יום שני, י״ג אב תשפ״וMonday, July 27, 2026
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He was also more of a moderate, not relying on the zealous methods of his teacher, but on a more pragmatic approach.
Administered property by doctors, marijuana could be a samah shel chaim [potion of life]. Freely used by people at large, it could well be a samah shel maves [potion of death].
I watched the teller, who clearly did not appreciate this person’s lack of etiquette. ... It was then that I realized what the Mesilas Yesharim meant.
Rabbi Hirsch writes that “shachach” implies forgetting as a result of focusing on something else while “nashah” is forgetfulness that results from a weakened memory.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
One is allowed, and perhaps even obligated, to hate someone whom one has seen transgress a commandment.
Rav Teichtal then cites a tradition from the Gemara (Chullin 63a) that the redemption will be heralded by impure birds – a reference to sinful Jews.
The first verse, however, concerns someone who davens with a minyan. Such a person is assured that his prayers will be heard by Hashem any time of year.
The smart davener knows that Hashem appreciates it when we approach Him with humility rather than with an attitude of "It's coming to me and I surely deserve it."
You cannot choose a friend just because you like him/her. There must be an interrelationship – a give and take – between the two parties.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
The beginning of the parsha is startling in its simplicity: see the blessing and the curse in front of you and choose the blessing.
Just answering amen with such a massive crowd to “v’chaim tovim aleinu v’al kol Yisrael” makes a severe dent in my efforts.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
The remedy for external dangers is to reject the foreign cultures. Is the antidote to arrogance to discourage material wealth?
The gematria of shira, another form of prayer, is also 515, conveying the idea that when singing to Hashem we can repeatedly have the same specific thing in mind.
It’s possible that this body of water actually does not have its own name and is identified instead by the most prominent city on its banks.
...the Torah is telling us that Og was so big and strong even as a baby that he needed a metal crib to contain him; otherwise he would have broken his bed.
What was so unique at Sinai? What was different then? What do our sages mean when they state that we were “as one person with one heart”?
We should thus be on the lookout during the day for auspicious times to daven (i.e., right after performing a mitzvah).
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Whichever explanation of “taguru” is correct, the message of the pasuk is about fear. Fear of another human being cannot be a factor when pursuing justice.
In Hebrew, an egel is a male calf, while an eglah is a female calf. Calves are immature bovines that rely on their mother’s milk to survive and grow.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Even though we generally abstain from taking oaths nowadays, figuring out other ways to up the ante and solidify our commitment is essential.
When you’re davening in shul and fervently say, “Shema koleinu, Hashem Elokeinu – Listen to our voices, Hashem, our G-d,” think to yourself that everyone in shul is asking for something different.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
One answer is that having this ruach is simply a gift from G-d. I either have it or I don’t. All I can do is daven and hope that Hashem grants me these abilities.
Utilizing our wonderful and brave IDF is a marvelous example of proper hishtadlus.
Another Hebrew word for tax is meches, appearing six times in chapter 31 of Sefer Bamidbar.
If we would have received the entire Torah in written form then parents would not feel the urgency and the obligation to pass on our Torah to the next generation.
If we view this world just as a place to stay for 90 years, we might live only for the moment and seize fleeting pleasures.
If G-d told Balaam not to go with Balak’s men, why did He seemingly “change His mind” and later allow him to go?
Classical writing requires ink and paper, which are technically separable. In engraving, the material being engraved becomes the writing.
Most of us are reactionary daveners and pray only when we need something. Hearing about sickness should remind us to pray not to become sick.
Korach and Haman were also both brought down by their wealth. Both were fabulously wealthy, and the Midrash informs us that very wealthy people become impudent.
Our Sages tell us that if you want to overcome the hate that you have for someone, give them something – do for them a favor and ultimately the hate will transform to love.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Rabbi Natan Tzvi Finkel argues that Moshe’s continual attempts to resolve the conflict teaches us that the prohibition applies even after the other party rejects an attempt at reconciliation.
Rabbi Pappenheim maintains that “hayaven” is derived from the root yud-nun, which means trickery or deception.
