יום שלישי, י״ח תשרי תשפ״זTuesday, September 29, 2026
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By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
These negative visualizations can be particularly important when the long-term consequences of our actions are not immediately resonant.
Excluding The Excluded ‘You Are Permitted To Any Man But My Father …’ (Gittin 85a)
Who has not been in an uncomfortable situation where everyone seems to know everyone else except for you?
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana endured those heartbreaking days with exceptional strength and fortitude.
Question: In the many shuls that I've attended I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via email
Though we occasionally face difficult situations, we should be optimistic about our future.
The first to fulfill the mitzvah of Birkat HaMazon, according to our Sages, was Avraham Avinu.
When facing our enemies, it's often necessary to don a ruthlessness seemingly at odds with our inner nature. The 'hands of Esav' can sometimes be utilized to achieve the goals of 'Yaakov's voice.'
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
It is through the word – speaking and listening – that we can have an intimate relationship with G-d as our parent, our partner, our sovereign, the One who loves us and whom we love.
The Talmud asks: The people of the city were righteous – why were they punished? Rav Yosef says it was because they did not mourn the destruction of the Temple. In the Talmud Yerushalmi (Taanis 4:5), Rav Yose adds that the people lit lights, indicating unseemly festivities.
What if you find it difficult to forgive someone? Let’s say for example, someone caused you to lose an exciting job opportunity, or perhaps they wrecked your chances at a good shidduch. How could you sincerely forgive someone who hurt you in such a terrible way?
When Israel is redeemed from exile, Ramchal explains, the Divine Presence (Shechina) that was exiled with us rises up to be reunited with her counterpart above the physical universe.
It is clear that we now live in the second stage of history – one of darkness, distance, and seeming disconnect from Hashem. It is also clear that this was not always the case.
The measure of greatness is not when one performs when he's at his best, but how much he is able to produce when his resistance is low and he's not feeling his best.
Mynah birds are very good at adapting to new places and ousting the native bird populations. The crows and sparrows have all but disappeared since the mynah bird invasion of our neighborhood.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
The second chapter of Pirkei Avot ends with two related teachings from Rabbi Tarfon, both centering around procrastination and productivity.
He turned around and saw a huge wave heading quickly towards him. Before he knew it, the wave hit the beach and crashed against the shore, spreading up the sand sixty feet. It saturated the towel and unfurled it, sopping the phones with seawater.
Deliberate Humiliation “Take Care of My Father” (Gittin 75b)
Question: In the many shuls that I've attended, I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan. Is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via Email
Ironically, our elevated holiness leaves us vulnerable to Avoda Zara.
Memory is the cabinet of the imagination, the treasury of reason, the registry of conscience, and, the council chamber of thought. -Giambattista Basile
Because Hashem directs the world, things that happen to and around us are more than just coincidental.
Already from a young age, his extraordinary talents were discovered.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
If you want to change the world, start with why.
As characters participating in one of history’s most incredible chapters, we focus our efforts on the specific challenges facing our generation.
Rav Shach asks: Why did Moshe Rabbeinu wish to remain in the world like an animal or a bird? He answers that every living being has a specific mission in life through which the honor of Hashem is increased and spread.
There are times in our lives when we feel distant from Hashem and when we question whether or not Hashem truly cares for us, loves us, or believes in us. It is specifically at these times that we refer to Hashem as Makom.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Only in Israel was G-d seen not just as a power but as the architect of society, the orchestrator of its music of justice and mercy, liberty and dignity.
The purpose of performing even the most basic mitzvot is in order that they should not be forgotten when we return to Eretz Yisrael.
After the many stages of return from exile and rectification of our spiritual and intellectual state, which we will hopefully encounter in the coming weeks, the last step is to repair the physical body.
It seems that Hashem could have lived in harmony with us and could have looked away from our indiscretions towards Him. He simply could not bear to ‘stick around’ and watch when His children weren’t getting along one with another...
In thanking Hashem for preparing the steps of man, we are essentially admitting and thanking G-d for running our lives according to His Master Plan.
Today’s political left and right share certain policies, but they inhabit a milieu of pain and conflict which forms a very substantive basis for feelings of hatred.
