The Power Of Perspective: Broad Vs. Narrow Thinking
If one believes in a Divine plan and the natural ups and downs of life, they will feel less anxious and hypersensitive.
Blinded By Love
Shlomo HaMelech is teaching that chinuch is not just about compliance, but more about instilling values into our children’s souls, so that it becomes part of them for life.
Between Purim And Pesach
Hashem will show me the way, though I don't know how it will happen. But I know in my heart, that I am meant to return.
The ‘Fair Market Value’ Of The Parah Adumah
Rare items, such as a Parah Adumah, do not have a definable ‘fair market value,’ replied Rabbi Dayan. Therefore, according to many authorities, there is no ona’ah (unfair pricing) claim (Hilchos Mishpat 227:29[28]).
Daf Yomi
As We Come Closer And Closer
‘… Like The Face Of A Dog’
(Sanhedrin 97a)
The Best and Worst Treated Hostages in World History
One of the Ten Commandments outlaws kidnapping, though, unfortunately, the death penalty imposed by the Bible did not and is not likely to deter the forces of Hamas – even though they are subject to the Noahide laws which include setting up court systems which should theoretically mete out justice...
Marshmallows, Money, And Mazal: When Patience Pays – And When It Doesn’t
One major criticism of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment is that it presupposes that the child trusts the adult conducting the experiment to actually deliver the promised reward.
Different Worlds
Throughout sefer Mishlei, Shlomo HaMelech contrasts the fool with the wise man. According to the wisest of men, the fool doesn’t refer to one with limited intellectual capacities, but rather one who doesn’t think through the consequences of his actions.
Is Nepotism Proper?
One of the key concepts in Judaism is the idea of impartiality in judgment. In the context of leadership, the Torah calls for the appointment of leaders who are wise, understanding, and respected, without reference to familial ties.
From Redemption To Redemption
We shift from costumes and joy to cleaning and preparing. But if we only focus on scrubbing floors and kashering kitchens, we’re missing the bigger picture.
Credit Card Fee
If I donate an average of $1,000 a month by credit card, that’s $12,000 a year; a 2% fee comes to $240, explained Mr. Freilich. Is this included in my maaser kesafim, or do I need to deduct this amount from my calculation?”
Daf Yomi
The Greatest Reward Of Public Service
‘…[He] Who Leads The Public Gently …’
(Sanhedrin 92a)
Stealing Hearts And Souls: From Biblical Theft To Parental Alienation
The father may indeed be a poor father, and his neglectful behavior may lead the child to reject him, but those reactions should stem solely from the dynamic between father and child, without anyone else inciting the alienation.
Spring Ahead
When we think of who we are and what defines us we often think of our physical bodies. Ask someone who he is, and he will generally point towards his heart. But is that really who we are? Is our body what defines us?
Is It Proper To Engage In One’s Professional Work (Say, Checking Emails In Between...
Purim is a day of celebrating with friends, family, community, and even strangers. It is a day of revelry and study, a day to give as generously as we can, a day of recognizing G-d’s watchful providence and love. Can we really do all of those things and work?
Dented Door
There is a dispute whether nowadays beis din is halachically authorized to enforce payment of ‘fire’ damage; many maintain that the answer is yes.
Daf Yomi
What You Pray For
‘… Acts As Befitting Your People’
(Sanhedrin 85a)
World – Where Is Your Shame?
The real question is where was man? Where was man when six million were being shoved into cattle cars and burned in the crematoria? We were waiting for someone to say something, do something, bomb the railway stations as we were taken to the concentration camps. No one did a thing. The world remained silent.
Wine & Purim Puns
Nowadays, there is more than enough violence around even without drunkenness. And, of course, an all too contemporary translation of violence happens to be chamas (Hamas).
Am I My Brother’s Keeper? Sarcasm, Accountability, and Dodging Responsibility
Our Gemara on amud aleph continues its discussion of various indirect forms of murder, including the case of one who causes a snake to bite a person. There is a dispute regarding how direct this action is, and according to our Gemara’s analysis, it depends on where the venom is located.
Living With Serenity
How often do we try to live life on our terms, even when the reality of the situation is clearly otherwise?
Is It Proper For Children To Drink Alcohol On Purim?
Even drinking for adults on Purim needs to be directed to enhance the festive nature of Purim and not be a cause of revelry or lead to inappropriate behavior.
The Clothes We Wear
When a person passes away, we tear our clothing. It’s a sign of mourning, of the unbearable loss. And when we are buried, we are dressed in tachrichim, simple linen shrouds. Clothing marks every stage of life – from birth to mourning to the final journey. And each type of clothing holds meaning.
Don’t Pay! I Don’t Need Your Money!
The following month, Mr. Gold again approached Mr. Neuman for the money. What do you mean?! asked Mr. Neuman. You said that I don’t have to pay and that you don’t need my money. That was mechila on your part – you relieved me of the need to pay!
Daf Yomi
One’s Lifetime Partner
‘The Only Poor In Israel [Are] The Subtly Wicked...’
(Sanhedrin 76a)
For Better Or For Worse
Doge, the Department of Government Efficiency is in the process of cutting government programs, and openly doing so with a chain saw rather than with a scalpel, and it is clear that what is good and ideal to many of us is bad and wasteful to many others of us.
A Cloak-And-Dagger Dilemma: King David’s Test Of Conscience
Clearly, the Torah anticipates that the gentiles will be impressed with the Torah’s laws, and they would not be impressed if those laws didn’t reflect common-sense morality and justice.
The Road Ahead
In life, we are constantly seeking out the proper path to follow. But this world is somewhat fluid and unstable, with new challenges and vicissitudes arising constantly.
Is It Proper To Feel And Verbally Express Rage At Hamas Terrorists?
Jewish tradition does not shy away from acknowledging the importance of justice, and that includes expressing righteous indignation against acts of evil.
Till When Will We Suffer?
A tiny baby, a bright spark of light in the darkness. A reminder that even now, Hashem is weaving together the pieces of our redemption. That He has not abandoned us. That our story is still unfolding. That the day will come when the suffering will end, when the exiles will return home, not in sorrow, but in joy.
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