Concepts in Chassidic Philosophy

On the opening phrase of Mishpatim, “And these are the laws you are to set before them,” Rashi comments: “And these are the laws”—Wherever the word “these” is used, it signals a discontinuity with what has been stated previously. Wherever it uses the term...

It was an age of boors and ascetics, a time of conflict between body and soul. Then a master appeared. "Don't beat your beast," he taught, "don't overload him and don't abandon him. Help him"

The Rabbi found it hard to believe that Anschel Moses might be a thief. Perhaps he had merely borrowed the money...

A close friend of mine is an addict. He had tried medication, therapy and much more. Nothing worked. He lost his family and his health. He almost lost his life—a number of times. He finally found recovery through a 12-step program. In his words, “I found ...

Does G‑d care if I cheat on my taxes? Am I going to be a better husband/wife/parent if I keep kosher? Are these the same question?

There are four approaches to understanding what the Torah is all about: a) it means what it says; b) it's all a metaphor; c) it should be read from the top down; or d) from the bottom up

The "That's How G-d Made Me" excuse, the "Sorry I Lost It" excuse, the "I'm Special" excuse, and the "What's the Use" excuse