יום שישי, י״ט חשוון תשפ״זFriday, October 30, 2026
Follow Us
When we avoid talking poorly about other people – whether at our Shabbos table, in the coffee room at the office, or at the dinner table with a spouse – we are helping our brethren in Eretz Yisrael.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Like the Slonimer Rebbe, Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz (Daat Torah p. 205-206) does understand "levado" as meaning alone. But based on the Midrash, he assumes that being alone is constructive. How can it be constructive?
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
In a brilliantly creative rereading of the pasuk, Rabbi Shimshon suggests that alluded to in Yaakov’s word choice is this discovery of self-efficacy.
The Gemara (Meseches Megillah) wonders why Esther invited Haman to a private feast. How could she have sat at a private meal with such a monster?
Rabbi Mecklenburg notes that another cognate, “sha,” means “closing one’s eyes” (Isaiah 6:10 and 32:3) since when a person closes his eyes, it appears as though he attaches his upper eyelid to his lower one.
“Abba,” he said. “How can we believe our gedolim and their decisions when there are so many examples of corruption and abuse amongst them?”
We should also pray that our brethren in Eretz Yisrael be able to go to sleep serenely, without fear of being terrorized.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
There isn’t much we know about his life, and what we do know seems to parallel many of the events in Avraham’s life.
When a person says, ‘I don’t have anything,’ the malach intones ‘Amen.’ So in order to thwart this, I say, ‘Zolst yah haben – You should have,’ so that the Amen should apply to my blessing as well.
“Sav” is related to the Hebrew word “seivah,” and both these words form the basis of “saba,” which means “old man” or “grandfather.”
We should not need gifts from flesh and blood or their loans, unless we realize that they are really coming from Hashem’s hand which is full, open, holy and bountiful.
Rabbi Wertheimer writes that "ayeh" is used when one has no inkling where something is, while "eifo" is used when one does have a general sense of where it is.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Even a cursory reading of the pesukim leaves the reader in awe of the speed Avraham exhibited in performing the mitzvah.
The Rebbe says that Noach trained himself to see the good in all people, and therefore he was even able to see the good in the degenerate people of the generation of the flood.
In American society, wealth and power are the goals, while modesty and diffidence are impediments to success.
Another word for dust, mentioned above, is “avak.” Rabbi Pappenheim argues that afar is run-of-the-mill dirt while avak is finer dust.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
G-d, as it were, requires man’s assistance in revealing His presence in the world. Avram’s job was to spread G-d’s message in a world where He was obscured by idol worship.
After everything is analyzed, fear G-d and hearken to His mitzvos for that is all of man.” Walking with G-d is the ultimate achievement.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
If G-d miraculously ensured that all the animals came to Noach, why make him responsible for bringing them into the ark?
Did you ever notice that the Ten Commandments only address one character trait? “Thou shall not be envious.” Isn’t that amazing?! The Ten Commandments contain nothing on anger, laziness, greed, or stinginess. They make no mention of the evils of arrogance or being self-centered. The only harmful feeling it warns us about is envy. In […]
The Vilna Gaon argues that man stopped resembling G-d in the generation of Adam’s grandson Enosh when idol worship began to develop.
My wife and I live in Israel now. This has been our lifelong dream. This is where we belong! This is where we want to be!
If we have fallen short, does that mean we shouldn’t dance with the Torah? Of course not. What it does mean, however, is that when we hold onto the Torah, it should be with a renewed commitment to spend more time with it during the coming year.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
The first person to die in Tanach is Hevel, who is killed by his brother Kayin. Kayin’s name comes from the concept of acquisition.
In what manner was Aharon distinguished? Why were Klal Yisrael protected with Clouds of Glory in his merit?
Each time, as I behold the majesty of our beautiful land of Israel, I wonder: How is it possible that some of our people cannot see what I see – the miracle of the existence of the State of Israel?
The Malbim argues that “asifah” connotes bringing inside what one has gathered, while “kovetz” connotes gathering without necessarily bringing inside.
Righteousness is man’s natural state; sinfulness, in contrast, is considered unnatural. Therefore, a wicked person who repents is viewed as “returning” to his natural state.
We mention “songs” first because before we ask Hashem for blessings in the future, we must first thank Him and sing praises for all the things He’s done for us in the past.
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
In a more hopeful explanation, the Ohr HaChaim suggests that the pasuk is presenting alternative options that lead to repentance.
“Whom am I kidding? I’ve been promising to be better in these areas for the last decade.” Doing teshuvah almost seems like an exercise in futility.
Some Jews have a custom to greet others on the first night of Rosh Hashanah with the words “Le’shanah tova tei’katev ve’tei’chatem le’alter le’chaim tovim u’le’shalom.
“Selichah” also refers to a type of liturgical poem, or piyut, characterized by begging for forgiveness.
Rabbeinu Bachya gives another reason. He says breaking a glass recalls the breaking of the first luchos. The first luchos, which were given in front of millions of people, ended up in smithereens.
Why would Hashem cause Iran to pick a fight with the most powerful nation the world has ever known?
By Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Schiffman
Being happy is a vital and necessary component in the performance of mitzvot.
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?
October 30, 2026 
