יום שישי, י״ד תשרי תשפ״זFriday, September 25, 2026
Follow Us
Celebrating acts of terror & praising the killers as “holy martyrs” can only emanate from barbarians
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
“Jacob was very afraid and distressed.” His fear was physical-fear of death. His distress was moral.
By making two lists-Details & Foundations-you will find your Thanks will become an act of Giving.
Join us as we consider the story of the Rape of Dina with the respect and understanding it deserves.
I told her that I could teach him the brachos to make on the Torah, he could get an aliyah, and in addition, I would help him write a short dvar Torah from the parsha.
How is it possible that Yaakov didn't know he spent his wedding night with Leah rather than Rachel?
"Does Mr. Goodman have to pay me the $1,000 he agreed to for learning with my son?" Danny asked.
Yaakov Avinu wasn’t afraid that he would learn to steal because of Lavan; he was afraid that his image of what is considered normal behavior might be affected.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Incurring Lashes? ‘On That Day Rabbi Akiva Expounded’ (Sotah 27b)
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)
Today, in the absence of the Temple, our prayers are a substitute for the korbanot.
I was not going to be the one to point out to her that there had been no reason for her to turn around at all.
The Shmuz is a Torah lecture that offers a worldview on major life issues ranging from working on our middos to learning to be a better spouse, from understanding the meaning of our davening to what our purpose is in this world.
A neis b'nistar causes a reduction in one’s zechuyos; therefore, one should not daven for it.
What did Jacob mean when he realized the sanctity of the place he slept and declared it to be the House of G-d, Beit Elokim?
Secularists worshiping universalism & democratic ideal find themselves embarrassed by a Jewish state
With the advent of the Internet, however, our generation has entered into a period of time of instant communication.
Of all the many fathers-in-law in the Bible, only Yitro & Lavan are singled out for this designation
What is the Bible trying to teach us with this focus on Jacob and the theme of deception?
Eisav was born with great spiritual potential but he made a number of wrong choices.
It seems to me that the practice of the Arizal is exactly what the Sfas Emes is noting and presents a balanced yet deeply spiritual teaching that is vital to internalize.
Children knew their place, and the idea of a child speaking back to an adult was unheard of.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Special Syllabus ‘As One Who Is Exempt, But Nevertheless Does’ (Sotah 21a)
"I'm not interested in doing anything with the apartment," said Reuven. "If you're my partner in the apartment, you're welcome to use it with me."
By Naama Klein
Our reactions range from dismay to shellshock to utter helplessness. In fact, her youngest sister has yet to forgive her for the very unpleasant and unwelcome surprise that greeted us that morning.
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)
It seems clear from this explanation that time spent in heaven does not constitute time in regards to aging and other time-related calculations in this world.
After Abraham verified that Rebecca was indeed a worthy wife for Isaac, the Torah says, “vayiten Avraham lYitzchak,” Abraham transferred the tradition to Isaac.
In the tales of Isaac one thing becomes apparent: He's rarely the main character in his own stories!
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
It's not difficult understanding why Rebecca loved Jacob, the real question's why Isaac loved Esau?
Chanukah teaches the secret that greatness is how you respond-It’s how you fight&sacrifice for RIGHT
Yehuda & Yosef are the tikun (repairing) for Yaakov, who deceived his father and suffered for it.
Ever wondered why the least funny Jew in the entire Torah should be named Yitchak, “He Laughed?”
When a person puts a brand or emblem on an object, it is to show that it belongs to him and no one else, and this is what happens on Shabbos.
By Rachel Weiss
His dilemma weighed heavily on him, even as he was in the process of burying a poor departed soul.
All too often leaders fail to consider adequately the importance of logistics and their organizations suffer as a consequence.
Heeding the Rebbe’s call, in the spring of 1998, my wife Nechoma and I, with our two young children, Mendel and Mussie, departed from LaGuardia Airport and took off to the buckle of the Bible Belt – Oklahoma City.
When I was asked "Where was G-d during the Holocaust?" I responded, "Where was man?"
Avraham identifies himself as a ger toshav meaning "alien resident." How could Avraham be both?
"Maybe," acknowledged Benny. "But I didn't do anything wrong. I rode the bike in the normal manner, and this accident occurred."
No longer does Frank dream about spending time with his child, no longer does he yearn for that relationship. What happened?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Stepfather in a Kesuba ‘He Was the Stepson of Kenaz’ (Sotah 11b)
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)
By Ann Goldberg
I opened my e-mail and for the first time there was an e-mail from her waiting for me.
Preparation for prayer must be commensurate with the type of prayer offered.
The fruits and grain that the non-Jews had planted and toiled on belonged to them.
