יום שני, ח׳ חשוון תשפ״זMonday, October 19, 2026
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New York CityCANDLE LIGHTING TIMEDecember 1, 2023 – 18 Kislev 57844:11 p.m. NYC E.S.T. Sabbath Ends: 5:14 p.m. NYC E.S.T.Sabbath Ends Rabbenu Tam: 5:42 p.m. E.S.T.Weekly Reading: VaYishlachWeekly Haftara: Chazon Ovadiah (Obadiah 1:1-21)Daf Yomi: Bava Kama 29Mishna Yomit: Yevamos 11:1-2Halacha Yomit: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayyim 537:4-6Rambam Yomi: Hilchos She’ar Avos ha’Tum’ah chap. 18-20Earliest time […]
What adjustments are we making to our lives and routines to reflect that for so many of our people, nothing is normal?
By dvora
For quite a few years I have come to realize that when a day presents a lot of problems, it’s probably very good – because Hashem is involved and is offering a special opportunity.
Even though you told me to repay Moshe, argued Mr. Stern, essentially, I owe you. Giving to your son is in lieu of giving to you. If you're willing to forgo, why do we need to involve Moshe?
Taking The Law Into One’s Own Hands ‘Break His Teeth And Tell Him I Am Taking Mine’ (Bava Kamma 27b)
In connection to the Kinus HaShluchim HaOlomi, the global conference of the Rebbe’s emissaries, the following is a selection of freely translated priceless letters and answers from the Rebbe about the greatness of shlichus.
Carl Jung once remarked that our ability to influence others correlates with their perception of our openness to being influenced by them.
Tens of thousands of us studied Mishnayot in memory of those killed on Simchat Torah. Acheinu allowed us to do so together with Jews around the country and the world.
Before becoming Israel, Yaakov had to first spend several years in exile learning to be more like Esav.
Rashi suggests here that while Yaakov has faith that G-d will bring him back in one piece and that his children will inherit the land promised to his fathers, he does not know whether all of his children will be worthy of this promise.
As we mark the holiday of Thanksgiving this weekend, it is an opportunity to remind ourselves that the most authentic thanks is for that which we are tempted to take for granted and not even recognize at all
He who knows he has enough is rich. -Lao-Tzu
If we are constantly looking for the ideal, we may never find it, but if we start doing the possible, we may find that the ideal is just down the road
Yaakov is now so confident in his newly acquired ability to protect himself from the scammers of the world, that he feels that he doesn’t need G-d’s help. So he heads straight for the web of deception in Charan. Something makes him pause, however.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
What Jacob shows, by his sheer quick-wittedness, is that the strength of the strong can also be their weakness.
There are people who, while they voice Hashem will help, they really put their trust solely in the doctor, or in the medicine, but not in Hashem.
It appears that we have circumstances where the day became dark, even though it was still daytime and, in contrast scenarios where there was light in the darkness. Both portend good for the Jewish nation.
Hashem’s bounty descends from the sources of His will, and the deeds of the tzaddik ascend from the dust of the earth from which we are all made.
Question: Now that we have begun the new cycle of the Torah reading, I read in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch that one is to say a blessing upon seeing a rainbow but that it is forbidden to gaze upon it excessively. Is this not such a beautiful phenomenon? Why should there be any prohibition connected with it? Zelig Aronson Via Email
By Rabbi Shimshon HaKohen Nadel
For the families of the 240 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza – desperately waiting for their return – no price is too high, no demand too great, to get their loved ones back. But this question is far from simple, and the subject of much discussion and debate among contemporary poskim.
Isn’t that the story of our lives? Aren’t we always thinking that just around the next bend is the key to happiness?
A widespread custom is to avoid using a metallic mezuzah case. This is because metal represents the sword and the shortening of life, while a mezuzah represents mitzvot and the lengthening of life.
The purpose of rebuke is simple: Rebuke helps us see where we have gone wrong, clarifying what we must change and improve in order to fulfill our purpose and actualize our true potential.
Although Eretz Yisrael finds itself in the midst of a war, most places there do not rise to the level of a makom sakana.
As Jewish people we must hug, love and support the families that are grieving and be strong and powerful to keep on moving forward towards destroying the enemy and evil that surrounds us from all corner.
A Reflection on the Washington Rally
Why does Yitzchak's blessing seem to start mid-sentence?
Nebuchadnezzar, the warrior king, has been likened to an ox, whose intent was to cause damage and mayhem, not merely to satisfy personal desires, akin to Hamas.
By Naama Klein
For all of you readers who think that my husband committed the ultimate offense and forgot the date of our wedding anniversary AND that his issues with Social Security would therefore pale in comparison to his issues with me, allow me to clarify.
