#torah
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Jonathan Sacks – The Spirituality of Song HA’AZINU
Jonathan Sacks – The Spirituality of Song HA’AZINU With Ha’azinu we climb to one of the peaks of Jewish spirituality. For a month Moses had taught the people. He had told them their history and destiny, and the laws that would make theirs a
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RAV KOOK ON YOM HAKIPPURIM: THE DAY OF AT-ONE-MENT
RAV KOOK ON YOM HAKIPPURIM: THE DAY OF AT-ONE-MENT RAV KOOK ON YOM HAKIPPURIM: THE DAY OF AT-ONE-MENT “In the depths of the human soul the voice of God calls ceaselessly. The tumult of life can confuse the person so that most of the time they will not h
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RAV KOOK ON ROSH HASHANA: RENEWING THE POWER OF RENEWAL
RAV KOOK ON ROSH HASHANA: RENEWING THE POWER OF RENEWAL We are beginning the 5784’th year of our human historical experience. Our personal and collective behavior has resulted in a planetary existence that has much good and much bad, many blessings an
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Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig – The Time has Arrived for the Fast of Yitzchak (instead of Gedaliah)
Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig – The Time has Arrived for the Fast of Yitzchak (instead of Gedaliah) The day after Rosh Hashana, the Jewish calendar commemorates the Fast of Gedaliah. Yet, how many Jews know anything about who he was or why we have a Fasti
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – To Renew our Days NITZAVIM, VAYELECH
Jonathan Sacks z”l – To Renew our Days NITZAVIM, VAYELECH The moment had come. Moses was about to die. He had seen his sister Miriam and brother Aaron pre-decease him. He had prayed to God – not to live forever, not even to live longer, but
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – We Are What We Remember KI TAVO
Jonathan Sacks z”l – We Are What We Remember KI TAVO One reason religion has survived in the modern world despite four centuries of secularisation is that it answers the three questions every reflective human being will ask at some time in his
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Limits of Love KI TEITSE
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Limits of Love KI TEITSE In a parsha laden with laws, one in particular is full of fascination. Here it is: If a man has two wives, one loved, the other unloved [senuah, literally “hated”], and both the loved an
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Greatness of Humility SHOFTIM
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Greatness of Humility SHOFTIM At a dinner to celebrate the work of a communal leader, the guest speaker paid tribute to his many qualities: his dedication, hard work, and foresight. As he sat down, the leader leaned ov
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RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT RE’EH-HOW TO BE BLESSEDLY HAPPY
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT RE’EH-HOW TO BE BLESSEDLY HAPPY RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT RE’EH-HOW TO BE BLESSEDLY HAPPY “Behold- I am placing before you a ברכה-blessing and a קללה-curse. The blessing will come if you obey the directives of YHVH, your E
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Deep Power of Joy – RE’EH
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Deep Power of Joy – RE’EH On 14 October 1663, the famous diarist Samuel Pepys paid a visit to the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Creechurch Lane in the city of London. Jews had been exiled from England
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Spirituality of Listening – EIKEV
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Spirituality of Listening – EIKEV It is one of the most important words in Judaism, and also one of the least understood. Its two most famous occurrences are in last week’s parsha and this week’s: “Hear O
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RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT EKEV: HOW TO FEAR HASHEM FEARLESSLY
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT EKEV: HOW TO FEAR HASHEM FEARLESSLY In Parshat Ekev- Moshe Rabbenu continues to recount the tumultuous history of Israel and the significant contribution of the Torah’s ‘mitzvot-commandments’ in directing Israel in the path of go
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HARAV KOOK ON TISHA B’AV: REPAIRING THE WORLD WITH THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
HARAV KOOK ON TISHA B’AV: REPAIRING THE WORLD WITH THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE “If we destroyed [the second Temple], and the world with us, through needless hatred, we will rebuild [the third Temple] and the world with us, through unconditional
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Jonathan Sacks – Seven Principles for Maintaining Jewish Peoplehood
Jonathan Sacks – Seven Principles for Maintaining Jewish Peoplehood “Hope rebuilds the ruins of Jerusalem. The Jewish people kept hope alive and hope kept the Jewish people alive. That is the message of Tisha B’Av.” ~ Rabbi Sacks
