The Writing On The Wall
“I am your king, you fool!” he cried.
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.
Fulfilling Their Wishes
Our sages have advised us that we should repent one day before we die. Inasmuch as no persons knows when he is to die, he should therefore consider every day his last day.
The Honesty Of The Congregation
In front of all the people, the traveler gave the rav the money and he went away perfectly confident that his treasure was in good hands.
The Translation Of The Torah
By having a powerful army ready and prepared to do battle at a moment’s notice. But he should be discreet in using the army. He should carry a big stick but speak softly.
Thrown Into The Fire
Through the influence of Daniel, who was one of the ministers of King Nevuchadnezar, his three companions, Chananiah, Mishael and Azariah were appointed as governors over various provinces in Bavel.
Rav Yosef Shmuel Of Cracow
Rav Yosef Shmuel looked at the guests and said, “I am very sorry, but I am hired to do the holy work of teaching children Torah. I am not allowed to waste even a moment from this work. This evening, when I have finished, I will be glad to see you and talk with you.”
Seek Not Revenge
Despite all the evil that she had done to him in the years gone by, Rabi Yosi now forgot the past.
An Expensive Agreement (Continued from last week)
It was only worth a few marks, but you had no money for it and you said that if I gave it to you, you would give me all the money you would eventually have over 10,000 marks.
Remembering Shabbos
How the Sages of the Talmud used to honor Shabbos! Each day of the week was only an introduction to the coming Shabbos and everything was done with an eye towards Shabbos.
Saving A Soul
All the disciples were eager to accompany their master and they all piled into the coach.
The Importance Of Kiddush
“I will tell you,” answered Rabi Zakkai. “All my life I have attempted to behave in purity and holiness. I never insulted or dishonored my fellowman. Finally, I never missed saying Kiddush on Shabbos.”
The Intricacies Of The Torah
Rabi Yochanan immediately dismounted from the mule, wrapped himself in his tallis and sat down on a stone beneath an olive tree.
Thrown Into The Fire
The king ordered the three brought before him and asked, “Is it true you do not worship my image?”
In All Your Ways Recognize G-d
“But,” the people protested, “many have attempted to do as you advise and we see that they have not been able to succeed.”
Galus Mitzrayim: The First Departure
A few stragglers managed to stagger back to Mitzrayim where they told the whole tragic story.
The Earthquake (Part I)
In the days of the Second Beis Hamikdash the Romans ruled over Eretz Yisrael and installed a king by the name of Hordus, or Herod, to enforce their rule. Hordus was an evil and ambitious man, and was quick to do whatever the Romans requested of him, no matter how terrible the decree was. Because of this, the Jewish people hated him, and this in turn caused him to hate them even more.
Respect For Our Fellow Human Beings
Rabi Elazar looked down from his mule and perceived that the stranger was truly the ugliest man he had ever seen.
The Miracles Of Pesach
This is the story of a staff, the most miraculous staff that was ever created. It was none other than the staff that Moshe used to perform all the amazing miracles in Egypt.
The Pilgrimage To Jerusalem
Rabi Yehoshua attempted to reassure the hesitant man, “Fear not, my son. Your home and your possessions will be safe..."
The Prayers Of A Saint
The piety of the saint Rabi Chanina ben Dosa was so great that people would often request that he daven on their behalf. Once, the son of Rabban Gamliel became dangerously sick. He sent two talmidim to the home of Rabi Chanina with the message: “Pray to God that my son will get well."
The Return Of Shimon ben Shetach
When Alexander Yannai, king of Judea, was prevented by the sages from becoming the high priest, he issued an order that all the sages of Israel be killed. Many were and the remainder fled. Rabi Shimon ben Shetach, considered the greatest of them all, was saved by his sister, Queen Shlomit Alexandra.
Rashi And A Descendant
Though he wanted a child more than anything in the whole world, Rav Yitzchak never complained, but continued to live his life according to the dictates of the Torah.
Mordechai And The Mute
Soon it was time for the cutting of the omer. However, to the great dismay of the people, there was not one among the Kohanim who knew where a barley field could be found.
The Downtrodden People
“Don’t worry,” said the king, “what could it be worth, two or three talents of gold? I’ll give you ten talents of gold, so you can forget about it.”
The Esrogim
When the soldiers heard this they exclaimed happily: “You mean this is the sacred Jewish fruit? Hurry, get on the horse. You are coming with us to the palace.”
The True Life
A childless man once pleaded to the Almighty, “Creator of the world! Please send me a son so that I may teach him the Torah.”
The Almighty heard the prayer and sent him a son whom the father named Shaul. When Shaul was old enough his father began to teach him Torah and, thus, they continued for many years.
A Jester Saved The Jews
They all gathered in the main synagogue to formulate a plan of action. At the height of the discussion, someone suggested using Nachumka.
Never Told A Lie
The trial was the next day and he hadn’t as yet told the family what he would do.
Rav Eliezer Lippa
Among the great giants of Chassidism were two brothers, Rav Zusha of Hanipoli and Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk. But the apple does not fall far from the tree and the deeds of the father are lessons for the children. These two tzaddikim owed much of their character to their father, Rav Eliezer Lippa.