יום רביעי, ה׳ תשרי תשפ״זWednesday, September 16, 2026
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When a child needs encouragement whom can he turn to?
Moshe Rabbeinu's orations to Am Yisrael offer us the opportunity to be elevated and inspired in the weeks ahead.
Since the Children of Israel knew firsthand all the miracles God had done for them, how could lack faith?
By Sarah Massry
Edward was completely mystified, yet had no choice but to obey his captain’s orders.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
The Gender Factor ‘Where There Is Loss Of Work… Three Are Called To The Torah’ (Megillah 22b)
Question: Is there a special prayer or specific role for prayer when the totality of the Jewish people is in danger?
To properly fulfill the mitzvah of listening to the megillah, each word must be heard.
Criticism is but one step below a verbal attack. It isn’t quite as pointed, not quite as aggressive – but not that far off.
The talmid is not allowed to speak up due to any fear. If he remains silent, he is in violation of this prohibition.
One must act as if everything depends on us and pray as if everything depends on God.
When Yoram got home that evening, he went over to Effy: "My day camp is looking for extra supervision for an overnight trip," he said. "Would you like to come? They're paying $250 for the trip."
By Joseph Cox
Unlike the two and a half tribes, when we walk in front of G-d, we must be perfect in our motivation
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
When someone exercises power over us, they diminish us; when someone teaches us, they help us grow.
By Rachel Weiss
Just as the moon waxes, wanes and renews itself, so has the nation of Israel renewed itself through the millennia.
Parshat Masei: Rabbi Fohrman addresses the age-old question, are we our brother's keeper?
When Germany invaded neutral Belgium on August 4, England declared war on Germany. Thus, by the end of the first week of August all the major powers of Europe were at war.
The Talmud teaches that the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed because of baseless hatred.
When taking any major step in life it is a good idea to carefully re-evaluate one’s past.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Ours is a small and intensely vulnerable people. Inspired, we rise to greatness. Uninspired, we fall
The enormity of Hiram’s accomplishments crazed him and deluded him into self-deification.
"I'll make you a deal," he said. "If you pay monthly – it's $4,500; if you pay six months up front – I'll give it to you for $4,200."
When Hashem first thought (if it could be) about creating the world, the middah of din was in operation.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Hallel On Purim? “Its Reading Is Its Praise” (Megillah 14a)
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait? Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)
If the only person available to perform the milah on the eighth day is a person who is not an observant Jew, the milah should be postponed until a devout mohel is available.
It is apparent from the Maharsha that he does not see galus as atoning for killing accidentally; otherwise, this Gemara would not bother him.
By dvora
It was found to be a giant deer tick living in her head – with its claws in her scalp.
By Larry Lipetz
While daydreaming about finding the perfect job, I never expected to be rewarded in spades for my aforementioned experience.
We are all entrusted with the mission of protecting our fellow Jews
Will Your brothers go to war, while you sit (in peace) here? (Bamidbar 32:6)
Perhaps, just perhaps, we can relate to this: whenever we feel distant from Hashem, that is the Churban.
Over the next 2 weeks covering portion Matot and Maasei, Rabbi Fohrman will bring order to confusion.
By Naama Klein
Our home is in the center of the Holy Land, surrounded by (what else?) green hills and valleys.
"Sound fine," said Mrs. Schwartz. "In the middle, paint their names, Shoshana and Yehonasan. He spells his name Yehonasan with a hei and is very particular about it!"
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait? Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)
We may not recognize the adverse affect of eating forbidden foods, but they leave an indelible imprint.
There are several rules that one must adhere to when making a neder.
Important message for Jews in the Diaspora: In times of need run to Israel rather than from Israel.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
The negotiation between Moses and the tribes of Reuven and Gad is a model of conflict resolution.
Once again we find ourselves alone – a little lamb among wolves.
When we return to our routines, things don’t have to go back to exactly the way they were.
The Three Weeks determines the "who we are and how we live" as Jews.
Sometimes when Chazal say that two different people are really one, they do not mean it literally, but rather figuratively.
The midrash says that Pinchas, (this parsha), and Eliyahu, prophet of Kings, are one and the same.
By Alan Magill
The simple act of kindness should be the reward itself. Anything more in the form of a reward is gravy.
"It is sometimes possible through hataras nedarim, nullification of vows," replied Rabbi Dayan, "but it's not simple for charity pledges.
The kohen gadol may not enter the Temple unless his hair is cut every seven days.
