ב"ה

Shoftim 5767 - August 17, 2007

Living
Home Run!

Barry Bonds hit his 757th, Matt Cain his first, but Rabbi Langer hit the most spectacular home run of the evening...
Modeh Ani

Before even the rooster would crow, my humanity received its daily reminder, its morning wakeup call, through the words of the Modeh Ani prayer. The bridge between living and being alive.
Seasons
G-d on the Campaign Trail

How does G-d prepare for His annual reelection? Does He just sit up there in His "palace" trusting in our good sense to proclaim Him king once again? Does He go after the vote, mingling with the masses, pressing the flesh, kissing babies?
Elul Observances in a Nutshell
Introspection and stocktaking, mercy and forgiveness, sounding horns and whispered psalms, prayer, charity and repentance . . .
A Tiny Fix and a Little Snip

A wealthy merchant bought a wonderful candelabra for his home. It was a masterpiece, made of pure crystal and studded with precious stones. It cost a real fortune...
The Jewish Woman
The $2 Date I Will Always Treasure

All that matters is that for two whole hours, it’s just the two of you. Alone. Together.
Measuring Up

What works for one mother may not work for another, and mothers get themselves into trouble when they try to conform to an overly narrow and constricting definition of what makes a "good" mother.
Parshah
The Parshah 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.
Being Simple

The simple faith of a sophisticated man has more dimensions and a richer texture . . .
An Impartial Judge

Can a bribed judge be impartial? How about if the “bribe” was given on the condition that the judge issues a fair verdict—no matter whom it will favor?
What You Obviously Don't Know

One of the most fascinating clauses in the Torah's criminal justice system is the law of the "indefensible criminal." If the evidence against the accused is so compelling that not a single one of the 23-member tribunal is inclined to argue in his favor, he cannot be convicted!
Dying for Life

The biblical laws of war have much to teach us about the routines of life in every age
Thinking or Feeling—Which Is More Important?

The tree’s greatest benefit is the fruit it produces; man’s greatest hallmark is the fruit of his intellect—the knowledge being absorbed by his emotions to create the proper feelings, and then actions.
There are two general approaches in healing a bodily illness: a) to heal the particular organ or faculty that is defective, sick or weak; b) to strengthen the healthy organs and faculties so that they may overcome and heal the sick organ or faculty. The parallel in illnesses of the soul are the two approaches in service of G-d--teshuvah (repentence), and good deeds.
— Hayom Yom, Av 28
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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