ב"ה
Shoftim 5765 - September 9, 2005
Torn Together
How do you know that something is truly one and not many parts sewn together? Try to tear it apart...
How do you know that something is truly one and not many parts sewn together? Try to tear it apart...
Parshah
Shoftim in a Nutshell
“Justice”—the very concept is said to be a Jewish contribution to the world. A glance at this week’s Parshah (equality before the law, due process, protection of criminals from vigilante vengeance, curbs on the behavior of kings, rules and ethics in warfare . . . ) shows why.
“Justice”—the very concept is said to be a Jewish contribution to the world. A glance at this week’s Parshah (equality before the law, due process, protection of criminals from vigilante vengeance, curbs on the behavior of kings, rules and ethics in warfare . . . ) shows why.
Current
Surviving the Storm
If we always knew what lay in store for us, then the good that results from our "wrong" decisions would be lost forever...
If we always knew what lay in store for us, then the good that results from our "wrong" decisions would be lost forever...
Story
A Soldier’s Blessing
I was at my father’s side in the empty prep room. The room was silent; just the two of us. Suddenly—this could happen only in Israel—someone swung open the door and jabbed his head in. “I’m looking for my friend . . .”
I was at my father’s side in the empty prep room. The room was silent; just the two of us. Suddenly—this could happen only in Israel—someone swung open the door and jabbed his head in. “I’m looking for my friend . . .”
Torah, Slavery and the Jews
Yes, there's tension here, and as every good dramatist and massage therapist knows, tension is a good point to play with
Yes, there's tension here, and as every good dramatist and massage therapist knows, tension is a good point to play with
Written Word, Spoken Word
Compliments are rare. My critics are not shy and freely express their displeasure with my work. At the end of the day, I feel drained to my last drop of energy. So why do I bother teaching?
Compliments are rare. My critics are not shy and freely express their displeasure with my work. At the end of the day, I feel drained to my last drop of energy. So why do I bother teaching?
Should We Hate Them?
Many of us are not quite sure how to react towards terrorists who have no qualms about killing huge amounts of people. Should we be angry with them or should we feel sorry for them?
Many of us are not quite sure how to react towards terrorists who have no qualms about killing huge amounts of people. Should we be angry with them or should we feel sorry for them?
All About Elul
Elul is the sixth month in the Jewish calendar. A time of prayer and introspection, it is the prelude to the High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Elul is the sixth month in the Jewish calendar. A time of prayer and introspection, it is the prelude to the High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Though summer still lingered and the day was bright and sunny, there was a change in the air.
One smelled already the Elul-scent; a teshuvah-wind was blowing. Everyone grew more serious,
more thoughtful... All awaited the call of the shofar, the first blast that would announce the
opening of the gates of the month of mercy
— Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, describing the Shabbat before Elul in the town of Lubavitch
Print Magazine
You are Jacob. This is the story of your soul.
As Jacob journeyed from Beersheva to Haran, so your soul journeyed from the wellspring of all souls to this formidable world.
As Jacob made a vow as he departed, so too your soul made such a vow, Jacob’s vow. She said:
“If G-d will be with me and protect me on this journe...
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