We need to understand why Moshe Rabbeinu decided to ask that his sons inherit his position after this new halacha was introduced.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Ancient Cities, Ancient Walls (Megillah 3b-4a)
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait? Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)
Moshe served dual major roles for bnei Yisrael. He was their teacher and their leader.
An opinion recorded in the Talmud states that prayers correspond to the daily sacrifices offered in the Temple that are mentioned in this week’s portion (Berachot 26b, Numbers 28:4). It’s been argued that this opinion may be the conceptual base for our standardized prayer. Since sacrifices had detailed structure, our prayers also have a set text. […]
Heavenly Father, for how long? How much more?
Is the fact that we can spend time with our families just a fringe benefit of Shabbos or an integral aspect?
Respect for basic human dignity is such a powerful concept that it overwhelms some areas of Jewish law.
If it is not prohibited when there is a purpose for inflicting the tza’ar, why was Bilam chastised for tza’ar ba’alei chaim?
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait? Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)
Mr. Haber called Rabbi Dayan. "We sold various household items, including my bicycle, the refrigerator and some professional tools with the expectation of being relocated," he said. "It turns out we're staying. Can I annul those sales?"
Moshe’s punishment described in the parsha is most tragic. He was chosen to redeem the people, he loved them dearly and personally sacrificed so much for them.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
Birchas Kohanim On A Fast Day ‘Because of Intoxication…’ (Taanis 26b)
Herman was speechless, yet the look in his eyes said it all. Indeed, his gratitude knew no bounds.
A commonly employed and permissible device regarding the prohibition of wearing fresh clothes during the Nine Days is to don them for a moment or two before the Nine Days.
There are often two distinct perspectives of an event: the perspective from living in the moment, and the perspective of history.
Question: At Birkat Kohanim, who says the phrase, “Am k’doshecha ka’amur”?
The power of "positive campaigning;" Nothing quenches your soul's thirst like Torah.
Gratitude=Great Attitude. Appreciation is always appropriate.
Hate and Love; Opposite sides of the coin of motivation.
After listening to the driver’s incredible story, Rabbi Levenstein asked him, “What about you? After seeing such a miracle why didn’t you became Torah observant?”
The rock doesn’t have needs, yet it listens to Hashem. How much more so should we, who have so many needs?
How can we be certain that any animal can be counted toward ma’asar beheimah when perhaps it is a treifah?
Scientific disciplines don’t ask "why", a metaphysical question. They ask "how does it function?”
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Siyum Validates It ‘Thereupon The Decrees Were Annulled’ (Ta’anis 18a)
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait? Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)
"You cannot restrain Ari from building a fence on his property," answered Rabbi Dayan.
Question: How can one determine whether someone is a true disciple of a rav, Rebbe, or rosh yeshiva?
By dvora
A few seats away, I noticed a man with a Mishnah in hand, talking intently into a cell phone. I soon realized the man was participating in a Daf Yomi shiur, utilizing his traveling time well.
What was the small act of Moshe talking to the rock meant to teach the people of Israel?
The two words "thank you" have no time expiration; even if spoken after many years they’re as potent as ever.
Leaders must be careful to subdue their ego. The cause is larger than the personal concerns of one person.
By Rachel Weiss
Known by all as a happy-go-lucky fellow, Yossel’s lackluster parnassah never got the better of him. His dejected-looking wife, however, hardly shared his simchas ha’chayim and Yossel would often attempt to cheer her with words of chizuk.
When it comes to passing on Jewishness we must follow the mother - for it is she who ensures it.
Although famous for his smile, Ike Eisenhower actually harbored a volcanic temper that he worked arduously to control.
Clearly, they were lacking in bitachon. Their faith in Hashem was deficient. But they weren’t guilty of speaking lashon hara.
"I would understand if I became sick and could not finish," said Mr. Braun. "But here it was my choice to stop the work and go take care of my mother."
This separation between Kohanim, Levi’im and Yisraelim obligates us to honor kohanim.
Question: Does halacha agree with the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade permitting women to have abortions?
Is it possible for us to influence God?
The prayer of Mashiv haruach u’morid hageshem mentions God’s rainmaking powers but it is not an immediate request for rain.
By Rabbi Yaakov Klass and Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum
A Unique Challenge ‘Tithe, You Shall Tithe…’ (Ta’anis 9a)
Question: I recently returned from a trip abroad and wanted to say HaGomel. When I mentioned this to the officers of my synagogue, however, they told me – as per the instructions of the synagogue’s rabbi – that I would have to wait until Shabbos to do so. I was not given any reason for this and did not wish to display my ignorance, so I quietly acquiesced. Can you please explain why I had to wait? Name Withheld (Via E-Mail)
September 11, 2026 
