Yossi Marcus

G‑d uses four expressions of redemption in describing our Exodus from Egypt and our birth as a nation: Exodus 6:6-7. 1. "I will take you out…" 2. "I will save you…" 3. "I will redeem you…" 4. "I will take you as a nation…" Our sages instituted that we sho...

Actually there is an opinion in the Mishna, Beit Shammai, that says that the blessing should be “he who created the illumination of fire.” The version that we use is that of Beit Hillel. The Talmud explains that the plural “illuminations” alludes to the v...

Here’s the short answer: By turning the lights on you are causing a fire right there in your home--there are sparks of fire created by the electricity. Another school of thought explains as follows: The switch closes a circuit which allows the electricity...

Ever wondered where that instant inspiration comes from? Where does that spontaneous urge of faith stem from? What truly is the essence of our soul?

The cat and her mistress are both after the mice. There's a significant difference, however: while the woman of the house would be glad if the mice would disappear forever, the cat would be devastated

We strive for goodness in this world, where the Divine light is veiled…

A soul is called a flame, whose nature is to soar upward

The splitting of the Red Sea is among the greatest revelations ever.

A highly readable English translation of the full text of the Megillah

Moses, Pharaoh, Hillel, Maimonides and the Lubavitcher Rebbe on cosmic justice, the temporality of evil, the significance of chance encounters and the redeemability of the malevolent spirit.