Torah
94 results total, viewing 1 - 10
When Adolph S. Ochs purchased the New York Times in 1896 he [was] determined that the Times would never appear to be a “Jewish newspaper.” His pledges have competed for ascendancy ever since. more
Among the followers of Rebbe Elimelech MeLizensk (1717-1787) was a man who said he was a chassid, but did not act like one. He perceived that he had made many mistakes in his younger years was ridden with guilt, and sentenced himself to an ascetic life. Determined to become a baal teshuvah (penitent), he deprived himself of nourishment, just tasting enough to keep body and soul alive, fasting every Monday and Thursday, flagellated himself and undertook dangerous tasks. He thought that this ascetic lifestyle would atone for his wrongdoing. more
It was the month of Elul, and the Ba`al Shem Tov hesitated before the evening prayers. He had a serious look on his face. His Chasidim patiently waited for him to begin. When he finally smiled, and the prayers were recited, he turned to his congregation and explained the reason for the delay. more
We are now past Tisha B’Av, and our first Shabbos foray into the synagogue puts us in a position to hear this message from Moshe: “Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, as the L-rd, my G-d, commanded me, to do so in the midst of the land to which you are coming to possess. And you shall keep [them] and do [them], for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the eyes of the nations, who will hear all these statutes and will say, ‘This great nation is only a wise and understanding people’.” (Devarim 4:5-6) more
Continued from last week. PART TWO As we attended to our business during the day, wee could not forget the vision of those two proud, majestically clad Jews. When we returned to the hotel that evening, we stopped into the dining room for tea. The two commanders were fervently praying at the same wall where they stood that morning. Their voices chanted the hauntingly tragic melody of Lamentations, recited on Tishah B’Av, mourning the destruction of both Holy Temples. more
Our holy Torah is composed of both halachic (legal) and narrative portions. While there is usually nearly universal consensus that a particular law exists, halachic passages are often the focus of diverse interpretations regarding their pragmatic application. Thus, an entire genre of Jewish literature has arisen whose sole purpose is to determine the practical ramifications of both Torah and Rabbinic laws. In many ways, the creation of this unique and dynamic body of literature has continued unabated since, at the moment of the Sinaitic Revelation, our forebears declared “Naaseh v’nishmah” (“We will do and we will accept,” Sefer Shemot 24:7). more
From the day of the Revelation on Sinai, it was an accepted fact that Jews lived according to the mitzvos of the Torah. But Mendele Sokolover was not satisfied with the mere observance of mitzvos. He was searching for more than that. He was searching for what he called a “real Jew.” more
One of the best-known passages in the entire Torah is that of Birkat Kohanim (the Blessing of the Kohanim): The L-rd spoke to Moses saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel, saying to them:“May the L-rd bless you and watch over you. May the L-rd cause His countenance to shine to you and favor you. May the L-rd raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace.” more
One of the thornier, daily halachic problems is that of which bracha (blessing) to recite on a particular food. Not too surprisingly, a vast literature has been created by our poskim (halachic decisors) that contains a plethora of opinions and approaches regarding every questionable item. more
The Baal Shem Tov set out for Eretz Yisrael many times, but each time, his plans were thwarted by some unforeseen circumstance. Once the axle of his carriage cracked, once the boat upon which he traveled encountered terrible storms on the high seas and the captain refused to continue the voyage until the weather subsided. Eventually, he came to the realization that it was not destined for him to see the Holy Land. Nevertheless, he encouraged his disciples to make the trip, so they might be privileged to walk where Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah had walked. more
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 10 | Next »