ב"ה
Shavuot 5768 - June 8, 2008
Living
My Son's First Steps
On a recent Tuesday, my twelve-month old son started walking. I came home from a long day at work to see him waddling around the house as if he owned the place.
On a recent Tuesday, my twelve-month old son started walking. I came home from a long day at work to see him waddling around the house as if he owned the place.
An Ode to my Teens
You've begun to accept the status quo, the easy path—the one with less resistance. You have stopped tackling new undertakings. You've just entered into your complacent adulthood...
You've begun to accept the status quo, the easy path—the one with less resistance. You have stopped tackling new undertakings. You've just entered into your complacent adulthood...
An Emotional Wedding
Before the wedding reception, the groom approached me and sadly explained that I should not expect any form of cooperation from his father during the ceremony.
Before the wedding reception, the groom approached me and sadly explained that I should not expect any form of cooperation from his father during the ceremony.
A Letter for Peace
The Rebbe's emissaries followed his directives, while wondering about the sudden urgency... That afternoon, the threat of horrific terror against Israel was averted...
The Rebbe's emissaries followed his directives, while wondering about the sudden urgency... That afternoon, the threat of horrific terror against Israel was averted...
Parshah
The Parshah in a Nutshell
Aaron lights the menorah; a second Passover is instituted; and people complain about the manna, demanding meat instead. Miriam is punished for speaking ill about her brother Moses, and the nation waits for her before leaving Sinai.
Aaron lights the menorah; a second Passover is instituted; and people complain about the manna, demanding meat instead. Miriam is punished for speaking ill about her brother Moses, and the nation waits for her before leaving Sinai.
A Long Pole
By law, the menorah stood in a chamber into which only kohanim (priests) were permitted entry. But the law also states that an ordinary person may light the menorah. What is the point—and lesson—of this legal paradox?
By law, the menorah stood in a chamber into which only kohanim (priests) were permitted entry. But the law also states that an ordinary person may light the menorah. What is the point—and lesson—of this legal paradox?
On Humility
He was a world-famous figure, I was an anonymous student from 3000 miles away. Quickly it became clear to me that he believed in me more than I believed in myself
He was a world-famous figure, I was an anonymous student from 3000 miles away. Quickly it became clear to me that he believed in me more than I believed in myself
The Jewish Woman
Shhh, the Neighbors are Listening
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get upset with your family and how difficult it is to display the same anger for a stranger?
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get upset with your family and how difficult it is to display the same anger for a stranger?
I'm Scared to Tell My Friend
I am pregnant and thrilled over the news! The problem is that I am struggling with how to break this news to one friend who deserves to hear it from me, in person. This friend had a miscarriage about one year ago. Sadly, only six months later her husband died unexpectedly...
I am pregnant and thrilled over the news! The problem is that I am struggling with how to break this news to one friend who deserves to hear it from me, in person. This friend had a miscarriage about one year ago. Sadly, only six months later her husband died unexpectedly...
Judaism
Pirkei Avot: Ethics of the Fathers
Ethics of the Fathers is a tractate of the Mishna that details the Torah's views on ethics and interpersonal relationships. Enjoy insights, audio classes and stories on these fascinating topics.
Ethics of the Fathers is a tractate of the Mishna that details the Torah's views on ethics and interpersonal relationships. Enjoy insights, audio classes and stories on these fascinating topics.
Holidays
If Torah Is Divine Wisdom, Why Is It So Petty?
Torah, you say, is divine wisdom. So why is it full of animals' hooves and fish's scales, goring oxen and adulterous human beings?
Torah, you say, is divine wisdom. So why is it full of animals' hooves and fish's scales, goring oxen and adulterous human beings?
Conversation Tips from Sinai
In our nation's 3,300 year history, G‑d has directly addressed us exactly once. In doing so, G‑d also left us a perfect prototype to follow on those occasions when we really want our words to be taken seriously...
In our nation's 3,300 year history, G‑d has directly addressed us exactly once. In doing so, G‑d also left us a perfect prototype to follow on those occasions when we really want our words to be taken seriously...
New Rules
The community leaders infomed R. Shmelke that they had a special custom: every new rabbi was expected to add a new rule or custom to the chronicles of the community
The community leaders infomed R. Shmelke that they had a special custom: every new rabbi was expected to add a new rule or custom to the chronicles of the community
When G-d gave the Torah to the People of Israel, He said to them: "I require guarantors." Said the people: "The heaven and the earth shall be our guarantors." Said G-d: "They won't last forever." Said they: "Our fathers will guarantee it." Said He: "They are busy." Said they: "Our children will guarantee it." Said He: "These are excellent guarantors."
— Mechilta D'Rashbi
Print Magazine
The words and the stories of Torah are but its clothing; the guidance within them is its body.
And as with a body, within that guidance breathes a soul that gives life to whoever follows it.
And within that soul breathes a deeper, transcendental soul, the soul of the soul: G‑d Himself within His Torah.
Grasp the clot...
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