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Jonathan Sacks – To 120: Growing Old, Staying Young DEVARIM
Jonathan Sacks – To 120: Growing Old, Staying Young DEVARIM On 27 March 2012, to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Queen, an ancient ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace. A number of institutions presented Loyal Addresses to the Queen, thanki
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RAV KOOK ON ISRAEL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO UNITE THE WORLD:PARSHAT MASEI
RAV KOOK ON ISRAEL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO UNITE THE WORLD:PARSHAT MASEI What does Torat HaRav Kook teach us about Parshat Masei’s significance for our day? The Parsha recounts the Children of Israel’s 42 step 40 year journey from the enslavement of Egy
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Jonathan Sacks – The Complexity of Human Rights MATOT-MASEI
Jonathan Sacks – The Complexity of Human Rights MATOT-MASEI The book of Bamidbar comes to a close that is very strange indeed. Earlier in the parsha of Pinchas we read of how the five daughters of Tzelophehad came to Moses with a claim based on just
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RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT PINCHAS: HOW TO BE A HOLY ZEALOT
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT PINCHAS: HOW TO BE A HOLY ZEALOT Parshat Pinchas begins by honoring Aaron’s grandson, Pinchas for his zealous and immediate response to the Israelite male sinning in public view with the Midianite female. “When Pinchas, son of El
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Jonathan Sacks – Moshe’s Disappointment – PINCHAS
Jonathan Sacks – Moshe’s Disappointment – PINCHAS Hidden beneath the surface of parshat Pinchas, the Sages uncovered a story of great poignancy. Moses, having seen his sister and brother die, knew that his own time on earth was coming to a c
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – What Makes God Laugh – BALAK
Jonathan Sacks z”l – What Makes God Laugh – BALAK There is an old saying that what makes God laugh is seeing our plans for the future.[1] However, if Tanach is our guide, what makes God laugh is human delusions of grandeur. From the van
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism's Stance on Gender Is Clear, Despite Attempts To Rewrite Torah
Judaism teaches that G-d Created male and female so that they might partner with Him in creating a next generation.
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Rav Kook's Illuminated Torah Understanding on Moses's Fatal Error in Parshat Chukat
RAV KOOK ON MOSES’S FATAL ANGRY ERROR AT THE WATERS OF DISPUTATION AND WHAT WE MUST DO TO FIX IT RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT CHUKAT: In Parshat Chukat, we read: “The Israelites arrived at the wilderness of Zin on the first new moon, and the people stayed at K
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – Healing the Trauma of Loss CHUKAT
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Healing the Trauma of Loss CHUKAT It took me two years to recover from the death of my father, of blessed memory. To this day, almost twenty years later, I am not sure why. He did not die suddenly or young. He was well int
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PARSHAT KORACH: RAV KOOK ON the dangers of KORACHISM
PARSHAT KORACH: RAV KOOK ON the dangers of KORACHISM “Now Korach, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, betook himself, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—descendants of Reuben—to rise up against Moses, together with
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – Hierarchy and Politics: The Never-Ending Story KORACH
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Hierarchy and Politics: The Never-Ending Story KORACH It was a classic struggle for power. The only thing that made it different from the usual dramas of royal courts, parliamentary meetings, or corridors of power was that
Miscellaneous | Judaism
18 Facts About the “12 Spies”
Moses sent 12 spies to Canaan; 10 gave negative reports, causing 40 years of wandering.
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Rav Kook – ON “OVERCOMING SPYFULNESS” PARSHAT SHLACH
Rav Kook – ON “OVERCOMING SPYFULNESS” PARSHAT SHLACH “A world of empty chaos preceded the world of building. And light came out of the darkness- ‘And the Creator said ‘Let there be light’ ” (Notebook 3:87) And hence “Existence is ful
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – Two Kinds of Fear SHELACH LECHA
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Two Kinds of Fear SHELACH LECHA One of the most powerful addresses I ever heard was given by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, on this week’s parsha: the story of the spies. For me, it was nothing
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Who Made G-d? - The Classic Jewish Answer in Clear Modern English
The Creator of all boundaries is unbounded by any definition. Otherwise, He too would require a creator.