Is It Trespass? ‘Reuven Didn't Benefit and Shimon Didn't Lose’ (Bava Kamma 20a)
The sense of brotherhood is so genuine because aside from the fact that Israel is now caught in an existential struggle, it is fighting as a family.
When settling with the sister so that she should not claim her share, presumably the full burden should be on the bechor, because she could claim only the additional share of the bechor.
When a Jew loses his own self-respect, when he no longer knows how a Jew thinks, speaks or acts, he adopts non-Jewish attitudes.
How do the character traits of Esav and Yaakov find expression in the rival civilizations they produced?
We are meant to realize that our success hinges on working together – not just to defend ourselves but also to realize our joint mission in Hashem’s world.
It seems that Rivkah understood that she had twins, but she thought that they belonged to the same nation. She worried that they were engaged in a civil war.
You may have students who bother you, who have messy hair or unkempt clothes. Maybe a kid who has a disorganized backpack. You might have a student who has an annoying habit. That student is someone’s entire life.
I am convinced that meeting Yitzchak was a much more intense experience than meeting Avraham.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Isaac loved Esau because he simply did not know who or what Esau was. But there is another possible answer: that Isaac loved Esau precisely because he did know what Esau was.
Typically, when we think of Esav’s hatred for Yaakov, we don’t first think of the Roman Empire or about gentiles in general. In fact this relationship remains complicated, but ultimately our role of being a light unto the nations entails uplifting them as well.
Why was Yaakov so anxious to leave such a wonderful teacher-the angel who taught him Torah in his mother’s womb. ? Why leave the world's best study partner?
Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet. -Albert Einstein
Who do we see coming to the aid of earthquake victims buried underneath rubble and crumbled buildings in all corners of the world? The little nation of Israel is the first to send assistance and personnel.
I want to suggest at least two important and clearly positive effects of this war that – short of open miracles and/or suspending human free will, both of which go against the rules the dominant voice within Jewish tradition understands as central to how God runs the world – were otherwise basically impossible
Question: Now that we have begun the new cycle of the Torah reading, I read in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch that one is to say a blessing upon seeing a rainbow but that it is forbidden to gaze upon it excessively. Is this not such a beautiful phenomenon? Why should there be any prohibition connected with it? Zelig Aronson Via Email
In the last few decades, the lowest estimation is that the elite and Ivy League colleges received eight billion dollars in Arab funding. A whopping four billion dollars came from Qatar, the source of the recently proclaimed ‘Global Day of Jihad.’
The permissibility of a ben pakua is derived from the words ba’beheima ota tocheilu, which teach that anything found inside a properly slaughtered animal is also permitted to be eaten, including another animal.
We are given a phone line, an address to turn to whenever we need help – it’s the power of prayer, the siddur, and Tehillim. If we fail to take advantage of that ability, it’s our own foolishness.
The lecture questioned the Western model of beauty and love, rejecting the notion of love at first sight. While physical beauty is important, inner beauty, spiritual beauty, is infinitely more powerful.
Yaakov and Esav each had a name from the ethical approach, a name that they chose for themselves through their actions.
While individuals retain the autonomy to determine their actions, there is a hope that people will consider the gravity of the situation and allow their moral compass to guide their decisions.
Mr. Frankel knew that thinking about it wouldn't help him or anyone else. The whole thing was in the past and though it was so painful and unjust, he tried not to think about what happened because that would only cause more suffering with no benefit at all.
Following her death, Sarah's powerful legacy continued to influence Avraham and play a major role in their family's development into a nation.
Mishneh L’melech understands that also regarding a purchase from a non-Jew, both parties can retract until the document is written because there isn’t full intent for purchase without the document.
For six years I underwent dialysis until he arrived and saved me.
Limited Liability “It Excludes An Ox Which Gored…” (Baba Kamma 13b)
The October 7th massacre and the subsequent attacks on and demonization of Jews worldwide have reminded us that we are one big family who are all in the same boat. The external enemy and threats have galvanized and unified us.
In this epic reunion, you have two multi-billionaires, each with a different life philosophy. Eisav’s is rav, a lot; Yaakov’s is kol, everything. How do they differ?
Avraham Avinu, who exemplified the attribute of kindness, purchased Me’arat HaMachpela as a final kindness to his beloved wife and to future generations of Israel.
A prayer in its simplest definition is merely a wish turned Godward. -Phillips Brooks
On the last daf of Sotah, the Talmud speaks of the generation preceding the arrival of Moshiach, and describes dismal conditions, concluding with the words, And upon what is there for us to rely? Only our Father in Heaven.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
The Jewish people mourned and wept, and then rose up and built the future. This is their unique strength and it came from Abraham, as we see in this week’s parsha.
That Hagar went against her natural inclination and remained faithful to Avraham was a supreme exhibition of breaking her nature and doing good.
