Lessons on Jewish Laws and Thoughts
Emuna is Life
"Who is the man who desires life, loves days in which to see [and do] good" (Psalms 34,13). How fortunate we are to be healthy seekers of life, "believers sons of believers," and the descendants of Avraham Avinu, about whom the Torah writes, "He had emuna in G-d" (Genesis 15,6). All of Creation aspires to live life that is meaningful, grounded in a cleaving to the source of life. This is how the living G-d created mankind, imbuing it with this aspiration. As Moshe Rabbeinu made it very clear in his parting speech to the People of Israel: "And you who cleave to Hashem your G-d, you all live today" (Deut. 4,4)
Rabbi Yossi Badihi | Heshvan 16 5782
A Heartfelt Blessing
Mr. Zilber’s story reminds us that we each have the power to bring blessing into someone else’s life by simply wishing them well from our hearts.
Rabbi Yoel Gold | Cheshvan 15 5782
When Faith is Tested
The loss of tzaddikim has an effect on the world. "Save, O Lord - for the pious are gone; for the faithful have vanished from among men" (Psalms 12,2). That is to say, when a righteous man passes away, the world suffers a loss of emuna and trust. Emuna diminishes because tzaddikim help ensure that it remains strong, and when they leave, it becomes weaker. Rav Tzvi Yehuda was a great man of emuna, and his loss left a great vacuum of emuna in the world.
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed | Heshvan 9 5782
”A Tzaddik Decrees & God Obeys"?!
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 288
The concept of a Tzaddik (righteous) "decreeing" and God obeying, is in the Talmud & central to Hassidut, but very difficult to understand. There's nobody like Rav Kook to explain this in a rational, modern & spiritual way, how God interacts with Am Yisrael and our leadership, in the most beneficial way! Other important topics discussed here are the types of miracles that God suits to the needs of each generation; stringencies & leniencies. Rav Kook also deals here with his own take on "Rupture & Reconstruction" after modernism, the Haskala/Reform, the great European wars and wandering, the uprooting of Sefaradic Jews from their traditions, and how to patiently return the next generation to Torah, as well as faith in our rabbinic leadership.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7 5782
The Rain in Spain – and in Israel: Why Pray for It at Different Times?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Tishrei 29 5782
"Get Back to Where You Once Belonged" and Then Continue…
Ein Aya, shabbat 2, 287
The first thing to ascertain in a Jew or a time period where many Jews are far from Judaism, is how far he really is? The number of how many generations of doubt, or how long a person or family has been estranged from Torah is important to know in order to address his/her spiritual needs properly. If one has seen religious practice in his home and is now rebelling, his needs are different than if he just saw his grandfather or neighbor doing mitzvot and himself is oblivious to the topic. In any event, Teshuva must be a gradual process & not be a quick jump to extremes.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 29 5782
"Doubt": The 'Key to Knowledge' or to Confusion
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 286
As is the case regarding all strong powers in life, questioning and doubt are often called the "Key to knowledge", but as we know, they often can lead to confusion, as well. Rav Kook, explains how to reap the benefits of this topic without having it "boomerang" and be counterproductive. He also offers an innovative way of seeing "Yom Tov Sheini", the 2nd Day of Yom Tov outside of the Land of Israel.
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 29 5782
