The Curse Of A Great Man
The relatives of the 80 witches whom Rabi Shimon ben Shetach brought to the gallows vowed vengeance as they bided their time for an opportune moment to strike back at the Nasi of the Sanhedrin. It was not long afterwards that their chance arrived.
Will Moshiach Be A Chassid?
How is it possible that the two contradictory events, happiness and tragedy, evoke the same reaction?
Rabi Eliezer Ben Hurkones
“It isn’t the work,” said Eliezer. “I want to learn our holy Torah.”
Who Is Wealthy?
They praise the man who, in the midst of his sorrows and suffering, does not lift up his voice in complaint to G-d...
Great In Deeds
When a person is called a gaon, it is because he is a great scholar, a genius in the Torah. But many of our gaonim, besides their greatness and their scholarly acumen, were also gaonim in their deeds. Their kindness towards their fellow man was unsurpassed.
Never Speak A Falsehood
Once while Rabi Shimon ben Shetach was studying the Torah, a man entered his beis midrash and said, “I have something very important to discuss with you and I would like no one to be present.”
The Unmerciful Doctor
The following story is told about the Vilna Gaon who was called upon to decide a case of a bill that was due a doctor.
The Earthquake (Part II)
No matter what Zemira said and how much she implored Avinadav to tell her what was bothering him, he remained adamant in his silence.
No Evil For Good
I am the daughter of Rav Nechuniah, the one who has dug all the wells and water holes for the people, and I fell into this pit last night. Please help me to get out of here for I cannot do it alone.
The Chozeh Of Lublin
One of the most remarkable men in chassidic lore was Rav Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz, known as the Chozeh of Lublin.
Rav Yaakov Yitzchak was responsible...
Why Are The Righteous Poor
Chazal posed the following questions to Eliyahu HaNavi: “Why are some of our pious people so poverty stricken? Doesn’t G-d answer the prayers of tzadikim?”
An Expensive Agreement
Taking out a penknife from his pocket, David showed it to Daniel. Never had the latter seen anything so lovely.
Stingy Townspeople
He then complained to the emperor that the Jews were rebelling against him.
The Chofetz Chaim
One of the tasks of great Torah leaders is to inspire their students to go out into the Jewish community and fight for the observance of Torah and mitzvos.
The False Accusation
Rav Nathan immediately thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity to meet some political figures who might be able to help him free the Benjamin Bainash.
The Importance Of Kiddush
Her deed found great favor in the eyes of the Almighty and He sent blessings on the work of her hands so that she became wealthy.
A Jester Saved The Jews
Chazal thought very highly of a jester, a person who makes people laugh. They say that a special high place is waiting for him in Gan Eden.
Succeeds Halfway
“The mitzvah of drawing water for the baking of the matzah for the Seder comes only once a year. I do not care to share it with a horse.’’
The Study Of Torah Is Not Enough
The life of our sages was never an easy one. Although persecuted by the Romans, they continued to devote all their efforts to the study of Torah and doing good deeds.
Will Moshiach Be A Chassid?
The stories concerning Rav Naftali of Ropshitz are quite numerous and reveal his sharp biting wit. Rav Naftali was often persecuted and sneered at by misnagdim but the sharp mind with which he was blessed always served him in good stead in finding proper answers.