יום ראשון, ט״ז תשרי תשפ״זSunday, September 27, 2026
Follow Us
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
When all is said and done, refraining from wearing any kind of shoe on Yom Kippur is, strictly speaking, a stringency.
“On paper, it really doesn’t make any sense to make this trip.” The Rebbe looked at him and replied, “It doesn't make sense on paper? So break the pencil and go!”
Except in extremely northern locales, the sky is dark and filled with stars well before the time that people claim is tzeit ha’kochavim according to Rabbenu Tam.
In order for a person to properly confess a sin he must first feel that he is great. He must have an appreciation for himself and his self-worth.
This week's parsha includes the mitzva of kesivas Sefer Torah, writing or having a sofer (scribe) write a Torah scroll upon order. How can you fulfill this mitzva and present a Sefer Torah to a shul and experience the joy of fulfilling this very special mitzvah? Try "the 10 year plan"
Nowadays, we often avoid a challenge – and, along with it, the satisfaction that accompanies real effort – if it seems too hard. But we must resist that urge.
On the opposite side of the spectrum you have the “left.” These are the people who essentially believe that Israel is a modern country that should not be guided by its ancient Torah and traditions.
In this week’s parshah, as Bnei Yisrael are about to enter Eretz Yisrael, the Torah commands us in the mitzvah of shechitah. The pasuk says, “…Vezavachta mibikarcha u’mitzonicha asher nasan Hashem l’cha ka’asher tzi’vi’sicha…” – You shall shecht from your cattle that Hashem has given to you, just as I have commanded you (Devarim 12:21). […]
Chazal tell us that brazenness will increase during the pre-Messianic period. And yet, a pillar of Torah life is deference to the previous generation. So how do we reconcile the two points and explain the level of chutzpah among us?
Our connection to the Torah is the only way we have survived this long and bitter galus.
The mitzvos teach a Jew restraint and free him from the servitude of things having to materialize instantaneously. Jewish family life presents the apogee of constraint. The message presents itself over and over again and is so clear.
Shechinta b’galusa." The term is usually translated as "the Divine presence in captivity” – but what does that actually mean?
It is difficult to write about such a topic, but from an outsider’s perspective it seems that there are so many ongoing communal machlokesim today.
When challenged, we have our priorities straight. We admit that spending quality time with the family is crucial. But what do we do in practice? How much time do we devote to insignificant things – things that in the long run make no difference
Welcoming a new contributor to the Jewish Press Family_ Rebbetzin Miriam Gross
What about other cases? What about other scenarios that offend and disgrace the honor of Hashem? How do we know when to act and how to act?
We see from this that Eltzafun was called upon to help others and did as he was told. Perhaps, this is an indication of Eltzafun’s humility and that his heart was in the right place.
Rav Moshe answers that tzitzis can only affect a person when he realizes that he needs a rebbe, a teacher, someone to show him the right way.
Have we all gone mad? Since when are tolerance and moderation bad qualities? When did following the middle road go out of style?
Surely one can see the work of Hashem at play here, and things are happening very quickly.
Despite the different backgrounds, we are united in our suffering and our mourning with the families of our people who defended our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, or who were killed by Arab terrorists.
The legacy of Rebbetzin Jungreis, a”h is the wisdom and love she recorded for us. Please enjoy this inspiring gift on being a blessing.
When an entire community mistakenly accepts Shabbos early, even if they davened ma’ariv, they would not repeat shemoneh esrei.
The Torah then proceeds to only mention Aharon’s children. Rashi explains that since Moshe taught his nephews Torah, they are considered his sons.
The explanation that the Haggadah is alluding to is that there are two forms of prayer. One where one cries outlaw and screams out to Hashem. Then there are troubles that a person suffers with and does not even know how to verbalize and does not call out for help.
Rebbetzin Jungreis, (a”h) lives on her eternal message. This week discussing our dependence on HaShem.
Those Jewish souls that society had given up on as lost were cast into the vast ocean of apathy and indifference.
The night of Purim should not be the first time that one is hearing the story of the Megillah. Reading it in public is intended to publicize the miracles that Hashem performed.
Standing in the morning on a cold winter day at the Cave of Machpelah, watching all of this unfold before me, I realized the profound and enormous responsibility a Jew has to his past in shaping his behavior in the future.
Parshas Zachor follows, as Amalek will resurface before the geula, reminding us that we must rid ourselves of wrongdoing and teshuvah.
In the midst of his writing, he chanced to look down at the dance floor. He noticed that from afar, it seemed like he was witnessing poetry in motion.
We know that the measure of goodness is greater than that of punishment.
Surely there is always a reason to hate someone, but unless it is a reason warranted by the Torah, it is deemed baseless, and further worsens our chance of redemption.
There is a fundamental question that the commentators are bothered by. Where do we find Yosef rebuked his brothers? All he said was that he was Yosef.
September 25, 2026 
