Judaism (Page 23)

Weekly Tanya video/lecture: The Holy Epistle

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.

For Lag Ba'Omer

Reminiscences and reflections on Lag Ba’Omer and its lessons

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.

For Lag Ba'Omer:

Eretz Yisrael and the Secrets of Torah: Introduction to the Zohar

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

Matan Iyar Emunah Essay:

Optimism in Iyar

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.

Revivim:

New Book: “Faith and Its Commandments”

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.

Mysticism, and Biology

The sacred science of scent

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.

Post Pesach thoughts based on Rav Yitzchok Hutner's teachings

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as embodiments of God's divine attributes.

The university crisis provides a historic opportunity

The danger when my comfort zones and fears become my god.

Israel's 1st Chief Rabbi:

A letter for the Neturei Karta

During the British Mandate, the Jews of Eretz Yisrael were no more united than they are today.

Ethics of the Fathers:

Chapter III: Food for thought

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.

A survey of commentaries:

'Do not do as Egypt did, nor Canaan'

Commentaries weigh in on what exactly this prohibition means.

Achrei-Mot-Kedoshim:

A peek into the Super-Conscious

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.

Torah Mitzion:

Why so negative?

What can connect the disparate commandments in Parashat Kedoshim?

Eretz Yisrael in the Parsha:

Violations of which sins bring about exile?

Young Religious Zionist Torah scholars connect the weekly Torah reading with the Land of Israel.

For 10 Iyar, Herzl's birthday:

Theodore Herzl - The visionary of a Jewish State

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.

Acharei-Mot–Kedoshim:

Worshipping under the influence?

The dangers of misguided zeal: Lessons from Nadav and Avihu

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch:

Achrei Mos-Kedoshim: Which goat are you?

Stubbornness can lead us to, or away from, Hashem.

Acharei-Mot–Kedoshim:

Preparing for Redemption

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.

The Parsha and Current Events:

Thoughts after Yom Ha'atzma'ut

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!

Kashrut in the IDF: No compromises, highest standards

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.

Watch: Tanya video/lecture: The Holy Epistle

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.

One Homeland, not two

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.

Israel’s future

It is very important to emphasize this confidence, because some, lacking faith, are frightened that the State of Israel will not endure, Heaven forbid.

Is this the Redemption?

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.

The joy and challenge of children

If you want to be a better parent, you must first become a better person.

A vision for unity and revival

What if the key to our future is hidden in the very essence of our identity—Torah, Land, and People? Op-ed.

QM, superposition, and charging interest on a loan

The beautiful connection between spiritual law and scientific discovery reminds us that everything in the universe is connected to Torah and vice versa.

Ethics of the Fathers;

Stepping Up

Leadership is where a person takes responsibility where others are not present…

Parashat Tazria-Metzora

Conundrum: The difference in purification time between births

‘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?’

Parashat Tazria-Metzora

The metzora and the birth of a nation

There are striking parallels betwee the metzora's prodedures and those of the Nation of Israel...

UK Chief Rabbi:

Watch: Address on Yom Ha'atzmaut

There was an incredible atmosphere at the annual Yom Ha'atzmaut service, organized by Bnei Akiva UK and hosted by Finchley United Synagogue.

Tazria Metzora:

Good people in a rotten system

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.

The Parsha and Current Events:

The Haredi View

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.

Yom ha-Atzma’ut and Tazria-Metzora:

“From where will come my help?” (Psalms 121:1)

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.

Parshat Tazria/Metzorah:

The Power of Circumcision

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.

Yom Ha'atzmaut

Step by step the words of the Prophets become reality

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.

Yom Ha'atzmaut 2025:

From Strength to Strength on Israel’s “Oz” birthday

Hashem intends for us to fight for ourselves and strengthens our efforts, but only if we recognize that our strength comes from Him.

Kitah Educational video:

Fighting for Israel, then and now

A poem connects the Israelites of old with the early settlers of what was to become the State of Israel.

Yom Ha'atzmaut:

Rav Kook and Zionism

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.

Revivim:

Redemption through natural means

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.

Rabbi Shimshon Refael Hirsch:

Tazria-Metzora: Birds and hair

A metzora must control his instincts and forswear selfishness.

Joy and sorrow in war

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,

Salt of the earth series:

The Life and Legacy of Rabbi Avraham Yosef (Avi) Goldberg Hy"d

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.

Our Rabbi on Yom Haatzmaut

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.

Passion, stability, and the way of the world

Why we don't make matzah the year round food, pushing chametz aside, and trying for maximum holiness.

The deeper meaning of numbers

Six, seven, eight and nine - what ideas do they signify?

Not everyone loves a parade

The Palestinian Arabs are, as usual, fighting the upcoming Jerusalem Day parade. Op-ed.

Israel's 1st Chief Rabbi:

Shmini: Immersion in water

When we immerse ourselves in water, we are forced to recognize our existential estrangement from the physical universe.

When religion Is based on lies, it becomes meaningless

Better an ugly truth than a beautiful lie.

Eretz Yisrael in the Parsha: Shmini

Mitzvahs in Eretz Yisrael

Young Religious Zionist Torah scholars study connections between the weekly Torah portion and the holy land.

Parashat Shmini:

The power of the eighth day

Parashat Shmini opens on the eighth day, the 1st of Nissan.

Parashat Shmini:

It has split hooves but what lies beneath?

“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...

Parshat Shmini:

Simcha in the face of tragedy

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?

Rabbi Shimshon Refael Hirsch:

Shmini: Just obey the Good Book

Judaism calls on us to serve G-d, not our own whims.

Haftarah for Shmini:

Who may bless the congregation?

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?

Parashat Shmini:

Moses said to Aaron: Approach the altar and perform your service

Why did Aaron have to be convinced to approach the altar?