There is a clear distinction between what is expected of the ordinary Jew and what is demanded of the Kohen.
Judaism is supposed to be a springboard, not a crutch.
The Tanya compacts four millennia of Jewish wisdom to answer the great personal and existential questions of life. It has revolutionized the way we think about G -d the human soul, the world and our place in it.
The pernicious disease of disrespect continues to infect our times. Disdain of others can also lead to demonization and baseless hatred of the sort that led to the destruction of the Second Temple. Let us overcome it.
The Talmud teaches that it is impossible to come to the Land of Israel without difficulties and suffering. Learning the secrets of Torah is the remedy. Read
Rabbi Akiva refused to see suffering as the end of the story, hopefully we can learn from his perspective and find hope in the ashes.
Questions of faith in our generation regarding foreign cultures and religions are becoming increasingly significant and widespread. Last week, the new book “Faith and Its Commandments” was published in two volumes as part of the “Peninei Halakha” series.
From the incense-filled sanctuaries of ancient Jerusalem to the comforting aroma of spices at the close of Shabbat, scent remains our most direct link between earth and heaven, body and soul.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as embodiments of God's divine attributes.
The danger when my comfort zones and fears become my god.
During the British Mandate, the Jews of Eretz Yisrael were no more united than they are today.
We live in a world that regards food, along with sexuality, as ends in themselves rather than as means. Judaism says something else about our needs.
Commentaries weigh in on what exactly this prohibition means.
This is not a world one can describe because one can only experience it from within oneself. In this world, we lose the very self to the magnetic pull of profound oneness.
What can connect the disparate commandments in Parashat Kedoshim?
Young Religious Zionist Torah scholars connect the weekly Torah reading with the Land of Israel.
A clarification of the many false claims made about Herzl, some of which caused the Haredi community to look askance upon Religious Zionism for its appreciation of Herzl’s dedication and bold Zionist endeavors.
The dangers of misguided zeal: Lessons from Nadav and Avihu
Stubbornness can lead us to, or away from, Hashem.
This prophetic message of the Return to Zion in the Haftorah was tailor-made for this Shabbat, falling between Yom ha-Atzma’ut and Yom Herut Yerushalayim.
During WWII, we begged the major ally nations to use their air forces to bomb the concentration camps, today the world is holding its breath and counting the minutes until our Israeli Air Force bombs the Iranians after it has already bombed the Houthis!
In reality, the kashrut standards maintained in the army today are often more stringent than those of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and, in fact, often rival those of the mehadrin kashrut agencies.
The Tanya compacts four millennia of Jewish wisdom to answer the great personal and existential questions of life. It has revolutionized the way we think about G -d the human soul, the world and our place in it.
We are talking about the situation of entire Jewish communities ensconced in the darkness of exile, believing that it is perfectly OK to live in Gentile countries. But it is not OK.
It is very important to emphasize this confidence, because some, lacking faith, are frightened that the State of Israel will not endure, Heaven forbid.
The Redemption is gradual, it relates to the increase in light, yet it is also possible that within this process there will be times of great darkness.
If you want to be a better parent, you must first become a better person.
What if the key to our future is hidden in the very essence of our identity—Torah, Land, and People? Op-ed.
The beautiful connection between spiritual law and scientific discovery reminds us that everything in the universe is connected to Torah and vice versa.
Leadership is where a person takes responsibility where others are not present…
‘Why are the periods of impurity - and then purity - of the mother who gives birth to a girl, double the periods where she gives birth to a male?’
There are striking parallels betwee the metzora's prodedures and those of the Nation of Israel...
There was an incredible atmosphere at the annual Yom Ha'atzmaut service, organized by Bnei Akiva UK and hosted by Finchley United Synagogue.
We don’t have tzaraat blotches in the modern day, but the dynamics haven’t changed. While many things change, history repeats itself because human nature never changes.
It is time for the Haredim to come out of the cold and recognize the wisdom of Hashem in history and the great potential that this Medina brings to all parts of Am Yisrael.
In a panic the Arameans fled, as we read in this Shabbat's haftarah - and the Arabs did the same in the War of Independence, linking the two.
The Rokeach [and Nachal Kedumim] point out, that Yitzchak lived one year for each hour of his existence until Avraham circumcised him-thus, he lived 180 years.
As we set out to celebrate seventy-seven years of the State of Israel, we must ponder and observe with our own eyes the reality in which we live, through the vision of the Prophets of Israel and the vision of Ezekiel specifically.
Hashem intends for us to fight for ourselves and strengthens our efforts, but only if we recognize that our strength comes from Him.
A poem connects the Israelites of old with the early settlers of what was to become the State of Israel.
Israel's first Chief Rabbi appreciated secular Jews for playing a crucial part in returning to the land, but believed that the nation’s complete renewal will only come about when Zionism is restored to its original holiness.
The process of redemption will unfold in such a way that initially, Israel will return to their Jewish identity, ascend to the Land, and settle it.
A metzora must control his instincts and forswear selfishness.
The joy doesn’t come from the war itself, which is an evil matter, abounding in personal suffering and pain. The joy comes from the great Kiddush Hashem which fills our emotions and longings,
This Yom Hazikaron, Torah Mitzion honors the life, spirit, and legacy of Rabbi Avraham Yosef (Avi) Goldberg Hy"d, a true model of Torah, leadership, and heroism.
A heartbroken cry in 1947 becomes a clarion call and prophecy in 1967, as HaRav Tzvi Yehuda Kook rejoices over the State of Israel even though it is not perfect. And on each Yom HaAtzmaut he danced with great joy.
Why we don't make matzah the year round food, pushing chametz aside, and trying for maximum holiness.
Six, seven, eight and nine - what ideas do they signify?
The Palestinian Arabs are, as usual, fighting the upcoming Jerusalem Day parade. Op-ed.
When we immerse ourselves in water, we are forced to recognize our existential estrangement from the physical universe.
Better an ugly truth than a beautiful lie.
Young Religious Zionist Torah scholars study connections between the weekly Torah portion and the holy land.
Parashat Shmini opens on the eighth day, the 1st of Nissan.
“Chazer Treif” is a Yiddish expression that describes something which is absolutely and completely non-kosher. The use of this description goes well beyond the kitchen...
Despite the tragedy in the parasha and a similar one in the haftarah, the joyous celebrations at the time continued. How could they find the inner strength?
Judaism calls on us to serve G-d, not our own whims.
We yearn for the day - just as David did – when God will grant us respite from our enemies. But now, when we are fighting for our nation's life, may a Cohen who is a combat soldier in the IDF bless the congregation?
Why did Aaron have to be convinced to approach the altar?
Our sages wondered why the Exodus is mentioned specifically in response to avoiding insects.
