Rabbi Yaakov Shapira

The moment of truth - Mattityahu's cry

Mattityahu cried “He who is for the Lord, follow me” - who has the spiritual stamina to fight, who feels the pull of God in his soul? Do we?

Inner beauty, inner strength

In his very essence Yaacov was diametrically opposed to his illustrious father and grandfather.

Isaac, too, was tested - by G-d and man

The Sages said that Yitzchak represents 'gevura', courage and might, but it is Abraham, Moses and Joshua who waged wars. What do they mean?

Spiritual transformation, becoming someone new

Rivkah makes a momentous decision that will change her life and the lives of her descendants.

Why did God choose Abraham?

On what basis did God single out Abraham to become Avraham Avinu, the forefather of the Jewish nation? Avraham achieved true greatness. How?

The lost generation

Noah was a survivor but he failed to reach the people of his time as Abraham did..Was that due to lack of faith in himself or in the people?

Great potential

A fundamental theological cornerstone of Judaism is found in this parasha: Man must continue the process of creating things anew.

Rabbi Yaakov Shapira: The Torah tells us to keep the health guidelines

Head of Merkaz Harav yeshiva says Jewish law requires public to protect their health and the health of others during pandemic.

Masters of our own Destiny

As we prepare to stand before the King, we must look inside ourselves because we have the capacity for greatness. It depends only on us.

Nitzavim-Vayelech: All for one and one for all

To what extent do I view myself as part of the nation, feel responsible for my fellow Jews? These are questions we must ask ourselves.

The whole picture

There is something illogical about the commandment of the firstborn. And why separate the first fruits from the rest?

Heredity vs. environment

Why do we see that in the case of Ishmael, Abraham did not act as the Torah prescribes for a rebellious son?

Torah fit for a king

King David's Torah study influenced his advice to the people. That is why he arose to learn at midnight.

The Challenge of Greatness: Spirituality in the Land of Israel

The generation in the desert did not achieve the spiritual greatness which would allow working the land without losing spirituality.

The collective honor of Am Yisrael

Moses prayed 515 times to no avail. But in rejecting Moshe’s prayers, Hashem was enhancing the honor of the collective of Am Yisrael.

It is all in the details

Moshe’s message to the people is not to see a burden in the details of mitzva observance, because it is there spirituality is to be found.

“Torah She’baal Peh”: The implicit Torah

When a person truly identifies with the Torah he also understands things that have not been said explicitly.

'Signs of Jewish Awakening in Europe'

Mercaz Harav Yeshiva head Rabbi Yaakov Shapira talks about awakening European Jewry, expressing hope it leads them to immigrate to Israel.

Thousands at Sukkot celebration in Merkaz Harav Yeshiva

Thousands celebrate Simchat Beit Hashoeva at Jerusalem's Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, together with Yeshiva Dean Rabbi Yaakov Shapira.

Engraved in our hearts forever

Rabbinate Election Today, ‘Truth Will Prevail’

The race for Chief Rabbi draws to a close. Rabbi Arusi slams politics, calls to change ‘humiliating’ elections process.

Remembering Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook, (d. Purim, 1982)

Memorial at Mercaz Harav to 8 Murdered Students

Five years have passed since a terrorist massacred the young students at point-blank range.

A Parsha about Property and a Shidduch

Why the World Did Not Start with Abraham