Getting Older; Respecting Age
In American society we are all caught up with the idea that youth is very important. We are always trying to perceive ourselves as younger.
Let Go, Let God
“On paper, it really doesn’t make any sense to make this trip.” The Rebbe looked at him and replied, “It doesn't make sense on paper? So break the pencil and go!”
The Waters of the Lord
Today, we remain Hashem's nachal.
Not Pleading The Fifth
Let me say at the onset that I do not consider myself to be a sufficient role model when it comes to kibbud av v’eim – the 5th commandment; I humbly acknowledge my abysmal failures and inadequate performance of this critical mitzvah. However, I do detect a perilous and alarming trend, whereby performance of this mitzvah is spiraling to its lowest levels, threatening the very essence of the foundation that has sustained us over the past five millennium.
Encouragement
We know that the measure of goodness is greater than that of punishment.
Should Your Spouse Be Like You?
For some reason, people seem to strongly believe that being alike improves communication. But is that really so?
Brazenness And Arrogance In Our Children
In my experience as a principal for many years, and in my capacity as an evaluator of schools that boast of their excellence, I am constantly amazed by the brazenness and arrogance of some students.
Mourning With Terrorist Families—Have We Gone Mad?
Despite the different backgrounds, we are united in our suffering and our mourning with the families of our people who defended our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, or who were killed by Arab terrorists.
Q & A: Women Counting Sefirat Haomer
QUESTION: In my wife's family, women count Sefirat Haomer. This is something that I have not seen in my own family, although they are quite observant. As a newly married couple, we are quite confused.Please discuss this matter and explain.No name pleaseToronto, Ontario
Respect For All
Though the worship of God and our underlying relationship with Him are implicit in this text, the stress is on our relationship with people.
Shabbos Mevorchim Shevat
This coming Shabbos we bentch Rosh Chodesh Shevat, which falls on Shabbos Kodesh (January 12). The highlight of this month is of course Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the trees. As the mind conjures up images of spring, I can spot nary a sign of spring from my vantage point here in the northeastern part of the U.S.
From Spiritual To Mundane And Back
In this week’s parshah, as Bnei Yisrael are about to enter Eretz Yisrael, the Torah commands us in the mitzvah of shechitah.
The pasuk says,...
Music In Our Prayers
When the Jewish people crossed the Red Sea, successfully escaping the clutches of the Egyptians, Moses gathered the Israelites together and they sang the famous “Az Yashir.” Miriam, Moses’s sister, also assembled the women as they danced with tambourines and sang “shiru lahashem ki gao gaa sus vrochbo rama bayam” – let us sing to Hashem for he is great, horse and chariot he drowned in the sea.”
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: Holy People In The Holy Land
It is simply not the same to put on tefillin or keep kashrut or observe Shabbat in the Diaspora as in Israel. The Torah is the constitution of a holy people in the holy land. Only in Israel is the fulfillment of the commands a society-building exercise, shaping the contours of a culture as a whole. Only in Israel does the calendar track the rhythms of the Jewish year.
A Prerequisite Confession
In order for a person to properly confess a sin he must first feel that he is great. He must have an appreciation for himself and his self-worth.
Do We Invite Hashem?
Shechinta b’galusa." The term is usually translated as "the Divine presence in captivity” – but what does that actually mean?
Questions and Answers
QUESTION: How do we celebrate the minor, insignificant holiday of Tu B'Shevat?
Inside-Out
In our story a couple of kids discover Chanukah within the walls of a gym.
How To Make Good Memories: Remembering The Critical Parts Of Our Lives
Have you noticed that we seem to have preferential memory for the unpleasant things that happen to us? Try as we might to provide our children with good experiences and positive memories, it is the memories that evoke fear, pain, sadness, etc. seem to be the ones that stand out.
Inaugural Introspection
A phenomenon that allows this process to occur is the credence, admiration, and relevance that our culture affords to celebrities and athletes.
L’Zera Yaakov Tizkor
A passage at the end of the Zichronot blessing in the Mussaf Amidah of Rosh Hashanah appears to have two slightly different versions. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim, 591:7) rules that this is the correct text: “V’akeidas Yitzchak hayom l’zaro tizkor.” It also rules and those who change the words and specify “l’zera Yaakov tizkor” are mistaken and guilty of changing the text instituted by Chazal. The source for this ruling is a responsum (chapter 38) by the Spanish and then Algerian Rivash (14th century).
Q & A: Hachana (Part I)
QUESTION: Is it halachically permissible to pack on the Sabbath or Yom Tov for a trip to be taken on the next day?Moishe HalberstamBrooklyn, NY
The Miracles We Often Overlook
As you enter the actual museum one becomes a little uneasy as you are explained that for the next one and a half hours you will be walking in total darkness.
Rabbi Dov Lior – A Quintessential Jewish Patriot
Rav Dov Lior is not only a Torah scholar; he is quintessential Jewish patriot, whose allegiance is pledged fully to God, Torah, the People and the Land. His courage in speaking the truth is undeniably tangible, without regard for any public controversy or dispute.
Vacation Before Elul?
Elul is when we are supposed to put a halt on the wheels of habit and do some spiritual contemplating and penetrating soul-searching.
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