It occurred to me, as my brain rattled in my skull on a two-hundred mile ride through rural Virginia, that our souls work in much the same way.
Essential principle of arguments for Heaven's sake is recognizing no 1 person has monopoly on truth
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Heaven answered Moshe dramatically. He was proved right. End of revolt. End of story- Not at all...
Jews are again confronted by enemies threatening us. Whom are we to turn to? Hashem, our Father
I had imagined it was my mother who would probably miss us the most. But what do we really know about what is happening?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Not As An Asmachta? “An Asmachta [In Beis Din] Does Acquire” (Nedarim 27b)
"Is the invoice signed by the students?" asked the principal. "They said they didn't get the pizza."
Until Korach's rebellion, no one dared challenge Moshe’s authority.
Performing ketores outside the Beis Hamikdash, and at the wrong time is an aveirah.
Conversely, no part of the Land within the boundaries delineated in Numbers 34 may be relinquished for any purpose whatsoever.
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)
Korach demonstrates how "charisma" can lead to a breakdown in the legitimate forms of leadership
Joshua & Caleb's report was filled with faith & optimism; report of the 10 was poisoned by cynicism
A truly great leader is someone who not only leads and influences his immediate circle, but the broader world as well.
As they continued to spread fear in the hearts of the rest of Bnei Yisrael, they report that they saw giants, nefilim. V'sham rainu et hanefilim bnei anak!
It becomes clear that the problem the Jewish people faced wasn't temporary but endemic to its core
By dvora
Miraculously, the baby came out without a scratch, though some glass shards had to be brushed off his hat.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Ulla’s Murderous Companion ‘Yes! Cut Him Even Deeper’ (Nedarim 22a)
Ten of the twelve spies returned with a negative report, stating that this would be impossible.
By Rachel Weiss
It must have been the warm ambiance of their humble yet welcoming home. Or maybe it was their broad shoulders and understanding hearts…
Why did the Torah add baderch btzayschem M'mitzrayim to the command to remember the Miriam incident?
Yale argued living on campus meant living in the "real world," with its complexities and challenges
Although it is true that the Final Redemption will be accelerated when all Jews repent and accept the rule of Torah, there is also another scenario for the Final Redemption.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
There's no obligation TO wear tzitzit; opting to wear them symbolizes free acceptance of the mitzvot
"Rebbetzin are you implying barbarism's again threatening us?" I replied "No-I’m saying it outright”
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)
"The answer depends on the terms of the purchase agreement and local customs," replied Rabbi Dayan.
What was so bad about the spies sin and how can we connect to such an angry, vengeful God?
The Children of Israel chose a natural human existence, as opposed to living supernatural lives
"If I give you a box of candles will you light them each erev Shabbos?"
How does haughtiness lead to a loss of faith? Pride to the eclipse of God?
Let's emulate Aharon’s devotion to Jewish values & religious standards while helping all of society
Moshe realized that the halt to their march will have major repercussions. The body that had been so carefully assembled, with a single purpose and goal, began to fray.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
An Enduring Text ‘If One Vows By The Torah...’ (Nedarim 14b)
"I wasn't really thinking," replied Levi. "Things in the backyard usually don't need watching. I also didn't expect you to be away so long. One thing is clear, though: I never accepted responsibility for the cake."
Mitzvot, even restrictive laws, often teach self-discipline which is a venue to freedom.
By Naama Klein
As a borderline CDO (OCD alphabetized) sufferer, I really wanted to have every last thread tied up securely before we hit the road.
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)
The flavor of the mon was not artificial; the mon would now consist of the actual flavors from the desired food.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Sadly, we're no longer an edah; We've fissured and fractured: Orthodox & Reform; religious & secular
Should just a few communities settle the Land of Israel? Should there be a mass emigration of all Jews worldwide to Israel?
WIth this week's parsha, Israel begins its 40 years wandering in the desert before entering the Land
Despite unequal status, teamwork is the surest route to harmony and maximum self-expression.
Simple source of Jewish power: Hashem. “Simple” because we need only recognize it and it will appear
What if someone would come to you and offer you everything that is desirable in this world, but with one condition: you have to give up your essence.
Torah learning is valueless unless it enhances personal morality, fostering closer connection to God
How is it possible that some of our people cannot see what I see, the miracle of the existence of the state of Israel?
Why did so many of our great sages from the Rambam to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein live outside Israel?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Casting A Doubt ‘Shall We Say [They] Are Not Valid?’ (Nedarim 5a-7a)
I was about six years old at the time and recall that very special occasion so well.
