Judaism, Lessons, Times

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Today, the 20th of Cheshvan, marks the fifth yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of the former Chief Rabbi of the UK, Rabbi and one of the most prominent thinkers in the Jewish world and beyond, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. He passed away at the age of 72. Come and learn from his teachings

CHAYEI SARAH

the spiritual meaning behind Rashi's statement that all of Sarah's years were "for good," arguing that despite her severe life challenges, her uncrushable fortitude and continuous dedication to a higher, optimistic spiritual existence serves as a vital model for finding the same "all good" perspective in our own lives.

Try This at Home: Two Proven Methods to Increase Love of G-d

The article discusses the central commandment to 'Love God,' proposing two ways to achieve it: intellectual work focused on arousing love (Baal Shem Tov), and creating an atmosphere of holiness and unconditional acceptance (like the Shabbat table).

Errors, Additions, and Omissions in the Amidah

"Due to fatigue, confusion, or lack of concentration, it sometimes happens that we change the order of the prayer (Tefillah). What should we do? Should we continue, go back, or start from the beginning? And what is the law (Halacha) regarding a voluntary prayer (Tefillat Nedavah) in such a case?"

Writing a Torah Scroll in English

Can the Torah be inherited by the next generation when written in English? The moving dilemma of an adopted man returning to his Jewish roots, who seeks to leave a spiritual legacy for his firstborn grandson.

For more Articles

Daily Times in Jerusalem

27 Cheshvan 5786 | 18/11/2025

Daily Times | more times

06:09 Sunrise
8:11 Kriyat Shma MGA
8:47 Kriyat Shma GRA
11:24 Chatzot (Midday)
16:43 Sunset
17:02 Tzet Hakochavim

Shabbat Toldot

2 Kislev 5786

Shabbat Times | Parashat Hashavua

16:02 Candle lighting
17:16 End of Shabbat
17:54 Rabeinu Tam

Interesting articles

Mentioning Rain and Praying for It

In the winter season, we mention rain twice in the Amidah. In the beginning, we mention rain in our praise of Hashem Who causes rain to fall; afterwards, we ask Hashem to bless us with dew and rain.

Ribit

The issue you are raising touches upon the prohibition of Ribit (interest or usury) between Jews, which is a very serious transgression according to Jewish law (Halakha).

Food, medications and Yom Kippur

What is the most halachically appropriate way I can keep to this and still fast?

a day of great promise that unfortunately was never realized

Would you kindly tell me what wonderful and good thing happened on the 17th of Tammuz in our history?

Ask the Rabbi

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Maaser

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All Kabbalists live in Israel?!

Rabbi Jonathan Blass

Machpelah

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Aliyah or not?

Various Rabbis

Whistling

Ask Your Question:

An Urgent Family Purity Question (Hebrew Only)Ask a Question Ask the Rabbi Whatsapp Group

Daily Halacha

Shir LaMa'alot vs. Shir HaMa'alot in Tehilim/Psalms

Rabbi Ari Shvat

Question

Why does Tehilim Chapter 121, have 'Shir Lema'alot' with a 'Lamed' but the rest of the Shir Hamaalot's start with Hey, HaMa'alot?

Answer

Rashi explains that this was the first paragraph recited by the Levi'im as they began to climb the stairs [=ma'alot] of the Beit HaMikdash, and it means: "to the stairs" instead of "of the stairs". Others say that it means the same as the regular Shir Hama'alot, but poetic license calls for sometimes changing the standard or set wording. I should add that in general, Tehilim, as all Ketuvim, was not written in prophecy but "Ru'ach HaKodesh", a lower level of Divine inspiration. Accordingly, it's a good question, but we generally don't "read in between the lines" as much as we do in the Ne'veim, and surely in the Torah.

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