ב"ה
Vayera
By the Numbers
Hagar in the Bible
One of the most interesting women in the Bible is Hagar, Abraham's second wife, and the mother of Ishmael. How much do you know about her?
One of the most interesting women in the Bible is Hagar, Abraham's second wife, and the mother of Ishmael. How much do you know about her?
Lifecycle Spotlight
Why Are Mourners Served Bagels and Eggs?
The custom of giving round foods is learned from Jacob, who cooked a pot of lentils.
The custom of giving round foods is learned from Jacob, who cooked a pot of lentils.
Parshah
What Doomed the Ancient City of Sodom?
No sinning is good, but sins against our own neighbors are the worst.
No sinning is good, but sins against our own neighbors are the worst.
When You Are In a Slump
Why does the Prophet Elisha tell the distraught woman to collect empty pitchers and fill them with oil?
Why does the Prophet Elisha tell the distraught woman to collect empty pitchers and fill them with oil?
Video
Behind Every Great Jew Is a Great Mother
Sarah, the first Jewish mother, is a shining example of the great power that every woman has over her family and our entire nation. It was Sarah who insisted that Isaac, not Ishmael, continue Abraham’s progeny. It was she who raised Isaac in his formative years, instilling within him the fortitude to stand up to all tests, and to become the second Patriarch of the Jewish People.
Sarah, the first Jewish mother, is a shining example of the great power that every woman has over her family and our entire nation. It was Sarah who insisted that Isaac, not Ishmael, continue Abraham’s progeny. It was she who raised Isaac in his formative years, instilling within him the fortitude to stand up to all tests, and to become the second Patriarch of the Jewish People.
Perspectives
We Are Vessel Makers
I must not allow myself to get so caught up in the decisions and demands before me that I forget that my human input is merely a physical container into which G‑d’s blessings can flow.
I must not allow myself to get so caught up in the decisions and demands before me that I forget that my human input is merely a physical container into which G‑d’s blessings can flow.
Story
Shul by the Shore and a Story Titled ‘Page 44’
We knew that if we were to continue our journey in Judaism, we must tackle the scary hurdle of finding a community where we could learn and feel accepted.
We knew that if we were to continue our journey in Judaism, we must tackle the scary hurdle of finding a community where we could learn and feel accepted.
The Life and Teachings of the Holy Ruzhiner Rebbe
Rabbi Yisrael Friedman of Ruzhin, referred to as the Heiliger Ruzhiner, “the holy one of Ruzhin,” was royalty of the Chassidic movement.
Rabbi Yisrael Friedman of Ruzhin, referred to as the Heiliger Ruzhiner, “the holy one of Ruzhin,” was royalty of the Chassidic movement.
Lifestyle
No sooner was [Abraham] weaned -- and he was but a small child -- that his mind began to seek and wonder: How do the heavenly bodies orbit without a moving force? Who moves them? They cannot move themselves! Immersed amongst the foolish idol-worshippers of Ur Casdim, he had no one to teach him anything; his father, mother and countrymen, and he amongst them, all worshipped idols. But his heart sought, and came to know that there is one G-d... who created all and that in all existence there is none other than Him. He came to know that the entire world erred...
— Maimonides
Print Magazine
Noah was a tzadik, a very great man. He saved the entire world. But he didn't approach Abraham's greatness.
When G‑d told Noah to build an ark before the world would be destroyed, Noah built an ark.
But when G‑d told Abraham He was about to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah—cities corrupt and evil to the core—...
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