Israel’s Salvation Comes From Only One Capital
In vain Israel reaches out with compassion to our enemies; in vain Israel extends the hand of peace
Still A Nation That Dwells Alone
Jewish blood was cheap and could be shed with impunity.
‘Next Year In Jerusalem’
The girl who stood before me begged with tears, “Please, rebbetzin, give me a berachah that I should never forget to cry for the Beis HaMikdash. I’m so afraid I will forget and become oblivious to its loss.
Song Of Thanks
What is the meaning of Dayenu? Why does it play such a central role in our Pesach Seder?
Women’s Issues (Continued from last week)
Special Note: I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the many people who have written to express their good wishes for hatzlacha upon the publication of my new book, "The Committed Marriage." These letters are very meaningful to me and have given me much chizuk. Please forgive me if I cannot respond to each letter individually, but during the coming months I am scheduled to speak throughout the United States and I look forward to greeting you and personally signing your copy of my book.
From Spark To Flame
The Yiddishe neshamah can be likened to a computer. If you can’t find that pintele Yid, it’s only because you don’t know how to bring up the program – but, rest assured, the program is there
Leaving The ‘Zero’ Life Behind
I had watched my biological clock ticking away and now I wished I could live my life over again, establish a Torah home and create a family. I decided to write to you, Rebbetzin Jungreis in the hope that you’ll publish this so that others can learn from my experience and leave behind empty relationships, go under the chuppah, and live purposeful lives.
Problems At Simchas
In last week's column I published two letters regarding simchas (joyous occasions). One was from a grandmother and the other from a gentleman who had just made his daughter's wedding - the first simcha in his family.
Rising Above Aggravation (Part One)
For the past month I've been on the road, crossing continents and addressing Jewish communities wherever they are. I go from the airport to the local synagogue or some other venue where people gather.
Invariably I am asked, "Rebbetzin, how do you do it? People younger than you cannot keep up with such a schedule. Travel is so difficult. Don't you find it exhausting?"
‘The Kollel Wife’ (The Readers Respond)
Special Note: A few weeks ago, I published two letters - one from a Kollel wife, the second from a young woman who was aspiring to become one.
Weeping for Jerusalem
The story was about a mother who lost her husband and eleven of her children in Auschwitz.
A Secular Jewish College Student Responds
Dear Rebbetzin Jungreis:
I am not Orthodox, nor am I actively involved in Jewish life. My background is Reform. My family attends High Holiday services; we are not kosher, but my parents have a seder on Passover - though we don't strictly observe the law of not eating bread during the entire holiday. My parents would never consider bringing really non-kosher food like ham or bacon into the house, though they do eat everything in restaurants. They are devoted to the land of Israel and they raised us with good Jewish values, and I visited Israel with our Temple youth group.
The Power In Your Home
Nothing said pertaining to Torah is in vain, even if it seems not to have struck an immediate chord.
Wake-Up Call
A basic tenet of our faith is that there are no random occurrences. The Hebrew word "mikreh" - something that happens coincidentally, also spells the words "karah me'HaShem" - happened by the will of G-d. To be sure, we never know definitive reasons for occurrences - they are beyond the scope of our human minds. But one thing is certain - nothing, but nothing, happens capriciously. It therefore behooves us to at least make an attempt to listen and try to discern the meaning of the messages that HaShem is sending us.
Kindness Makes Miracles
“There is nothing new under the sun” is as valid today as it was yesterday.
Another Family Torn Asunder
I wish this were the case. To be sure, each family crisis is its own unique tragedy, but the common thread of hatred is always there. And no, it is not a rare occurrence, unfortunately.
More Than A Tour
As has often happened in the past, I am writing this article on an El Al plane en route to New York. At least once a year, we have a Hineni tour to Eretz Yisrael. They are always amazing and life transforming. Every day is unique and has its own flavor; every day is miraculous and spiritually elevating -this year's tour was no exception. My granddaughter, Shaindy Wolff Eisenberg, who is in charge of our Hineni activities in Israel, suggested we make this tour a "Navi event, that we trace the paths of our patriarchs and prophets.
‘For The Sake Of Jerusalem…’
Secularists worshiping universalism & democratic ideal find themselves embarrassed by a Jewish state
Chizuk
Special Note: A Kollel young man, while recuperating from illness read my book, The Committed Life, and with great chesed and hakoras hatov, took the time to write an in-depth letter (which will appear in two parts) to explain his views on the book and how it impacted on his life. I am pleased to share with you his analysis and insights. He is right on the mark! I wish him a refuah shleima and mazal and bracha and thank him for the chizuk that he imparted.
Teaching Our Children Chesed And Rachamim
As a Jew, you can change, improve your reality; Chesed & rachamim are intrinsic parts of your nature
Daughters And Daughters-In-Law Also Need Help (Conclusion)
My Dear Friend
Allow me to preface my remarks by recalling a story about two brothers who lived in the holy city of Jerusalem. Their houses were at opposite ends of the city, and they were separated by a great mountain.
Rising Above Aggravation (Part Two)
In last week's column I described some of the nerve-wracking aggravation inherent to travel. Going to Eretz Yisrael, however, is different. There, everything is different, because Eretz Yisrael is our land. Hashem gave it to us to be our eternal inheritance. So no matter how long we may have been away from her, the land remains as close to us as it was thousands of years ago. We have a teaching, "Whatever happened to our forefathers is a sign for us, their children. In other words, everything is replay.
The Jewish Tragedy (Part Two)
Jewish survival in a dysfunctional world requires women assuming the role Hashem gave them at Sinai
My Rabbi
To his very last day he struggled to transcend his pain so that he might impart Torah to all who visited him.
Miracles and Blessings II
When I started a conversation with the young man his responses were rather cynical but I wouldn't give in.
Dust Off Your Windows (Part Two)
We have windows of history, of Yom Tovim, but the dust continues to obscure our vision.
The Other Side Of The Mechitzah
I attended the recent Shabboton for frum divorced people and listened to your talk. You gave me hope to go on. I was very despondent when I came and went home considerably more upbeat. It was all due to your focus on “being a blessing.”
Hashgachah Pratis: Readers Respond (Continued from Last Week)
For the past several weeks I have been focusing on hashgachah pratis – personal, individual and national guidance that comes from heaven. Sadly, in our secular, high pressured, very often decadent society, many voices assail us and we have difficulty hearing the still small voice of G-d leading and prodding us.
Israel’s Dismal Public-Relations Record
Why has Israel has done such a dismal PR job of making its case to the international community? How is it that Jews areabsolutely inept at imparting to the world our glorious history?
Teaching Our Children Chesed And Rachamim
I concluded last week’s column with some questions that, if answered honestly, will give us insight into whether we as parents reflect chesed and rachamim to our children.