Question: Now that we have begun again the new cycle of the Torah reading, I read in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch that one is to say a blessing upon seeing a rainbow but it is forbidden to gaze upon it excessively. Is this not such a beautiful phenomenon? Why should there be any prohibition connected with it? Zelig Aronson Via Email
Avraham’s plan to outwit the angel of death did not work and for some reason Sarah tarried in Hebron, perhaps packing up the household in preparation of the move, and that is where the angel of death met her.
Several authorities rule that one who finishes the Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha after sunset should not recite Tachanun, as Tachanun should not be recited at night.
Everyone is a leader in some capacity. Some will lead their families, while others will lead the world. The scale is irrelevant; the principles remain the same.
This war is not about territory. It is not about land. It is about our future and the future of our children. The very breath of every Jew who walks this planet.
A light fixture will only give off light if a compatible bulb is inserted into it. The inner light of any person, especially a child, will only shine if a compatible approach is employed.
It is not up to you to necessarily change the view of a person if the result could be deleterious to you – and perhaps even place you in danger.
By dvora
One of the triples proudly showed me his growing collection of stones he scavenged in the empty lots nearby. Each stone has its own story.
If you can withdraw other money from an ATM, even if it will take time to go there, you are required to give the loan, like other mitzvos of chesed that are required even if they take some time (see C.M. 265:1; 272:6; Ahavas Chesed 1:12).
What can the dynamics between Yitzḥak and Yishmael in Parshat Vayeira teach us about Israel’s ideal relationship with the Muslim world?
It seems that we are living in a dream world. Reality is more outlandish than anything imaginable.
Is It A Penalty? ‘Why [Did R. Oshaia] Not Deal With False Evidence?’ (Bava Kamma 5a)
The entire people of Israel are like one body, and the actions and well-being of one limb assist in the health and strengthening of all other limbs.
If you look beneath the surface of the story of the three angels visiting Avraham and the feast he served them, you will see it is a replica of a korban todah.
The nosei b’ol thinks about the wife of a soldier or his mother waiting in fear for the next text message to hear that they are still alive.
Rarely in the history of our people have we seen such unity and caring for one another. No division here! It doesn’t matter what your level of observance is. We are all one now. Religious or not, we embrace each other. We support each other.
We should remember that though Avraham was the first Jew, Yitzchak was the first born Jew. In other words, a certain paradigm of Jewish existence is created by Yitzchak’s birth, a birth in total contradiction to the physical reality of other men.
There are times, mercifully limited in their frequency, when the servants of Hashem are tested and given an opportunity to transcend the base materialism and the limited perspective of, for example, the servants of Avraham who were left behind when he and Yitzchak proceeded to the akeida.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
It is this principle that underlies the entire practice of child sacrifice, which was widespread throughout the pagan world. The Torah is horrified by child sacrifice, which it sees as the worst of all sins.
Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven. -Henry Ward Beecher
We see how Divine Providence orchestrates everything from the beginning of creation until the end of time – always setting the stage for the future.
Question: Now that we have begun again the new cycle of the Torah reading, I read in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch that one is to say a blessing upon seeing a rainbow but it is forbidden to gaze upon it excessively. Is this not such a beautiful phenomenon? Why should there be any prohibition connected with it? Zelig Aronson Via Email
The leader is appointed to serve the people. If he fails to do so, he is removed and replaced with someone who better fills the people’s needs. T
I have an ongoing debate with my Brooklyn friends. They claim Monsey is too quiet and boring; I claim it’s far more beautiful and quainter. They say I can keep the quiet beauty and they’ll keep their restaurants and all the action. I agree.
Why is it that we only modify the conclusion of the blessing when drinking wine or eating fruits that originated in Eretz Yisrael? Why isn’t it also modified when eating mezonot products that originate from Eretz Yisrael?
While it is true that there are halachos governing the giving of tzedakah and some tzedakos take precedence over others, for the most part where one chooses to give is a personal choice.
I remember so clearly when thousands of Jews were chased out of Gush Katif in the Gaza Strip so many years ago. How much they warned and begged and pleaded that moving the Jews from the Gaza Strip would lead to bloodshed, but to no avail.
Every single person is a galaxy! Every person is a universe! When you look at another person, realize that he is like a star.
By Adina Perez
This was the moment I was most waiting for. To hear my beautiful son's voice reading in the Torah with the utmost perfection. But instead I found myself completely distracted and absent because of the candies that I myself had forgotten to arrange.
It is, as Rabbi Shalom Rosner explained, an outlook on life, arguably the outlook on life. It means giving halacha dominance in one’s worldview to the extent that our perception of reality is shaped by halacha.
How the leader of a universal spiritual movement learned to reorient himself to the understanding that his goals for humanity could only be achieved through the vehicle of a nation in a specific land.
October 16, 2026 