How might Moshe looked back upon his life? Ironically, the man unsurpassed in so many ways may actually have seen himself as a failure. Yet that is certainly the impression one gets from reading through most of this book.
One who accepts tzedakah should not spend money on things that are considered unnecessary luxuries. However, if the things one spends money on are considered normal expenditures in the society one lives in, then it is ok.
It is fascinating to consider that, though He looks at us always, He does not seem too often to intervene, He does not punish or reward us in obvious ways.
What else can we say but , B"H!
A transaction made initially in error is void, replied Rabbi Dayan. However, this does not apply here, since when Mr. Joseph gave the tickets, the concert was still planned as scheduled.
Viewing Competency “A Deaf Person Able to Speak” (Gittin 71a)
I look up from time to time, my eyes focused in the same direction. Six kilometers distant is the Kotel, where people are praying, putting a note between the stones.
Though the Torah commands many mitzvot that guide our relationship with Hashem, the mitzvot that govern interpersonal relationships are the most important. Disregarding them causes churban and subsequent mourning.
Question: In the many shuls that I've attended, I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan. Is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via Email
An individual may bring a Mincha offering, but it may not be offered in partnership, yet it's a communal offering.
Our sages warn us of the possibility that great Torah scholars can lead Israel away from serving HaShem.
Here is some practical advice regarding our current period of mourning as we approach Tisha B'Av.
The Rebbe spoke of the need to shine a beacon of light into these days of darkness through participation in a siyum during each one of the nine days.
In a 2010 Tablet Magazine piece, Lee Smith described how the U.S. counter-intelligence community took up the failed, decades-long effort by media and academics to undermine solid American support for Israel by criminalizing legitimate, pro-Israel advocacy in Washington...
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Following his approach that each element of this mishna relates to advice for Torah study, Rabbi Lipschitz explains that knowing before whom you toil will also help with effective learning.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Age brings the reflection and detachment that allows us to stand back and not be swept along by the mood of the moment or passing fashion or the madness of the crowd.
Perhaps we still call our silent devotion Shemoneh Esrei, or Eighteen, even though in reality it is now nineteen, out of respect for the Anshei K’nesses HaGedolah, or because eighteen is the gematria of chai, life, emphasizing that we are actually praying for our lives and our livelihoods.
In general, in Jewish literature, association with animals is seen in a pejorative light. While certainly not anti-animal, classical Judaism sees humanity unequivocally as superior to the animals, following the account of Creation in the Torah.
There are two different types, or aspects, of perfection. The first is static perfection (sheleimus), where something is, has been, and always will be absolutely perfect. Such a being does not struggle, has no conflicting wills, and never fails.
Why, if we have so many masterful presentations which resonate so deeply and create such a deep impression, do we seem to struggle so much with the very issues these videos are targeting?
In this essay, we explore the verb romes and its etymology, with an attempt at discovering if and how romes differs from its apparent synonyms, dorech and boss.
Geula was not the same as it is now. There were so many shopkeepers that lived there. Some were religious, some not. But it was a community. We all were one. And Ruti and I would go everywhere together.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
When someone considers himself as a wicked person, there is a strong likelihood that will lead to him sinning even more.
Shlomo looked at his watch. It was already late afternoon; he wouldn't have time to go to the garage and get back to shul for Mincha. On the other hand, he knew that there was a mitzvah to pay wages promptly, on that day, and a prohibition – bal talin – to delay payment.
Completing An Assignment ‘A Get May Be Written And Given Even One Hundred Times’ (Gittin 63b)
The very fact that the Haggadah that we recite on Pesach speaks to four distinctive personalities is proof that our Sages realized that people are different and they articulate their belief in G-d in many ways.
Normally choose a Haftara that corresponds to Parshat Hashavua, but not during the Three Weeks.
The Chafetz Chaim explained that it took him a long time to complete his Shemoneh Esrei because of the time he spent reciting the Modim beracha. (He was shocked that others could say the beracha so quickly.)
Question: In the many shuls that I've attended, I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan. Is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via Email
The Rebbe speaks quickly and with a singsong. The chassidim stand around the table with closed eyes, trying to concentrate and hear every word. He speaks of the secrets of the Torah.
Indeed, we know what is of primary and what is of secondary importance in life, yet this understanding is not always easy to apply.
By Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman
“Do not judge your fellow man until you have reached his place.” (Hillel, Pirkei Avos 2:4)
By waging war on Israel, even if not consciously aware of its inner motivation, a person or group is declaring war against the Source of all Creation.
Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable. -Jean de La Fontaine
The Ran expounds that one who builds a personal altar could mistakenly believe that he is actually doing a mitzvah by being extraordinarily scrupulous in offering sacrifices to Hashem. He doesn’t realize, though, that he is in fact committing a grave sin.
The Malbim defines Judges as those who govern the laws of jurisprudence between man and his fellow, while the Advisors are those who give us counsel to succeed in our relationship with Hashem.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
We should be free to live as we choose, worship as we choose, and identify as we choose.
According to Rashi, it is the will of Hashem that the nations residing in the land of Israel when the people of Israel cross the river be banished and eradicated.
A worthwhile journey often includes a long winding path, twisting and turning in all directions, leading you on a seemingly endless quest. Then, at the very last moment, there can be a sudden revelation that retroactively changes your perspective on the entire journey!
One of the more painful components of having struggling children is that the families often feel judged and at a loss of how to properly relate to and with their precious child. The feeling that they are not alone and there are others who can listen and commiserate is invaluable.
At each stop the Jews learned another lesson about how to rid themselves of their Egyptian ways.
Of course, having slick professional lawyers attempt to outwit one another in court is not the Torah way. Nevertheless, we still find a halachic mandate to seek to exonerate the accused if any doubt exists as to his or her guilt.
Although men are also obligated to do so, this mitzvah is primarily incumbent on women and they are given preference in performing it. Sarah was the first woman in history to perform this mitzvah.
By dvora
My mother always prayed they would get to their 50th anniversary. They were blessed to have celebrated their 60th anniversary, too. Their love was a perennial one, always there, year after year.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
The better self-awareness we have, the better our relationship with others will be, and the stronger connection we will have to G-d.
If the Singers share a single account, Mr. Cooper could certainly offset his obligation to Mrs. Singer with Mr. Singer's debt to him. It is pointless to pay $600 to the joint account, and then withdraw $600 from it.
In The Aftermath Of The Betar Massacre ‘Forty Se’ah Of Phylactery Casings Were Found…’ (Gittin 57b-58a)
Sinning, while purporting to do something positive, is hypocrisy par excellence.
Unconditional love means that you are my cherished neshamala. You are a gift to me from Above.
Question: In the many shuls that I've attended, I observe that there are people who recite the Kaddish silently. Is this correct? I’ve also seen Kaddish recited by some at a cemetery without a minyan. Is there any reason to sanction this? Charles Rosen Via Email
Each day we set and realize many goals. As these goals seem naturally within our grasp, we assume that we accomplish them on our own. We set our mind to something we are capable of accomplishing and we succeed in doing so.
The atmosphere is completely different than the one out in the street. Everyone converses in Yiddish. They all understand Yiddish.
The Temple’s loss led to the development of rabbinic Judaism, which enabled Torah Judaism to transcend geographic boundaries and take root all over the planet.
In fact, our sages tell us that Pinchas did not concern himself at all with his physical needs. Rather he served Hashem with truth and sincerity, only heeding the spiritual benefit in his life.
The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream. -William Shakespeare
How surprised I was when he answered with a flourish that the most important blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei is T’kah b’shofar gadol l’cheiruseinu, our bracha that we beseech Hashem to initiate the final Redemption!
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
We are each, to some extent, who we chose to become. Neither genes nor upbringing can guarantee that we become the person our parents want us to be.
A true pursuer of peace/completeness is one who identifies the obstacles to HaShem’s Ideal for this world and works passionately to remove them.
The Korban Sotah in Marah removed all doubts from the minds of Bnei Yisrael regarding the integrity of their families.
This argument is rehashed year after year. CEO and homeless son, success and failure. But which is the success, and which is the failure?
It is of interest, say the Sages, that Moshe’s request for a new leader immediately follows the inheritance of the daughters of Tzlofchad.
In this essay, we take a closer look at the Hebrew word used for Phineas’ weapon of choice and compare it with other Hebrew words like chanit and kidon that seem to refer to the same or very similar weapons.
September 25, 2026 
