יום שישי, ז׳ תשרי תשפ״זFriday, September 18, 2026
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Some Rishonim are bothered by the opinion of the Rambam that bnei Noach are commanded not to eat basar min hachai.
The story of Vayeira is a basis for our slavery and ultimate exodus from Egypt.
In BB, he said “You, my children are the angels of Shabbos and the licht are your beautiful eyes.”
To be fully saved means not only to come out physically unscathed but emotionally healthy as well.
We recognize that we are only a speck in this great world and only a small impression in the unfolding of time. As an educator, I have always believed that teachers should realize this as well.
Yishmael could claim to be a victim; he only prevails when he subordinates himself to Yitzchak.
It is a reprehensible approach for a proud Jew anywhere in the world to avoid using Israeli produce.
Kabbalah teaches that mother Rachel symbolizes the Jewish People.
Schools should realize that a child’s life is composed of multifaceted experiences, and schoolwork and homework are only one small part of the equation.
People love their GPS; just type in the address and it tells you exactly how to get to where you want to go.
In the same way as a married woman is precluded from marrying another man without a get, so too is this widow prohibited from marrying another man without chalitzah.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Ban Of The Communities ‘Impaired Chalitzah’ (Yevamos 26b)
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
“My mother raised us to independence, all of us,” Rivka says, which certainly plays itself out in the fact that all three children have taken a different path.
“ ‘We're almost out of stamps,’ I said. ‘I'll be happy to run over to the post office and pick up a supply.’ ”
Bris Bein Habesarim affirmed that Hashem gave the land to Avraham’s children. It does not specify for how long. It did not guarantee the Jewish people eternal ownership of the land
According to the Raavad if one who is uncircumcised breaks something he will be exempt from paying for it since he was chayav kares at the same time as he was obligated to repay for the item he broke.
Why does Hebrew refer to mothers-in-law as "sunshine" when society often calls them the opposite?
Having herself been victimized by Pharoah, Sarah should have been more sensitive to Hagar.
Avram’s father was not impressed with the cleverness of his son. In fact, he was so unimpressed that he took him to Nimrod the king, who pronounced him an enemy of the state and attempted to execute him.
How do the stories in Lech Lecha help us understand the central tension of Abraham's life, legacy?
Abraham did not govern society but instead was the representative of God’s kingdom on earth.
Hagar grossly miscalculated her own merits and demonstrated a serious lack of gratitude for Sarai.
Noach was the lonely man of faith living in a depraved world, full of wickedness.
Avraham became a great man during the 175 years of his life, while his predecessors became increasingly wicked, despite staggering knowledge, during their lifetimes of hundreds of years.
Shem realized that he owed his existence to his father who brought him into the world.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Law-Abiding Citizen ‘That Which Is Crooked Cannot Be Made Straight…’ (Yevamos 22a-b)
By Joseph Cox
The flood was not sent to destroy, but to restore the positive potential of the world.
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
Strict din demands perfection. There is no room for shortcomings and no place for excuses; you are responsible.
By Naama Klein
Surprisingly, my husband and one son arrived home over half-an-hour earlier than usual. I excitedly shared my perfect-timing story, but my better half one upped me easily.
Noach felt a tug, and then heard a rip. His jacket had been caught on the nail, and the beautiful suit had a tear.
Boundaries must be set in every home. Parents and children are not pals. They are not equals.
Noah and his wife could not fathom living together as husband and wife and continuing the human race
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
The Babel story is the 2nd in a 4-act drama that's unmistakably a connecting thread of Bereishit
Our intentions are critical in raising children because they mimic everything we parents do & think
A humble person who achieves a position of prominence will utilize the standing to benefit others.
By Donny Fuchs
Myth #1: It is easy to be a B'nai Noach. It is extraordinarily hard to be a B'nai Noach.
By Joseph Cox
The creation of the world is described twice. Each description serves a unique purpose.
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
By B. Schreiber
To the surprise of our protectzia-invested acquaintances, my family has thrived in our daled amos without that amenity, b’ezras Hashem.
Shimon started adjusting the branches on the roof. In doing so, a branch fell off the other side of the car and hit the side-view mirror, cracking it.
I, the one who is housed inside this body, am completely and utterly spiritual.
Should we sit in the sukkah on a day that may be the eighth day when we are not commanded to sit in the sukkah at all?
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
For Appearance’s Sake ‘Shammai Did Not Follow Their Own Ruling’ (Yevamos 13b 14a)
If one hurts another human being, God is hurt; if one brings joy to another, God is more joyous.
I'm grateful to Hashem for everything; Just the same, I'd love a joyous Yom Tov without aggravation.
Bereshit: Life includes hard choices that challenge our decisions, leaving lingering complications.
Rabbi Fohrman:" Great evils are often wrought by those who are blithely unaware of the power they wield."
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
The emphasis on choice, freedom and responsibility is a most distinctive features of Jewish thought.
The Torah emphasizes the joy of Sukkot, for after a season of labor, we celebrate our prosperity.
By Joseph Cox
The encounter with the timeless stability of the divine occurs within the Sukkot.
Hashem created all human beings and it should sadden us when Hashem, their Father, does not see nachas from them.
