יום שלישי, ט׳ חשוון תשפ״זTuesday, October 20, 2026
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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.
When our own spiritual striving is met by the support of Hashem through His love for us, then we enter into His house.
We want our children to be deeply attached to our traditions, our family’s values and ideals. We also want them to grow into strong, healthy human beings who will live as responsible adults.
By Naama Klein
Instead of completing my online purchase within a few minutes once we arrived, I was dismayed to encounter any number of unfamiliar error messages, particularly the warning of potential credit card fraud.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
From ancient times, the idea that animals and people can affect their surroundings with their eyes was considered perfectly normal, and even to have a scientific basis.
Even if she earns more than the required amount, the husband is entitled to the extra earnings in lieu of the additional money that he provides her for personal expenses, beyond her basic sustenance of food, shelter, and clothing (E.H. 70:3).
Splitting Grains? “Mixed Untithed Produce” (Gittin 47b)
The connection between Bilaam and the Shema Yisrael prayer.
As opposed to Yosef who saw Hashem’s Hand in determining the results of our decisions, Dovid saw Hashem as behind the decision itself!
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
Their first Rebbe, Reb Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was a student of the Baal Shem Tov. He was able to blend the teachings of Chassidus from the Baal Shem Tov with the teachings of the “misnagdim” and the Vilna Gaon.
While Moav & Midian championed a separation of 'religion' & state, Israel’s mission demands that spiritual ideals be materialized on a national level so that our Torah’s values be fully expressed on earth.
The concept of “Beshert" in life
With this in mind, let us contrast two iconic figures in the Torah, both with donkey-related incidents.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Moses at the rock was not so much a prophet as a man who had just lost his sister.
Destroying the yetzer for transcendence was like destroying a spiritual radio located within our consciousness. Once you destroy the radio, the transmitter and receiver no longer operate.
We start the blessing asking Hashem to bless us with a profitable good year... Why are we praying for this every day when the Gemara teaches us -Mezonasov shel adam kitzuvin lo mei’Rosh Hashana – The livelihood of the person is fixed on the New Year and sealed on Yom Kippur.
There are many other halachos in Shulchan Aruch concerning the Evil Eye. We do not count people for a minyan, for example; and two brothers, or a son and a father, should not be called up consecutively to the Torah for an aliyah.
Instead of viewing atar and makom as pure synonyms, the aforementioned exegetes all make a point of noting that atar is actually an Aramaic word while makom is Hebrew.
It is a completely secular holiday... As such, it is acclaimed as a joyous day by those who reside in and appreciate the advantages of this land regardless of the religious or other belief system to which they may subscribe.
People can be cruel to people they perceive as different. A sense of difference can be easily translated into a malignant moral hierarchy.
Curiel has been researching his family tree for decades and has learned some astounding facts. There was a Rav Israel Ben Meir di Curiel, a Sage in Tzfat, who sat on the Beit Din in the 16th century along with Rav Yossef Caro. There were also 35 Jews named Curiel murdered in the Holocaust.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
There is a philosophical debate as to whether it is possible to completely excise anger from our emotional repertoire. This debate plays out within the Jewish ethical literature as well, with Rambam, at least in one place, indicating that one should never feel anger.
Suddenly, a ferocious-looking dog ran towards him, barking menacingly. Yitzi dodged as the dog grabbed one of the balls and ran off.
A Public Figure’s Commitment ‘A Matter That Does Not Yet Exist' (Gittin 42b)
Perhaps you are familiar with this question: “If a tree fell in the forest and no one heard it, did it make a sound?” Or, in today’s terms: “If two girls went to the mall but didn’t take a selfie, did they really go? ״ In other words, did something that was never publicized nor […]
The coal pans of the rebels were used for the altar.
Hashem’s control over what happens in the world means that our lives and fate (even in this world) are fully in His hands.
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
Today, many who criticized the Rebbe emulate the Rebbe and do the work of kiruv.
For the washing machine to conceal the noise and smell of the factory, it had to be in use 24 hours a day – which adds up to a lot of loads for a small kibbutz. Even the clothing had to do its share for the nascent State...
It would seem that this is an appropriate week to distance ourselves from Korach's path and put an end to all lingering controversy and strife.
Communicating the Jewish people's deepest aspirations can often serve to raise morale & strengthen Israel’s position on the battlefield.
Korach and his group may be cynical, but they make good claims. Indeed, every member of the Jewish people is holy! Is that not so?
“Cheers to you all, welcome to my funeral.”
It is the presence of humility that determines whether one merits leadership of the Jewish Nation; and, if one becomes arrogant after he assumes leadership, Hashem removes him from that position.
By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l
Where there is hierarchy, there will be competition as to who is the alpha male.
We know the infinite value of time and the omni-significance of each of our lives, and yet, there is an immensely powerful human drive to do absolutely nothing.
Remember, every time you open your mouth to talk, your mind walks out and parades up and down the words. -Edwin H. Stuart
By Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Depression is one of the worst conditions a human being may suffer. There are several reasons for the occurrence of depression. One that is very common results from feeling that life is meaningless. Combined with the fact that nobody can escape death, some people experience life as very painful. They do not suffer from anything […]
We add Ki sihilaseinu Attah – For You are our praise. Rab Yechezkel Abramsky, zt”l, zy”a, explains that we are clarifying that we understand our deliverance from sickness ultimately comes from Hashem. The doctor is only His agent.
Shmuel overcome his baser nature and his worldly urges in order to fully devote himself to leading Israel in purity and doing the will of Hashem.
Remarkably, its shira is Hodu laHashem kir’u b’shemo – Praise Hashem, call out in His name. I don’t know of any other animal’s shira that seems more directly connected to the recitation of brachos.
In truth, the way I translated the first clause in Moses’ defense against Korach’s campaign actually follows the explanation of Rashi and Targum Onkelos, who explain the word echad as referring to one of the people, as in Moses did not even repossess a donkey from even one Jew.
It is interesting to note that one is only truly required to address one's rav muvhak with a title while all other rabbis can theoretically be referred to by their first name.
It is very difficult to provide anything more than general guidelines regarding when one should take sides in a family fight.
Am Yisrael accused Moshe of murdering Korach and his followers by instructing them to offer a Ketoret offering outside the Mishkan, knowing full well what the consequences of such an action would be.
When Mrs. Rosner was done with her account of the saga, I told her, Mrs. Rosner, my food is really good. I want you to keep whatever you took and enjoy it in good health! Just remember to heat it up before Shabbos as everything tastes better when it’s warm!
I wanted to tell you, though, that I misread the price list. $28 was the line above, but this sefer is actually $31, so you owe another $3, said Yehuda. You can't change the price now, objected Shlomo. I already gave my cousin the sefer!
A Signature Dispute ‘Signing… for Tikkun Olam’ (Gittin 34b)
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
What does it mean to have a good heart? It is common in the modern era to associate the heart with emotions, and contrast that with the mind, which represents thought.
The Chasam Sofer explains that a Jew who learns Torah is likened to a Sefer Torah...
He would praise me even for grades that were not so good. He wanted me to feel good and successful even if I did not receive a hundred percent.
Our equality doesn't result from being created identical but rather from the fact that we each have equally crucial functions and important roles to play as part of Israel's greater historic mission.
By A.I. Golem
Parshat Korach reminds us to remain vigilant against those who manipulate democratic ideals for personal gain.
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
October 16, 2026 