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – From Despair to Hope BEHA’ALOTECHA
Jonathan Sacks z”l – From Despair to Hope BEHA’ALOTECHA There have been times when one passage in this week’s parsha was, for me, little less than lifesaving. No leadership position is easy. Leading Jews is harder still. And spiritual
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Blessing of Love NASO
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Blessing of Love NASO At 176 verses, Naso is the longest of the parshiyot. Yet one of its most moving passages, and the one that has had the greatest impact over the course of history, is very short indeed and is know
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Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig – Judaism and Artificial Intelligence: Shavuot Shows the Connection
Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig – Judaism and Artificial Intelligence: Shavuot Shows the Connection What does Judaism have to “say” about Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The question demands attention with AI algorithms running rampant these days: ChatGPT
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Sound of Silence BaMidbar
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Sound of Silence Bamidbar Bamidbar is usually read on the Shabbat before Shavuot. So the Sages connected the two. Shavuot is the time of the giving of the Torah. Bamibar means, “in the desert”. What then is the con
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – Family Feeling BEHAR-BECHUKOTAI
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Family Feeling BEHAR-BECHUKOTAI I argued in my Covenant and Conversation for parshat Kedoshim that Judaism is more than an ethnicity. It is a call to holiness. In one sense, however, there is an important ethnic dimens
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How the Universe Came to Be: Torah and Science
Religion is often accused of explaining a scientific discovery after the
fact. But the record on how the universe came to
be presents a different sequence of events.
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Courage to Admit Mistakes ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Courage to Admit Mistakes ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM Some years ago I was visited by the then American ambassador to the Court of St James, Philip Lader. He told me of a fascinating project he and his wife had initiated in 1
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Jonathan Sacks z"l - The Plague of Evil Speech TAZRIA-METZORA
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Plague of Evil Speech TAZRIA-METZORA The Rabbis moralised the condition of tzara’at – often translated as leprosy – the subject that dominates both Tazria and Metzora. It was, they said, a punishment rather than
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Dangers of Enthusiasm SHEMINI
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Dangers of Enthusiasm SHEMINI Excavating the history of words can sometimes be as revealing as excavating the ruins of an ancient city. Take the English word “enthusiasm”. Today we see this as something positive. O
Miscellaneous | Judaism
10 Songs in Jewish History
The Midrash tells us that there are 10 songs of praise (shirot) in the history of our people, culminating with the song of the Final Redemption.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What the 10 Plagues Teach Us About Dealing With Difficult People
Expressing anger not only hurts others but destroys the person who is expressing anger.
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Rav Kook's Impassioned Pesach Message: the Foundation of Freedom is Loyalty to Our Inner Essence
Rav Kook TZ’L – PESACH: FREEDOM AND LIBERATION “The core of freedom is to be…loyal to our inner essence; to the ‘Tzelem Elokeem-Divine Image’ that is within us”. In Erev Pesach 5694/April 30, 1934 Rav Kook TZ’L wrote an impassioned cal
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WHAT WOULD RAV KOOK ZT”L SAY TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL TODAY?
WHAT WOULD RAV KOOK ZT”L SAY TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL TODAY? Medinat Israel-The National State of Israel is an extraordinary place. The return of B’nai Israel-The Children of Israel to their ancestral homeland is an extraordinary historical event that
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the Choreography of Love: Understanding the Significance of Sacrifice in Judaism Today
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Understanding Sacrifice TZAV One of the most difficult elements of the Torah and the way of life it prescribes is the phenomenon of animal sacrifices – for obvious reasons. First, Jews and Judaism have survived without t
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Discovering Meaning: the Key to a Fulfilling Life Beyond Happiness
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Pursuit of Meaning VAYIKRA The American Declaration of Independence speaks of the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Recently, following the pioneering work of Martin Seligman, founder
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Atone for the Sin of the Golden Calf & Reconstitute the Community: "Mending Broken Bonds: Shabbat & The Mishkan - Restoring the Power of Communities
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Social Animal – VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust · The Social Animal (Rabbi Sacks on Vayakhel-Pekudei, Covenant & Conversation) Download the PDFs: > English > Hebrew > Spanish > French At the begin
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Total Transformation: The Shema Prayer Meditation - Chabad
While the prayers preceding the Shema are important, it is the Shema prayer itself that transforms the animal soul into loving G‑d.
