יום שלישי, ט׳ חשוון תשפ״זTuesday, October 20, 2026
Follow Us
Tackling the story of Sale of Joseph & learning how to reconcile relationships with those we love
Mixed with the signals sent & received, some are ignored, most blatantly, Dinah's "Going Out."
Earlier in history, the Beis HaMikdash had been the center of life, the pride of every Jew.
Before the Holocaust our family in Hungary had nearly 90 rabbis; after, my father alone survived
As is evident from the Rambam, when one lights Chanukah candles higher than 20 amos it is not considered a ner Chanukah at all.
Yosef’s tale illustrates that "clothes don't make the man"
By dvora
The 10 year reign of Shlomtzion, one of only 2 women to rule over Judea, was peaceful & prosperous
The great Jewish mistake was thinking the more we became like others, the more accepted we'd become
Fun Fact: The organizers of the Boston Tea Party were referred to as “the modern day Maccabees.”
By Rachel Weiss
How apropos that the letter Ayin, with a numerical value of seventy, is associated with the month of Teves.
Yehuda, in an act of moral courage, readily admits his sin.
Although the word melacha is translated as work, in reference to Shabbos it connotes something entirely different.
We traced her family history and discovered that she is actually Jewish. She was so excited.
By thanking G-d for His kindnesses & by saying “thank you” we can acquire the attribute of gratitude
Jacob's response to his sons' feud reversed the actions of his youth-he sends Joseph to reconcile
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)
Perhaps this fulfilled the first dream, regarding Joseph’s economic domination of his brothers. However, it did not fulfill the second dream.
By Y. Alterman
“Don’t say a word,” Mrs. P warned us with a wag of her finger. “Let the kallah think for herself.”
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Impropriety Of Flattery ‘They Flattered King Agrippas’ (Sotah 41b)
“These are the chronicles of Yaakov: Yosef was seventeen years old, and he watched his brothers.” – Bereishis 37:2 At the age of seventeen, Yosef was wise in the ways of the Torah and the ways of the world. He was called a “ben zikunim” because even at such a young age he showed […]
"This doesn't seem right," Chaim's mother said. "I'm going to have to check with the bakery." She put that doughnut aside and took a different flavor.
There is a glaring difference between the Beis Yosef’s answers.
Hanukah reminds us of the challenges in Galus. How we understand & react to Galus defines us as Jews
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Tamar realizes Judah has no intention of giving her his last son. Now trapped-an agunah-she acts
Chanukah celebrates those willing to provoke the Greeks & prod the Jewish people from their slumber.
Is Vayeishev,this weeks parsha, a chapter in Genesis or an episode of Game of Throne?!
Tamar initiates the process, opening Yehudah’s eyes to her essence; “clothes don’t make the (wo)man"
We face bitter adversaries who find glory in the act of randomly, mercilessly killing good people
The Mesilas Yesharim (Chapter 1) explains that our purpose in this world is to gain entry into the World to Come. The medium for that is Torah and mitzvos, for which one can only achieve reward in this world.
People have 1 name because it supposedly reflects identity. What if a person has a double identity?
We must re-focus our priorities & our communal resources from Jewish defense to Jewish spirituality
We’re the westernmost Jewish community on the planet (!) thus always “wrapping it up” for Klal Yisroel by making the last kiddush or havdalla, lighting the last Menorah, etc.
The answer to this question can best be understood with a perspective on capitalism.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Burning Of Kever Yosef ‘Alongside Shechem’ (Sotah 32a)
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)
Jewish history is the story of exile. Jacob blazed the trail for the Jews in exile.
When a person who has given in to his or her animal instincts wishes to bring a sacrifice to atone for such conduct, the sacrifice should be as basic and unadorned as the instincts to which he or she gave in.
Of course Hashem still cares for His people and can still perform miracles.
Although I did not know it yet, missing my stop was predestined.
In any event, how do we explain the fact that Hashem changed Avraham’s name entirely but merely added another name to Yaakov’s?
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.
October 16, 2026 