All the way to the airport I could only think of what if …
When Hashem formed man, He gave him the keys to Creation. As the Midrash tells us, Hashem said to Adam, “This is your world now. You are in charge of it; take care that you don’t destroy it.”
Some seforim on a nearby bookcase toppled over and knocked the esrog out of Lev's hand. It fell to the ground and a piece broke off.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Being Overly Burdensome My Sabbaths Shall You Observe’ (Yevamos 6a)
We are told that after returning home from Ne’ilah and breaking our fast, the first activity we should engage in is building a sukkah.
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
So just in case you're stuck in the house this Chol HaMoed – because there's a new baby or because someone has a cold – not because of anything worse, here are six ideas for family fun at home.
Realizing that his death was immanent and he had only a few more moments, Moshe focuses on doing the most important thing: he runs to Bnei Yisrael and blesses them.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Sukkot's duality is that it's the most universalistic and the most particularistic of all festivals
“We offer you our children, Hashem” responded Am Yisrael. “They will be our surety.”
The Sukka: Even if you find it difficult to come to the synagogue, the synagogue will come to you.
Sukkot is a universal holiday, inviting all peoples to come on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Only 1 mitzvah I couldn't keep in their prison: Sukkah; How could I build a Sukkah in a KGB camp!
The Shagas Aryeh leaves the matter somewhat unresolved, and posits that on the first night one is only obligated in simchah m’d’Rabanan.
The special quality of the year 5775 (תשע"ה) is “nine months of pregnancy” תִּשְׁעָה יַרְחֵי לֵידָה
Give your sukkah an aura of polished grace with one of these breathtaking chandeliers!
Yom Kippur is observed on the tenth day of Tishrei - an Acadian word for forgiveness and Genesis.
By Joseph Cox
Sometimes terrible things – things like the Akeidah – actually unlock our potential and make us far greater than we otherwise would be.
By Joseph Cox
We aim for a virtuous cycle of creation and rest and yet more creation
The Jewish world today is a critical part of the timeline in Jewish history.
Often in life we become stuck – stuck in the morass of our habits and the rote of our comfort level.
There is one day of the year on which the Satan has no power: Yom Kippur.
During shmittah we refrain from agricultural activities and collection of loans, and on Yom Kippur we refrain from all physical pleasures.
A Miraculous Visual Treat ‘They Lifted It Up To Show…’ (Chagiga 26b)
Question: I recently loaned money to a friend who has been able to repay only part of it. This was an interest-free loan. We exchanged a signed IOU, not a proper shtar with witnesses, since I have always trusted her integrity and only wanted a document that confirms what was loaned and what was repaid. Now that shemittah is approaching, what should I do? Should I forgive the loan? And if my friend is not able to repay it, may I deduct the unpaid money from my ma’aser requirement? Name Withheld
What right do I, sinner, have to approach Hashem and request forgiveness?
Throughout the war, Akiva had several brief furloughs home, and each time exchanged whichever mishnayos volume he had finished for the next in the series.
Imagine a man who, after having a few too many drinks, gets into his car and begins driving. It takes a while before he is pulled over, but finally the police arrest him, and he stands trial for driving while intoxicated.
Mr. Fisher contacted Rabbi Dayan. "Am I allowed to use money of ma'aser kesafim to pay the shul for an aliyah that I bought?" he asked.
In addition to Yom Kippur, there is at least one other instance when a person may fast on Shabbat – the case of a ta’anit chalom, in which a person wishes to fast to prevent an ominous dream from becoming reality.
Others suggest that one cannot separate Shabbos from Yom Kippur by accepting Shabbos early.
The call of the shofar is eternal. It is not musical. Its magnetic allurement cannot be explained.
Ba’al Shem Tov: “Hashem, too, is crying; as much as He is looking for us, we rarely look for Him.”
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
When we cry from the heart, someone listens; When we cry on Yom Kippur, God hears us.
Contrary to popular belief, the Talmud never explicitly limits the ban on footwear to leather shoes.
On Sunday, Jews will be refraining from food and drink from dawn until sunset to commemorate the Fast of Gedaliah. Following Nebuchadnetzar’s destruction of the First Temple and exile of most of the Jews, the Babylonians appointed Gedaliah ben Achikaam as governor of Judea. Under Gedaliah’s leadership, Judea and the survivors began to recover. On […]
By Joseph Cox
As we enter the Days of Awe, we must recognize that it is a joy to honor and serve true royalty.
On Rosh Hashanah we are taught that true self-analysis involves the breaking down of walls
When we hear the words "Rosh Hashana is coming" it really means Hashem Himself is coming!
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Who am I? What are the most important things in my life? What do I want to be remembered for? If, as a purely hypothetical exercise, I were to imagine reading my own obituary, what would I want it to say? These are the questions Rosh Hashanah urges us to ask ourselves. As we pray […]
We recently marked the thirteenth anniversary of 9/11 – that terrible day when the symbols of man’s power and achievement crumbled before our eyes and disappeared in fire and smoke. For a very brief moment we lost our smugness. Our confidence was shaken. Many of us actually searched our ways. Some of us even learned […]
September 18, 2026 