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Closeness of God כי תישא Ki Tissa
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Closeness of God כי תישא Ki Tissa The more I study the Torah, the more conscious I become of the immense mystery of Exodus 33. This is the chapter set in the middle of the Golden Calf narrative (between Exodus ch
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Therapeutic Joy of Purim
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Therapeutic Joy of Purim There is a unique law in the approach to Purim. Mishe-nichnas Adar marbim be-simcha: “From the beginning of Adar, we increase in joy.” It is stated in the Talmud (Taanit 29a), and is based
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RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TETZAVEH: HOW TO ILLUMINATE LIFE
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TETZAVEH: HOW TO ILLUMINATE LIFE RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TETZAVEH: HOW TO ILLUMINATE LIFE וְאַתָּ֞ה תְּצַוֶּ֣ה ׀ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְיִקְח֨וּ אֵלֶ֜יךָ שֶׁ֣מ
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – Inspiration & Perspiration Tetzaveh
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Inspiration & Perspiration Tetzaveh Beethoven rose each morning at dawn and made himself coffee. He was fastidious about this: each cup had to be made with exactly sixty beans, which he counted out each time. He would then
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RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TRUMA: HOW TO LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DIVINE SHECHINA
RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TRUMA: HOW TO LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DIVINE SHECHINA RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT TRUMA: HOW TO LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DIVINE SHECHINA “דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִקְחוּ־לִ֖י תּ
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Gift of Giving: Terumah
Jonathan Sacks z”l – The Gift of Giving: Terumah It was the first Israelite house of worship, the first home Jews made for God. But the very idea is fraught with paradox, even contradiction. How can you build a house for God? He is bigger than
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Jonathan Sacks z”l – Doing and Hearing:משפטים
Jonathan Sacks z”l – Doing and Hearing:משפטים One of the most famous phrases in the Torah makes its appearance in this week’s parsha. It has often been used to characterise Jewish faith as a whole. It consists of just two words: na’a
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RAV KOOK ON MISHPATIM: THE ISRAELITE WAY OF LIVING LAWFULLY
RAV KOOK ON MISHPATIM: THE ISRAELITE WAY OF LIVING LAWFULLY RAV KOOK ON MISHPATIM: THE ISRAELITE WAY OF LIVING LAWFULLY “וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר תָּשִׂ֖ים לִפְנֵיהֶֽם:-And these are the la
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RAV KOOK: PARSHAT YITRO: BECOMING A HOLY NATION BY ESTABLISHING A HOLY GOVERNMENT
RAV KOOK: PARSHAT YITRO: BECOMING A HOLY NATION BY ESTABLISHING A HOLY GOVERNMENT “וְאַתֶּ֧ם תִּֽהְיוּ־לִ֛י מַמְלֶ֥כֶת כֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים וְג֣וֹי קָד֑וֹשׁ” “And you will be a kingdom of priests and
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What Is the Authentic Ancient Hebrew Alphabet? - Ketav Ivri vs. Ketav Ashurit
I recently read about some ancient writings that were in a
script called Proto-Hebrew, which the Jews supposedly used to write in before
the current Hebrew script.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Do Mezuzahs Work? - Chabad
How on earth does a parchment scroll with Hebrew inscriptions increase your personal safety? Here is how the great rabbis understood it.
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Jonathan Sacks – Spirits in a Material World וארא
Jonathan Sacks – Spirits in a Material World וארא Rabbi Sacks Web Site The Torah sometimes says something of fundamental importance in what seems like a minor and incidental comment. There is a fine example of this near the beginning of this par
Miscellaneous | Jewish Wisdom
How Much Is G-d Involved in Our Lives?
Our journey has value—not merely as a means to a greater end, but in and of itself.
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Jonathan Sacks -Turning Curses into Blessings שמות
Jonathan Sacks -Turning Curses into Blessings שמות Genesis ends on an almost serene note. Jacob has found his long lost son. The family has been reunited. Joseph has forgiven his brothers. Under his protection and influence the family has settled in G
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Jewish Wisdom: Joseph's Message - Vayigash
It was not enough for Jacob to discover that Joseph was still alive physically. He needed to hear that he was also alive spiritually.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Antisemitism: Why the Jews?
Over the centuries, numerous “reasons” have been advanced to explain the phenomenon of Antisemitism. But perhaps there is no reason!
Miscellaneous | Judaism
6 Lessons From Jacob’s Wrestling With the Angel
We also wrestle with spiritual doubts and conflicts.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Can There Be Judaism Without Torah?
Other than Torah observance, what can we teach the next generation to inspire them to stay Jewish?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What Does Jacob’s Ladder Symbolize?
Jacob’s simple ladder foreshadows the trajectory of human development.