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)
Why was Samson singled out as the only Shofet required to be a nazir from cradle to grave?
"What do you mean?" asked the secretary. "We already issued a ruling and closed the case."
Tosafos suggests several answers as to how a minor can own an item, m’d’Oraisa.
This week's video discusses the important connection between the Priestly Blessing and parenting.
Many of us simply don’t get the need for the Torah to list the exact same gift offering, 12 times!
There is a great debate as to whether this story actually took place or is simply a metaphor, a prophetic vision shown to Hoshea by Hashem.
Every person is presented with moments when he/she must make difficult decisions about how to proceed.
One does not necessarily share the opinions of one’s brother. One may disapprove of his actions, values, and/or beliefs. However, with brothers there is a bond of love and caring that transcends all differences.
By Guest Author
This Shavuot let's give G-d a gift too: Let's make this year different by doing just 1 more mitzvah
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if […]
God and the divine origin of His Torah are facts even though we do not fully comprehend them.
So if we basically live the same life, why should he get eternal reward and not me?”
The question is: What about pidyon haben? Can one give the five sela’im required for pidyon haben to a kohen’s daughter?
In Parshas Pinchas the Torah introduces the Mussaf for Shavuos by describing it as Yom HaBikurim when we bring the new offering.
Rachel was thrown by the sight and began to caringly think whom this person might be.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
The desert, with its unearthly silence & emptiness, is the condition in which the Word can be heard
The census focused on the individual, proving each is created as irreplaceable, unique images of God
Jewish survival in a dysfunctional world requires women assuming the role Hashem gave them at Sinai
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Honor Of Reading The Kesubah ‘Witnesses Sign Only After Reading…’ (Kesubos 109a)
Why does the Torah use two different words for "to count," and what does each indicate?
From Bemidbar on and in Nevi’im, the nation is viewed primarily by its component parts, the tribes
By Rachel Weiss
"You do know that nothing occurs without reason. Can you think of something you might have done to bring on your malaise?"
What does the omer & agricultural laws pe'ah & leket teach about the Biblical approach to holidays?
A true life of meaning is achieved not by running after material success but by recognizing that everything is dependent on G-d, and that spiritual growth is truly valuable.
Though studying Torah is the most important mitzvah, it is performed in private.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Twice Promised “Such And Such [I Give My Son]…” (Kesubos 102b)
By Naama Klein
With lots of time on his hands and a wealth of teaching experience under his belt, his answer was a no-brainer.
There are no enemies confronting us, there are no terrorists to threaten us, and we can clearly see Hashem’s direction and guardianship of the land.
We are affected by our environment. Our perspective on the world is affected by what those around us do.
"A person who borrowed without a written loan document, even in the presence of witnesses, is believed with a heses – rabbinic – oath to say that he repaid,"
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times, alternating hands? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining to young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)
The mitzvah that parents must give their son a bris milah is a mitzvah that they must perform for someone else – namely their son.
Torah hints to a divided Jerusalem that will become a city without walls forever united
The “Jewish tragedy” I'm referring to is a disease that afflicts our generation: Spiritual Blindness
I felt terror posing questions to Rav Elyashiv doing so only twice in the 9 years I was in his shiur
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
This week's parshah inspired the Jubilee 2000 initiative leading to debt cancellation of $34 biilion
Faith is responding to demands that we wouldn’t think of taking on were we left to our own devices.
A proper emor would also mean that we do not say something, even as a joke or a tease, that may cause someone to be weakened in the doing of a mitzvah or minhag.
During the course of the year, though, political events in the Persian Gulf caused the cost of gasoline to rise. Prices climbed from $2.50 a gallon to $4.00.
It is the right amount of the right middah in the right time that is the key to perfection. Each middah has its place, time, and correct measure.
Question: Should we wash our hands in the bathroom with soap and water, or by pouring water from a vessel with handles three times on each hand alternatingly? I have heard it said that a vessel is used only in the morning upon awakening. What are the rules pertaining young children? What is the protocol if no vessel is available? Additionally, may we dry our hands via an electric dryer? Harry Koenigsberg (Via E-Mail)
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Seller’s Remorse ‘He Sold Because He Ostensibly Needed The Funds’ (Ketubbot 97a)
By dvora
This young man was particularly fine, as when his parents suggested he date someone, he didn’t bother to look at resumes or pictures, as many young men do. He trusted his parents knew his best interests, and attempted to put his best foot forward.