Something that is adin or adinah (see Isaiah 47:8) is sensitive, delicate, or dainty – it is susceptible to being over-stimulated by sensory overload.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
At its core techelet reminds us of our mission in this world, which is to serve G-d by doing mitzvot and avoiding sinning.
Right or wrong, we need to be sensitive when trampling on others’ peace and quiet.
In times of surplus (brought on by ample rain), people tend to treat each other more fairly and are at peace with one another versus times of austerity and famine when people compete with each other for limited resources.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Bnei Yisrael couldn’t be longing for free food in Egypt because, says the Midrash, there was no free food in Egypt.
Always thinking of Hashem guarantees us longevity, as Mishlei states, Yiras Hashem tosif yamim - Awareness of Hashem adds length to one's days.
If we keep Hashem in our minds and hearts – i.e., if we become G-d-fearing – we will succeed at having Torah in our mouths.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
We often take the battle against temptation head on and eventually lose to that delicious looking piece of chocolate cake.
When He revealed the Decalogue at Mount Sinai, however, the entire Jewish people were gathered at the mountain, so G-d “raised His voice” and we therefore speak of the “Aseret HaDibrot.”
Some are people whose leadership ability certainly do not match their piety or their religious commitment. But our rabbis still recognize these as reputable leaders of our people.
To achieve Torah excellence, practicing kindness is vital.
The Torah refers to a punishment that seems identical, or similar to, karet with the word "ariri."
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Rabbi Kamenetsky explains that there is a danger inherent in the tribalism that is presented in Bamidbar.
This leads the Kli Yaakar to conclude that obviously, the laws relating to relationships between people are more important because their explanations appear immediately following the Decalogue.
Why is it that our evil inclination often seems to be so much stronger than our good inclination?
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Later commentators present many questions and interpretations to try to understand the depth of this midrash. In fact, the Ohr HaChaim presents 42 different explanations of these few words.
The Imrei Emes once said, “The biggest ‘mussar sefer’ I know of is a ticking clock!”
The Shagas Aryeh proves from a Gemara (Zevachim 90b) that the frequency of a mitzvah is not determined by how often one can perform it, but rather by how often one is obligated to perform it.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
It will be like the manna, which our Sages tell us was able to provide adequate nutrition and satiation despite its small size.
Rabbi Pappenheim maintains that “bat” (daughter) is also derived from the root bet-nun and should really be spelled “banat” (like it is in other Semitic languages).
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Researchers are trying to determine which approach is more effective in getting a person to his goal.
When one rushes from something, one often feels anxious. But when one excitedly rushes to something-- a goal--one often feels an inner sense of peace and excitement. We couldn't wait to fulfill our destiny 3,300 years ago and we are supposed to have this same excited feeling today.
There is no question that unity and respect amongst Jews are more vital than the chumrahs that separate one Jew from the next.
Nissan and Tishrei carry the same message! Pesach prepares us for the teshuvah process of Tishrei. It teaches us that to reach perfection, we must be vigilant.
What a sublime chumra to take on as Pesach approaches: to keep our simcha thermostat on the highest digit without surrendering to the natural inclination of “losing it” due to tension and fatigue, two all too natural elements that come along with these days.
What does “Pesach” mean? Rashi (to Exodus 12:11 and 12:13 and Isaiah 31:5) explains that it is an expression of dilug and kefitzah (types of jumping). These two words appear side by side in a Biblical passage that we read every year on the Shabbat of Pesach: “The voice of my beloved – behold it […]
To have mehudar matzos on leil haSeder is very important, but so is feeding the poor. Davening at the amud during the year in memory of a loved one is important, but so is stepping aside in favor of someone else in a similar situation to whom davening at the amud clearly means a lot. Time is precious, but so is giving up that time for the sake of another. How does one decide what to do?
One would think that in this great country of the United States, where we have our freedom, there would be no need to worry about anti-Semitism.
All year long, women seemingly have no time to breathe – you can’t even insert a needle into their jam-packed schedules – but after Purim, suddenly there is time to tackle the massive project called Pesach. How does one understand it?
Why is Purim the only holiday that was established on two different dates depending on where one lives?
The navi prophesied that the land will be filled with knowledge of G-d. What’s the significance of the word “land”?