Miscellaneous | Jewish Wisdom
My Strategy for Avoiding Drowning in Stress
When I leave the ark of my morning prayers, it’s a beautiful world—one that I can work with and add light to.
Miscellaneous | Jewish Life
Torah scroll in memory of the million and a half children killed in the Holocaust
The woman whose three siblings were murdered in the Holocaust is going on a mission to memorialize them
Miscellaneous | Judaism
When Blessings Come Cloaked in Darkness
A distillation of the Rebbe's talk on Jewish indignation, 1966.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Can You Travel Back in Time? Kind Of… - Parshah
One of the most powerful tools we humans possess is the ability to rewrite our own past by reframing the story.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Were the Priests Divided? - On the 24 Clans of Kohanim
The Torah dictates that the descendants of Aaron (the Kohanim) be separated from within the tribe of Levi and be prepared to serve in the Holy Temple (or Tabernacle).1
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: 14 Facts About the Book of Psalms
Psalms is a most beloved book, filled with prayers, praises, and prose. Compiled by David, it is an essential part of the Jewish Canon.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Moses vs. the Gaslighter - Guest Columnists - Parshah
The people in the desert were being gaslit, and big time.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Is There a Flawless Proof That Torah Is True?
Years ago I attended a seminar where we were presented with logical proofs that the Torah was delivered to us by Moses at Sinai. I was convinced and began a path towards complete Jewish observance.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Understanding After Doing - The Daily Dose of Jewish Wisdom
At Sinai, we declared, “We will do and we will understand!”
Angels descended from heaven and placed two crowns upon our heads.
Miscellaneous | Jewish Wisdom
12 Women Who Impacted Torah Scholarship
Culled from the span of Jewish history, from the Talmudic era to pre-war Europe
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Did G-d Smite the Firstborn? - Parshah
Our job is to find the divine sparks hidden within each person, each object and each event, and let that shine.
History | Archeology
Has the location of Noah’s Ark finally been proven using 3D scans? - The Jerusalem Post
The Torah tells us that the Ark landed on the hills of Mt. Ararat, a dormant volcano near the east border of Turkey. The Durupinar site is approximately 30 km south of that mountain.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The End of Torah - From the Chassidic Masters - Parshah
What did Moses accomplish by shattering the tablets?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Must One Honor Abusive Parents?
There are many kinds and levels of abuse, and different people can cope with and tolerate different situations and relationships.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Did the Mission of the Twelve Spies Go So Wrong?
Moses felt that the Israelites had no reason to fear the inhabitants, as they had all seen the great miracles wrought against the much more powerful Egyptians.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
13 Facts About Learning Torah - Mitzvahs & Traditions
Torah study occupies a central place in Jewish life, but how much do we really know about this activity?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
9 Facts You Should Know About Mount Sinai - Shavuot
Mount Sinai is where G‑d Himself descended and struck a deal with His chosen people.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Torah Study: Does It Matter Which Words Rashi Quotes?
See how a nuance in a simple one-line Rashi can be examined, unpacked, and understood in an entirely new light.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Is It Wrong to Like a Lot of Stuff? - Parshah
Is it OK to
enjoy a good shopping spree and to delight in yet another Amazon box at your
doorstep?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Torah: What to Tell Yourself When Things Go Wrong
In the meantime, it’s dark, confusing, and difficult. That’s only because the process of getting to a deeper place can give space for negative consequences. But just around the bend is a time, a space that is even deeper and greater, that it will make thi
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: Perseverance Vs. Perfection - Vayigash
The Joseph-Judah relationship and the points at which their paths converge continue throughout history. From the sale of Joseph onward, Judah and Joseph constantly interact with each other, and their relationship continues in various forms. Here, in Parsh
Politics | Opinion
The Torah Versus the Left
Question: What book is the opposite of the left? Answer: the Torah. The Torah is the Hebrew name of the first five books of the Bible, the “Five Books of Moses.” The Torah is the foundation of the rest of the Bible and the rock on which both Judaism a
News | Israel & The Jewish Community
Join Us in Praying for (and Learning From) Rabbi Sacks
If you read Chabad.org, or if you follow the happenings of the Jewish world, it is virtually impossible for you not to have been touched by the writings, teachings or example of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former chief rabbi of the British Commonwealth.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Do Some Letters in the Torah Have ‘Crowns’?
Many of the letters are topped by
small spikes, called tagin or ketarim. Here is why.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Judaism: What Does ‘Eye for an Eye’ Really Mean?
