A Light to the Nations?
Why did G-d use Bilaam to bless the Jews, if by doing so He enabled Bilaam to learn how best to attack us?
Q & A: Selichot Restrictions (Part I)
Question: The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch states that an individual praying selichot without a minyan is not allowed to recite the Thirteen Midot or the Aramaic prayers. What is the rationale behind this halacha?
Moshe Jakobowitz
Brooklyn, NY
Overcoming Obstacles
Rebbe Nachman says, According to how holy and important the act is, the more barriers there will be in order to ensure that the act is done with the right level of desire.
Family Ties
Not long after my mother died, I was sitting on campus talking with a friend and mentioned that it had been a long time since I had seen a frog. I used to love going out into the garden with my mother and our St. Bernard dog in the autumn evenings and see the frogs come out. I have a thing about frogs – probably from reading too many fairy tales.
To Pray As One
What a magnificent day, praying as one with Am Yisrael, the devotion that has kept our people alive
Parshat D’varim – When Rabbis Err
Our sages warn us of the possibility that great Torah scholars can lead Israel away from serving HaShem.
Are We Sure We’re Fighting L’shem Shamayim?
Rabbi Natan Tzvi Finkel argues that Moshe’s continual attempts to resolve the conflict teaches us that the prohibition applies even after the other party rejects an attempt at reconciliation.
The Things Hashem Does For Us
How can I curse, says Bil’am, that which G-d did not curse? What rage can I bring against those whom Hashem will not rage against?
Q & A: Tisha B’Av and Mourning
Question: I was taught that due to our mourning on Tisha B’av, we are not allowed to learn or discuss Torah. Since Torah causes us joy, we are forbidden to lessen our mourning with its study. While I understand why we read from Kinot and Eicha, how do we justify reading from the Torah at Shacharit and at Mincha? A further question, do these halachot apply to an individual during his/her seven days of mourning?
Menachem
Via email
ABCs of Tisha B’Av & the Three Weeks
Napoleon said referring to the Jews, "Certainly a people which has mourned the loss of their Temple for so long, will merit to see it rebuilt!"
Affective Forecasting: Don’t Do It
As an example, consider a person who, after being insulted, takes a vow to avenge the slight. Over time, his anger subsides, and he no longer feels the same intense feelings toward the perpetrator.
Rebbetzin’s Viewpoint
Let us commit to heartfelt prayer, Torah, chesed, and joyous celebration of the 3rd meal of Shabbos
Sibling Rivalry
Joseph has the misfortune of being the youngest. He symbolizes the Jewish condition. His brothers are older and stronger than he is. They resent his presence. They see him as a trouble maker. The fact that their father loves him only makes them angrier and more resentful.
LAG B’OMER & GRATITUDE
What Tony Robbins is teaching in the 21st century, Judaism has taught since its inception thousands of years ago.
Did Yisro Convert To Escape The Death Penalty?
How could Moshe rush to convert him so quickly? Because it was a matter of life and death.
A Get-Well Present From The One Above
During the past year I especially enjoyed looking at a website of a hotel in Monticello. Living near the beauty and calm of the water really appealed to me.
The Limits Of Love
The opening three laws of this parsha- a captive woman taken in war, the law about the rights of the firstborn, and the “stubborn and rebellious son” – are all about dysfunctions within the family.
Q & A: How Does One Observe Pesach Sheni? (Part I)
Question: Why do some people eat matzah on Pesach Sheni?
Harry Koenig
Daf Yomi
Beware, Big Brother!
'He Isn't Suspected…'
(Bechoros 35)
Keeping The Peace
Discord and divide in government has trickled down to the everyday man.
Selling Someone Else’s Chametz
Since this action is for the other person's clear benefit, you are considered a 'self-appointed' agent.
The Hidden Message Of The Four Children
“Who is wise? One who learns from each person” (Pirkei Avot 4:1)
Just Another Morning
I have often read Lessons in Emunah. When several of my friends told me I ought to submit the following I decided to follow their advice.
A Generous Spirit
Pharaoh had a dream. First, seven “good” cows came out of the Nile. Then seven “bad” cows came up and consumed the first cows. When he awoke in the morning, he called for Yosef to interpret the dream. Yosef explained the seven “good cows” represented seven years of plenty that would be followed by seven years of famine.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR PESACH
There is no Jewish holiday and no Jewish experience that more divides the “haves” from the “have-nots” than Pesach.
The Tzava’a of Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid
As a result of the difficulties with many of his rulings, it has been widely suggested that Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid wrote the tzava’a specifically for his own family and future descendants to follow and that it was never intended to be observed by the masses.
Responding To Wake-Up Calls: What Must We Do?
For the past few weeks I’ve been discussing the crises facing our people. I’ve been asked by many of our readers the question that should challenge all of us: What are we to do?
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.
My Dear Deer
The Land of Israel is often called the desired land: “eretz chefetz” (Malachi 3:12), “eretz chemdah” (Jeremiah 3:19, Zecharia 7:14, Psalms 106:24), and “eretz ha’tzvi” (Daniel 11:16, 11:41).