A World Gone Mad (Continued)
In last week's column I related the story of a legendary city in which the harvest was poisoned and rendered people mad. The citizens were confronted by a hard choice -eat and become mad or die of starvation. After much deliberation, the king decided, "In order to live, we must eat, but we dare not forget that we have gone mad, so everyone must place a sign on his forehead reading, 'Don't forget, we are mad.' Thus, we will be able to gauge our actions and one day return to normalcy."
The Power Of A Grateful Heart
Rebbetzin Jungreis (a”h) sharing her eternal wisdom. This week on the subjects of kindness, appreciation, and gratitude.
‘Life Is A Test – The Power Of Faith’
Special Note: When I wrote my most recent book, I weighed and considered what the most appropriate title should be, and although I examined many options, the title that kept repeating in my mind was "Life Is A Test."
What Differentiates Us From the Barbarians
Celebrating acts of terror & praising the killers as “holy martyrs” can only emanate from barbarians
The Shofar’s Eternal Call
"When we were liberated, we blew the shofar again and my father took it with him."
We Weep For The Beautiful Children Of Newtown (Part Two)
As I wrote last week, who among us can find the words to console the tragically stricken parents of Newtown, Connecticut whose lives have been forever shattered? There are no words of consolation that can bring relief to their bleeding hearts. There are no magic words that can give these stricken parents even a moment of relief, and if anyone knows this it is we, the Jewish people; our blood-drenched history testifies to it.
Peace At Home And Among Our People (Part Three)
The eternal wisdom of Rebbetzin Jungreis (a”h)< This week the conclusion on making peace and fostering it in our families, our communities, and our people.
When Religion Comes Between Husband And Wife
Dear Rebbetzin Jungreis:Last year, I read your book, "The Committed Life," and ever since, nothing has been quite the same for me.
How Will You Pray?
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are almost here. How will you pray? How will you reunite with your Heavenly Father? Will your visit with Him have meaning, or will it be a meaningless empty ritual?
Gratitude: Great Pillar Of Our Faith
To learn "Gratitude" learn and use the words, "Thank You" to G-d for his kindnesses, and to others
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.
We Weep For The Beautiful Children Of Newtown
I am interrupting my series of columns on the power of prayer to focus, this week and next, on the atrocity that occurred two weeks ago in Newtown, Connecticut, and its repercussions.
The Sanctity Of Time
In every generation is the challenge to purge the culture of our exile from our minds and our hearts
Daughters And Daughters-In-Law Also Need Help – The Readers Respond
Special Note: Subsequent to the publication of my article on the conflict between a young woman and her mother-in-law, I received an avalanche of mail. I feel very saddened to share with you that these letters all reflected anger, resentment, and most tragic of all, a deterioration of what used to be the beautiful cohesiveness of Jewish family life.
Looking Back II
When we give to others we are only returning that which He gave us.
Lollipops Don’t Fall From The Sky
Ever optimistic and full of faith, the Rebbetzin offers strong guidance and inspiration to a Baalas Teshuva who is waiting to meet her Basherte
Turning Pain Into Blessings
Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h, advice on dealing with life's crises and agonies
A Vacuum Yet To Be Filled (Part One)
Dear Rebbetzin Jungreis,
I have wanted to write you for a long time because you helped me in such a profound way. I am so very thankful for your work, your message, your books, and your unapologetic call to all Jews to return to our Torah and heritage.
Our Only ‘Road Map’
Those of you who have been following my columns will recall that, time and again, I have pointed out that one can always find a correlation between the parsha and events that unfold before our very eyes. And this past week, Abu Mazen's visit to the White House was no exception.
Triumph Of The Spirit
I feel privileged to share with you the story of the creation of our new film, "Triumph of the Spirit." For the longest time I have felt that there is a terrible void in Holocaust films and memorials. The epic story of the mesiras nefesh, the boundless sacrifice, that our people made in clinging to Torah and mitzvos - the devotion with which they served Hashem during one of the darkest moments in the annals of mankind has yet to be told.
Putting Ideals Into Action
It really hit home when you pointed out that on Yom Kippur G-d forgives us with a smile and loving embrace.
Two Mothers Celebrate
For many years now our Hineni organization has been privileged to hold High Holy Day services in Manhattan. We rent one of the hotels in the heart of the city and transform the ballroom into a magnificent shul. Our davening is always exhilarating. The sanctity of the day totally envelops us. The prayers just soar and everyone is spiritually elevated.
Looking Back
We really are a bunch of schnorrers.
Singles In Crisis – A Reader’s Thoughts
Last week’s column was meant to be the last, for now, on the subject of shidduchim. Because of the problems singles experience in finding their soul mates, I had devoted several columns to the subject and was prepared to move on – until I received an e-mail I feel is a must read in order for us to gain a better understanding of the pain some of our singles are experiencing.
Shopping For Priestly Garments
Inspiring words from Rebbetzin Jungreis (zt"l) and an invitation to a :wedding:-yours.
An Eternal Legacy
The Rebbetzin giving guidance and support to a non-religious woman who contacted her concerning a "Living Will." The woman has 3 adult children, 2 of whom are religious. Engaging letter and response from the Rebbetzin, a"h
Jews Weren’t The Only Ones Who Heard Leiby’s Cry
In my last column I wrote about Leiby Kletzky and what I experienced when I made a shiva call to his family. My plan was to continue writing about this tragedy and focus on what we must learn from it and do. In the interim, I received a letter from a non-Jewish reader and felt I should share it.
Just One Speech
Back when we established Hineni, kiruv - outreach - was practically a foreign concept. The observant community had no confidence in these "newcomers" to Torah. "They will never last," people warned me. "For a brief while," they conceded, "it may work, but they have no real commitment, and their involvement is fleeting." As for secular Jews, their attitudes ranged from hostility to outright suspicion and fear.
There’s Nothing Realistic About Our Reality
As I write this column, it is motzei Shabbos, parshas Shelach, and the parsha demands that I address a subject which I have of late refrained from writing about.
Yom Tov Challenges: My Response (Part II)
Why does Hebrew refer to mothers-in-law as "sunshine" when society often calls them the opposite?