Family:Foundation of the Nation's Life

“I Will Show Miracles Like the Days I Took you Out of Egypt”

Hanging From A Tall Tree

Planting Kil’ayim

What Ungratefulness Really Tells Us

The Limits of Love

On the Book, the Sword, and “Bots”

In the middle parashiyot of Sefer Devarim, telling of the time soon before entering Eretz Yisrael, the topic of war comes to the fore. We will look at one case in our history in which the “sword” was connected to the “book” in an interesting way. There are many elements to waging war. In the battlefield, people use weapons to kill or incapacitate. Today, technology is employed against the enemy, whether operated in the battlefield from afar or by infiltrating their important systems. Psychological warfare is a modern and ancient tool. Last week, we read the Torah’s instructions to soldiers not to be afraid of an intimidating army (Devarim 20:1-3).

Ask the Rabbi: Whose Responsibility Is Raising the Wall?

I built my house years before the next-door property was developed, with an approximately meter-high wall between properties. My property is 2 meters higher than the next one; now they are excavating to build the other house, there will be a 5-meter drop, which I feel makes it dangerous for my children. [He seems to be building according to the permit he received.] My neighbor had agreed to pay for raising the wall, but now is unwilling to pay the significant cost. We cordially disagree whether it is his obligation. Have I misjudged the matter?

Fulfillment of the prophecies of consolation in Safed

What can we conclude from the flight of the Arabs from Safed in 1948?

The Secret to Israel's Victory in War

We may feel no legitimacy for those who fight HaShem's people – or else we can lose.

Eliminating Amalek

Fulfilling Parashat Zachor on Ki Teitzei

I heard a chumra that during a leap year, with 13 months between readings of Parashat Zachor, one should have in mind to fulfill the mitzva of zechirat Amalek during the reading of those p’sukim in Ki Teitzei. Should I do that (shuls do not usually announce it)?

Is there a Way to Permit Ribbit (Usury)?

The Torah relates to loans as an act of chesed and demands of all who can to lend to those in need, as part of a Jewish life, which is based on charity and justice.

To the Third and Fourth Generations

It's Not What You Say...

Apparently, the Chafetz Chaim zt'l, was not a brilliant orator, however, he was extremely compelling to listen to. What gave him this power?"

Against Hate

Ki Teitse contains more laws than any other parsha in the Torah, and it is possible to be overwhelmed by this embarrass de richesse of detail. One verse, however, stands out "Do not despise an Edomite, because he is your brother. Do not despise the Egyptian, because you were a stranger in his land."

The Parent & Child Reunion

Which Mitzvot in the Torah promise long life as a reward?” Most answer, Kibud Av v’Ame & Shiluach Hakeyn. That’s right, but it’s also wrong! There is a third Mitzva, found in our Sedra, which also promises arichat yamim, the requirement to have honest weights & just measures.

What Is Judaism’s View Of Dogs As Pets?

Finding Our Power & Channeling It

"When you go out to war against your enemies…" Going to battle means "going out," leaving our regular routine and habits. The Torah educates us to gentle behavior, to making concessions, and certainly not to kill – under normal circumstances. But in wartime, killing Israel's enemies is a mitzvah, and requires one to become nearly a different person, one with great strength and aggressiveness. These are traits that can cause a person to lose the proper balance...

Returning Lost (Spiritual) Items

The story is told of a brother and sister who set out to search for spirituality. Each one found something: The brother found and returned to Judaism, while his sister fell under the influence of a guru in India and decided to remain there...