h, providing guidance on Hakarat haTov--gratitude. Our thanks to you Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h.
There Are No Coincidences
We recently marked the thirteenth anniversary of 9/11 – that terrible day when the symbols of man’s power and achievement crumbled before our eyes...
Two Men, Two Prayers, Two Miracles
My column on prayer last week touched sensitive chords in many hearts. It is apparent that in our troubled times people are struggling with the entire concept of prayer. Does it really work? Is there Someone listening, or is it a waste of time?
Teaching Our Children Chesed And Rachamim
I concluded last week’s column with some questions that, if answered honestly, will give us insight into whether we as parents reflect chesed and rachamim to our children.
The Power Of The Shofar
In my last column I wrote of that which we must do in response to the wake-up calls that have been knocking incessantly at our doors these past few months.
Words From The Heart
Every Jew, if approached with the right attitude – i.e., with love and sincerity rather than judgment and condescension – can be touched and inspired.
I’m Afraid
I’m afraid. People do not understand, but what I fear is our own people – yes, our own people who have forgotten who we are, who no longer remember that we Jews stood at Sinai
A Young Woman’s Story
In response to my recent articles describing the odysseys of secular Jews who found their way home, I received much e-mail. One is the story of a young woman whose journey is typical of the angst with which assimilated Jews often struggle. But what is obvious in this woman's journey is Hashem's Providence. We need only open our eyes to discern it.
Avi Mori – My Father, My Teacher
This past week was the yahrzeit of Avi Mori, my dearly beloved father, my teacher, my guiding light, the eminent sage, HaRav HaGaon HaTzadik Avraham HaLevi Jungreis, zt"l. It is difficult to believe that 18 years have already passed since he was called to the Heavens above. In my mind's eye, I hear his kind, gentle voice; I see his magnificent, holy countenance and his loving smile, and yet, the years have passed. Eighteen is not an ordinary number.... 18 is chai - life - so I would like to recall some of the memories from the exemplary life of my saintly father, Avi Mori.
Working Boy: A Mother-In-Law Responds
While my husband and I are all for learning, I feel this entire mindset about full-time learning needs to be re-examined, especially given the uncertain economic times in which we live.