Does Torah want us to poke out the eye of an eye-poker?
Miscellaneous | Judaism
How Two-and-a-Half Tribes Ended Up East of the Jordan - Jewish History
Learn how Moses gave the land east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manassah, on one condition.
News | Jewish Community
How ‘Torah Breaks’ Help One COVID Nurse Draw Strength and Calm in Chaos
Long Island cardiology assistant Elisheva Gilman-Smith on coping with crisis
Miscellaneous | Judaism
21 Talmud Facts Every Jew Should Know
The bulk of the Talmudic texts contain analysis of Biblical verses and Torah law, but it’s interspersed with everything from medical advice to stories, from folk sayings to fabric dying tips.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Jewish History: Who Was Amram?
Amram, son of Kehot, led the Jewish people in
Egypt and fathered three of the greatest leaders in Jewish history.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
What Is Tikkun Olam? - What does Tikkun Olam mean, who came up with it, and how do I do it?
Tikkun Olam: In Jewish teachings, any activity that improves the world, bringing it closer to the harmonious state for which it was created.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
A Rift Extending Across History - Chassidic Masters - Parshah
From the rivalry between Leah and Rachel, through the animosity between Joseph and his brothers, the clash between Saul and David, the split between Judah and Israel, to the dual nature of the messianic redemption—a rift and twinship that extends across h
Politics | Judea & Samaria
Jews Celebrate EPIC Building Dedication in Hebron - Beit HaShalom
It finally happened! The Jews have moved into Beit HaShalom (House of Peace), the four-story residential complex purchased by Jews in Hebron.
Family & Parenting | Jewish People
The 92-Year-Old Woman Who Who Stole the Show at Israel's Independence Day Ceremony
Marie Nachmias went up on stage to light a torch for Israel Independence Day. She did not speak, did not quote anybody, but simply said a prayer.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Does Judaism Forbid Tattoos?
This prohibition applies to all tattoos besides those made for medical purposes . . .
Miscellaneous | Judaism
The Ark of the Covenant Explained
A golden box containing the tablets with the Ten Commandments, the ark stood in the Holy of Holies, the Temple’s innermost sanctum.
Miscellaneous | Torah
Rabbi Sacks: Why The Revelation at Mount Sinai Was the Creation of Freedom | Parshat Yitro
A Torah scroll. Photo: RabbiSacks.org. The revelation at Mount Sinai — the central episode not only of parshat Yitro, but …
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: The Consolations of Mortality
Before any of the deaths are mentioned we read about the strange ritual of the red heifer, which purified people who had been in contact with death – the archetypal source of impurity. That ritual, often deemed incomprehensible, is in fact deeply symbol
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Faith and Friendship - Covenant & Conversation - Parshah
After all that had happened – the miracles, the exodus, the division of the sea, food from heaven, water from a rock, the revelation at Sinai and the covenant that went with it – the people, yet again, were complaining about the food. And not because
Miscellaneous | Judaism
May I Join a Protest on Shabbat? - Questions & Answers
While an action may be halachically permitted, it may not be in keeping with the spirit of Shabbat and is therefore avoided.
News | Israel & The Jewish Community
Modern Technology Unlocks Secrets of a Damaged Biblical Scroll - The New York Times
Experts using a computer imaging program have virtually unwrapped a charred ancient scroll and recovered a fragment of the authoritative text of the Hebrew Bible.
History | Culture
Who Stood at Sinai? | Jlife
According to A midrash, “Every Jew who ever was, and ever will be born, stood together at Sinai when the mountain smoked and trembled and G-d revealed the law to them.” We assume that meant men, women and children. But not everyone sees it that way.
History | Culture
How to Grow A Mensch | Jlife
How do we grow a mensch? Inspire a generation of mensches? The Torah responds unequivocally: through education. We pass Jewish teachings from generation to generation to perpetuate a legacy of derech eretz, the value system that is imbued with Torah and secular education along with personal growth, self-discovery and insight into human relationships; values that our parents, grandparents and great grandparents modeled for generations.
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Why Is the World Blind?
Too many times over the last many weeks I felt like shouting, “Wake up, world! Can’t you see the difference between the good guys and the bad ones? Are you blind?!”
Miscellaneous | Judaism
Parshat Truma: Giving of ourselves
A person who gives of his strengths or of his money gives mainly of himself.
