Good Deeds

Shoftim:

Have you changed?

When we study something, the information is in us, but it doesn’t become us. When we learn, it becomes part of us. And it should change us.

Vaetchanan:

The righteous do not rely on their good deeds

Commentators weigh in on Moshe's pleas to enter the land.

Jacob never died

This profound and extraordinary statement is recorded in the Gemara.

Va'etchanan: What is greater,- prayer or good deeds?

One of G-d's greatest kindnesses to us is allowing us to pray. Prayer affects reality.

When bad things happen to good people

Since the days when the prophets asked it, that has been the ultimate question.

Blessings over enjoyment and gratitude

A person full of gratitude is a happy person whose gaze is focused on the good in his life.

You are good

Today’s youth have an unquenchable sense of their own value even before accomplishing anything of significance. When did the change occur?

Evil can sometmes be rooted in good

“Justice, Justice shall you pursue”.  The explanation by our sages is that the double use of the word justice is a warning: Op-ed.

Are good deeds valid even when we don’t intend to perform them?

How much do we need to concentrate when performing a mitzva?

Weekly Torah Study: Bereshith

Insights from the story of Cain and Abel.

Yom Kippur and reconciliation between man and his fellow man

The Yom Kippur fast is to detach our souls a little from the material shackles, and allow good and true aspirations to be revealed.

Fair and good in the eyes of Hashem

Rashi expounds:’Fair and good’: compromising, acting beyond the strict demands of the law. What do other commentators say?

Office of the UK Chief Rabbi

Acharei Mot (Diaspora): The Torah’s travel insurance

When we represent another perrson while doing something, who bears ultimate responsibility for those deeds?

The Yetzer Hara rejoices when you defeat him

When you do good deeds or refrain from bad ones, the evil inclination is happy for G-d.

A simple “Good Shabbos” can change the world

The Maharal explains that when you walk by someone without offering a greeting you make him or her feel invisible and insignificant.

Why the Shechina dwelt in Benjamin's portion of Eretz Yisrael

The Mechillta asks this question and provides two answers.They symbolize a deeper message telling the reasons for Hashem's preference.

Rituals or ethics? What is more important in Judaism?

What is the mark of a good Jewish society in contrast to a good society of any kind?

The Daily Portion

This lockdown is meant for you: Get moving

Had we known last year that nearly 12 months later we would be in a lockdown, we might have despaired, but there is much we can do right now

A unique form of charity in the grapefruit orchard

We joined Bar & Bat Mitzvah celebrators, high school kids as they set out to the field with Leket to volunteer in a unique form of giving.

Yeshiva student finds 130,000 shekels and returns it

What happens when a yeshiva student obeys the commandments and returns 130,000 shekels to an 'anti-Orthodox' secular Jew?

Rabbi Returns 98K in Cash Found in Old Desk

A New Haven rabbi found the money after buying the desk off of Craigslist; stresses the importance of being honest.

Farmer Gets Chance to Rebuild after Arab Theft

A generous donor has given a Samaria farmer a chance to rebuild his life after he was targeted in a massive goat theft.

IDF Introduces the Elderly to Facebook

Soldiers joined the ‘Good Deeds Day’ with a visit to a nursing home, where they introduced the patients to Facebook.

Home Front Soldiers Devote 'Good Deeds Day' to Seniors

130 soldiers volunteer for a morning of talk, manicure, Facebook and play in the Sephardic Old Age Home in Haifa.

Chance Encounter Saves 64 Lives

A rabbi’s encounter with a sick teenager leads him to campaign for live organ donation – saving 64 lives.

Israel's Water Situation a Bit Better? Thanks to YU Students

Working on some small projects over the span of a week, 16 Yeshiva University students had a big impact on Israel's water situation.

Aleh Organization Hopes to Build Fifth Care Center

While there are many worthy organizations in Israel, Aleh is unique in providing care for some of the most severe childcare cases in the country.