When giving Moshe Rabbeinu the mitzvah of machzis hashekel, Hashem showed him a coin of fire. Was the Almighty possibly warning us to handle financial matters as cautiously as we would a burning flame?
Often we look at a person or an event and we are convinced that this is the highest level of sainthood and godliness, not realizing that G-d seeks what is in the hearts and soul of humankind and not their outward appearance.
That night a memorable prayer rose to Heaven and went straight to the Throne of Glory. It was offered by an unusual gathering, a minyan of Jews that one doesn't see every day.
G-d loves and respects all of His creations, and is sad when anyone dies or is hurt – Jew or non-Jew!
The mitzvah of bikur cholim is often neglected. We should include time in our schedules to spend time with those who are ill, but so many pressing reasons prevent us from doing so.
Chazal tell us that the pursuit of money teaches us how we should pursue mitzvos. Money familiarize us with the burning passion we ought to develop for mitzvos--and mitzvos have even greater intrinsic value.
What price would YOU place on performing a mitzva?
The question is why this mitzvah at this time? Surely there are other commandments that seem more important and vital for Jewish survival.
In my experience as a principal for many years, and in my capacity as an evaluator of schools that boast of their excellence, I am constantly amazed by the brazenness and arrogance of some students.
Misinterpretations abound. Always judge favorably. Doing so is not just the halacha. It’s also wise.
Which parent doesn’t wish to do the utmost for his or her children? But buying them the latest toy won’t bring them true happiness. The greatest gift parents can give children is an oasis of peace in the home – and, yes, sometimes that requires massive self-control.
It’s not until Yaakov came on the scene, as Rav Soloveitchik writes, that we begin to see the development of a grandfather-grandson relationship.
People who occupy prestigious positions in world-famous companies have admitted to me that they have never experienced anything as challenging as raising children.
Why can’t they see the facts staring them in the face? It is because they have preconceived notions about the president and they can’t let facts get in the way!
What does it take to be deemed successful? The Torah describes Yosef as an "ish matzliach," a successful man. but I can't fathom anyone using the term “success” to describe Yosef at this point in his life. Yet, success, according to our Sages, is dependent on man’s frame of mind.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I am a firm believer in the “perfect marriage." It exists. As a matter of fact, every two people who walk down the aisle have an opportunity to create it.
You wrote that it’s often good for a husband and wife to have differing opinions, but wouldn’t it be better if they agreed so they could easily work together towards their common goals?
Truth is often far stranger than fiction when it comes to shidduchim--just ask the Avot
Opposing insights are worth reflecting on. To handle different viewpoints in a marriage requires maturity, and every couple is advised to attain this maturity sooner rather than later. For you can either respect your spouse’s "illogical opinion” or suffocate the person you selected to marry.
If we had a Walk of Fame for our nation, there is no doubt that Avraham Avinu would be the first star on it
The war of the haters of Am Yisrael is against our spirit; therefore, they won't relent on their aim to wipe our name out. They don’t realize that they will never succeed. "The bush will not be consumed" – ever.
Everything is initiated and maintained by the students. They can choose from other activities as well, such as basketball, soccer, martial arts, music, photography, videography, and drama.
For some reason, people seem to strongly believe that being alike improves communication. But is that really so?
On fast days and in selichos we mention a line in tefillah as follows: May the one who answered Avraham Avinu on Har Hamoriah, answer us as well.
We don’t realize how often non-Jews sense something unique about us.
How can we even expect that our actions will reach those of our great ancestors?
Instead of belonging to the "Ayeka" club – deflecting blame – why not join the "Hineni" group? Instead of blaming our surrounding, why not ask ourselves what part we played in creating the existing situation? Instead of expecting change from someone else, why not offer something different?
The Democrats and liberals set the corrupt agenda, and the media broadcasts it to society.
Torah is trying to teach us that to increase simcha, one must exclude items. To enjoy life, one must say “Stop” to the excess. Saying "No" to desires is saying "Yes" to needs.
“Ari, what are you doing here? You were not supposed to be here for another eighty years? What happened? Who is responsible for this?”
Can you imagine davening on Yom Kippur with, of all people, a priest?!
We have become so accustomed to rattle off berachos that we don't let them penetrate. Before we start, it's over
July 24, 2026 
