Middot - Character Traits

Finding a Fruit with Kedushat Shvi’it

My wife shopped at a special kedushat shvi’it fruit distribution. A few hours later, I spotted on the walkway to our building (of seven apartments) a single fruit. I took it home and asked my wife, who said it made sense that it fell from her, but asked how we can know it is not from a neighbor who might have also bought. Do I have to put up a sign or ask neighbors (whom I trust) if it could be theirs? Is it more lenient because there is no ownership of kedushat shvi’it fruit?

Absolute Standards

It is very common for people to judge their self-worth and personal achievements relative to those of others. In fact, whether we like to admit it or not we may even wish that someone else achieves less so that we can be in a higher position.

Saving Life With One Word

A drop of encouragement may seem like a drop in the ocean, but sometimes it can save a life from drowning in sadness.

A Matter of Life and Death

One morning, Shmuel heard someone arguing with Rabbi Yehudah Mutzafi, Rabbi Eliyahu's assistant. He was telling her that Rabbi Eliyahu had to leave and that she should come back the following day. But she was insistent, explaining that her question was concerning a matter of life and death.

Sticks And Stones - The Power of an Insult

"...but words can never harm me." Why do words hurt so much, they're nothing more than puffs or air with a sound wave attached, aren't they?

May I Keep the Skeletons in the Closet?

What Personal Information Must I Divulge?

What information must we reveal about ourselves while arranging shidduchim for our children (or for ourselves)? And at what point must we disclose it?

The Hoop and the Drum – How to be a Good Neighbor

Can I forse my neighbor to stop drumming at certain hours? Can one force A renter to stop the contract with tenants who make noise?

Bikur Cholim by Electronic Means

Does one fulfill the mitzva of bikur cholim by “visiting” a sick person by electronic means?