What We Lose in the Exile

What's So Special About the Month of Nissan?

The Inner Jewish Spark that Cannot be Extinguished

Rav Kook explains that there are people whose Jewish segulah is not seen or felt at all, to the point where he could be mistaken for a total Gentile. However, Rav Kook emphasizes, this can only happen to one who has developed a hatred for his Jewish brethren – but that even in this case, his segulah is still there

Redemption Has Begun - But It Needs a Jumpstart

An intricate discussion appears in the Gemara (Talmud, Tr. Sanhedrin 97b) about the future Redemption and whether or not it is contingent upon the Jewish People's return to a Torah life. One Sage cites the verse from Habakuk 2 that states, "If it [the time of Redemption] tarries, wait for it," indicating that it is not conditional...

Segula: Part 1: What is Emuna?/When Are We Called "Children" of G-d?

There are various levels of faith. Jewish faith - emuna - is different than other faiths. Emuna refers not just to a sense of belief, but rather to a connection with Hashem (G-d), and it is via this connection that a Jew directs his life and actions in the world...The very link between the Nation of Israel and Hashem is totally different from that between the rest of humanity and the Divine...

"How Awesome is This Place" – Beit El!

Ever since the times of our holy forefathers Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov, the site and town of Beit El has been a central and sacred place. Here, in this holy spot, Yaakov Avinu dreams his famous Dream of the Ladder – and when he awakens, he says: "There actually is G-d in this place, and I did not know." He then continues: "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of G-d, and this is the gateway to the Heavens."

The Source of Israel's Uniqueness

Translated by Hillel Fendel

The uniqueness of the People of Israel does not begin with the appearance of the people of Israel, but well before that. As R. Yehuda HaLevy says in his classic work HaKuzari, we already see differences between people starting from the days of Adam HaRishon – the first human being to live on the face of the earth – and we comprehend that not everyone is equal.

The Relevance of the Nation to Torah Study

"Jewish emuna, of course, stems from Torah, but the very foundation begins with Israel, as the Birkot HaTorah [Blessings over the Torah] emphasize. Hashem created and chose Israel, and created Torah as well, and then matched us up together. And from amid this profound connection, we arrive at the true understanding of the connection between Israel and G-d, via the Torah..."

What Is Emuna & How To Get It

Translated by Hillel Fendel

Translated by Hillel Fendel

Humility and Leadership

The heart still refuses to accept the fact that Rav Avrum is no longer with us in this world. Rav Avrum, who was so full of life, so full of joy, so full of light, the light of Torah and the light of sanctity, so full of wisdom and acumen. Could it be?

The Source of Israel’s Uniqueness

Parashat Noah

Humanity is divided from the very outset. It is impossible to claim that humankind is one. It contains various shades. Various opposing forces. "And I will make of you a great nation." It is not that we make ourselves great. God makes us great.

Dates, Pomegranates, and Eretz Yisrael

Whatever becomes the property of the Jewish people, even if it starts out on a material level, is eventually elevated to a spiritual one. The bond between the Jewish people and the land of Israel inevitably leads to great spiritual refinement.

Shifting the Focus of Lag Ba'Omer

Focus on R. Akiva The Spokesman Who Were the "Students"? His Greatness

The Cycle of the Holidays of Tishrei

Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur. Sukkoth. Why is Sleeping in a Sukkah the Principle Mitzvah of Sukkoth? From the Individual to the Nation as a Whole. Shemini Atzert.

The Month of Nissan - A Unique Possession

The month of Nissan resembles the heart. The heart sustains everything, sending blood to all of the body's organs. Regarding Nissan it is written, "Safeguard the month of spring," for it symbolizes the return of life to the trees after their long winter dormancy.