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.

The Power of Prayer

For many of us the source of our motivation to pray is our belief that we have the power to engage God for our needs. Nevertheless, moments where we fear that our personal lacking and sin will cause God to turn us a deaf ear cannot be escaped.

Do not turn away from your own flesh

All of us aspire to have those ideal families which we read about in stories. All too often our families fall short of this ideal, often quite short.

Honor your mother and father

All of Israel Are Equal

Lawlessness

What does the case of the Mishnah, going back on one’s word have to do with the Flood? An insight may be found in the Talmud Yerushalmi.

Why do we forget our Torah study?

The Expanse of Unity

Sometimes division seems good and constructive. But already at the very start of the creation of the world, the Sages of the Land of Israel impart to us that division is extremely undesirable.

Judging our Sages

Betzalel: Man’s Lofty Intellect

Happy Birthday

When we are little, nothing excites us more than that long awaited birthday. As we et older, that blissful excitement quietly dwindles.But this is not how we should see such a joyous day!

The Wisdom of Women

One of the special services that the women were able to provide in the construction of the Mishkan was in weaving materials.

God is our Caretaker

Kiddush Hashem

Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying God’s name, specifically before a gentile all too often is not even about the gentile at all.

Letter of the Law

Korach’s argument presupposes that it is the reason behind the Law and not the Law itself that is ultimately binding. Moses, on the other hand, derives the law matter-of-factedly, the reason behind it playing no role in its obligatoriness.

The HIgh Priest and the Collective

we discern quite clearly that God also judges the Jewish People as a whole and by their collective merits.

Do out of Love. Do out of fear

Some people worship God because they fear the consequences of disobedience, Others pine for a true devoutness to God never feeling that they achieved it.