At the beginning of this week's parsha, Rashi informs us that Sarah's death was no accident, but rather a result of hearing about Avraham almost sacrificing her beloved only son, Yitzchak. Based on the midrash, Rashi explains that the terrifying image of such a scene was more than she could handle. Though Sarah would almost […]
In our journey to understand the epic legacy of Abraham and Isaac, the stories of their actions and attributes are abruptly cut short by the urgent quest to find Isaac a worthy wife - welcome to the team, Rebecca. Clearly the text is trying to teach us that there is something unique and essential about […]
The struggle of living both in the spiritual & physical worlds is our mission & potential greatness
Both portions deal with God’s promises to Avraham; Lech Lecha is nationalistic, Vayeira is universal
What does the odd bargaining session between Abraham & God mean? What does it teach about Abraham?
The Shita Mekubetzes there asks why the Gemara did not cite a source to permit the consumption of milk from a pasuk in this week’s parsha.
Avraham spent his life emulating Hashem. Every waking moment of his existence was focused on making himself as much like Hashem as humanly possible.
One has only to look at the amount of discoveries in science and medicine, the arts and in education to appreciate the vital role that the Jews have played.
Perhaps G-d’s approval of Abraham's emphasis of kavod habriyot can be found in the subsequent verses (Genesis 18:19).
When David returned, he apologized to Moshe and offered to pay for replacement of the fender.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Hot Air Blower ‘Whoever Eats Bread Without Wiping His Hands…’ (Sotah 4b)
The greatest impact of an individual is generally felt when he acts as part of the larger community.
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)
In this week's parsha, what do we learn about the intense power Abraham had to influence others?
Professors and fellow students have poisoned many young Jewish minds against their faith and Israel.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
HaShem waited while Abraham attended to his visitors before discussing with him the fate of Sodom.
When one is able to serve G-d and feel connected with Him on an emotional level, it is far greater than one who merely has an intellectual and rational connection.
Avraham Avinu is the first Jew and the first human being to take moral responsibility for himself and his surroundings.
The 1st commandment given to proto-Israelite nation, through our patriarch Abraham, is circumcision
It is important to appreciate Terah, the foundation from which the patriarchs and matriarchs emerged
"I stated from the beginning, 'For a friend like you – we're willing to rent.' If he's no longer a friend, the agreement is no longer binding!"
It seems that in an attempt to portray gedolim as great, we have made them non-human – angels just barely wearing human form.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Reburial In Eretz Yisrael ‘If One Finds Three [Corpses]…This Is A Graveyard’? (Nazir 64b-65a)
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)
Circumcision and the Sabbath/Festivals are both classified as otot (signs) of our relationship with G-d.
By dvora
The woman next to me leaned even further forward, and soon started to interject comments as I spoke to the couple.
If everything depends on the final test, the Sacrifice of Yitzchok, why give Avraham other trials?
Chazal teach that while Ephraim stayed and learned under Yaakov, Menashe helped Yosef run the kingdom.
I believe one of our questions can be answered by noting that Avraham was only commanded not to marry a gentile or a maidservant in Bereishis 17:7 – after he was already married to Hagar for 13 years.
The Jewish people's love for their land is under assault, whether by Arab terror or UNESCO treachery
By Tzvi Fishman
What should one learn from the first words that G-d says to Avraham: Go to the Land of Israel!
Not only is eating melavah malkah a great mitzvah, there are "instant rewards"!
Even in the most drastic of circumstances, a Jew can never be written off completely and one must even be willing to endure total mesirus nefesh for another’s sake.
Noah's children teach different responses to being disappointed by someone dear-or even God Himself
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Matter Of Health ‘He Who Rounds The Corners…’ (Nazir 57b)
Question: When a stranger approaches a congregant in shul asking for tzedakah, should the congregant verify that the person’s need is genuine? Furthermore, what constitutes tzedakah? Is a donation to a synagogue, yeshiva, or hospital considered tzedakah? Zvi Kirschner (Via E-Mail)
The more a person grows, the more clearly he relates to his spiritual side, and the less the Nefesh Ha’Bahami clouds his vision.
"What do you expect?" asked Mr. Strauss. "That I should work for free?"
As a child, I always wanted to know what my father’s chin looked like. But I never got to see it. From the time I was born until the time he passed away 28 years later, the Dayan’s chin was always covered with a beard. The Torah forbids a man to destroy the corners of […]
It was only after permission was granted to eat animals that man was permitted to fully own animals.
By dvora
My parents knew so much but were never too proud to learn something from their children for whom they provided a proper Jewish education.
How do we become people of chesed & rachamim? By taking action and following the dictates of Torah
Unfortunately, the new world that Adam attempted to start through Seth became corrupted.
Examining the frequent failures of humanity in this parsha and how they set the scene for Abraham.
The remarkable gift of unity should be a powerful tool to further mankind and to further God’s will.
Rashi said Noah was lacking in faith. His faith in God wasn't weak, his self-faith was lacking
Can anything be done to preserve Eastern Europe's numerous Jewish communities like Olomouc ?
Though the Yale 5 lost the case and appeal, they ultimately won: Yale became flexible about housing
September 25, 2026 
