15 Jul A THREE WEEK OBJECTIVE
We are now in the midst of the sad calendar period known as the Three Weeks. In Hebrew, it is referred to as the period of Bein HaMetzorim, the time Between the Narrow Straights. This refers to the...
08 Jul THE SUBJECT OF HISHTADLUS
The subject of hishtadlus, how much effort should one make for certain objectives, is a very complex subject. Let’s take, for example, the hishtadlus for our parnassah, our livelihood. Quoting the Chovos HaLevovos, Rav Elya Lopian, zt”l, zy”a, says...
30 Jun MAKING YOUR SPOUSE FIRST
In the Eishes Chayil (Woman of Valor) ballad where our wives are serenaded before Friday night kiddush, we praise them that they are tzofiah halichos beisa, they oversee the ways of their home. Even stronger are the words in...
24 Jun THE QUESTION OF CHARITY-GIVING DURING DAVENING
It has been my practice, with the help of Hashem, throughout my Rabbonus, to give a variety of shiurim throughout the night of Shavuos. This year, from 2:30 to 4:00 a.m., we had a lively question and answer...
17 Jun A SUMMER WARNING
When a boy is born, we wait eight days before making a bris. While we might take this for granted, it is still very surprising. The eight-day wait is not for medical reasons. Many hospitals routinely circumcise boys...
10 Jun THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A MINHAG
The late Munkatcher Rebbe, Grand Rabbi Chaim Elazar Spira, zt”l, zy”a (1871-1937), known as the Minchas Elazar, one of the great pre-war Chassidic Rebbes, was once traveling on a train. Sitting across from him was an ordinary looking man...
04 Jun INVESTING IN “H-LL INSURANCE”
Every month, we pray when we bentch Rosh Chodesh that Hashem should grant us “Yiras Shamayim v’yiras cheit – Fear of Heaven and fear of sin.” Practically speaking, fear of sin includes fear of punishment which results from...
04 Jun TIPS FOR A SWEETER AND MORE PRODUCTIVE SUMMER
In our Maariv prayers, we thank Hashem for being, “Machalif es hazmanim – Changing the seasons.” Since it adds spice and variety to life, we acknowledge our appreciation for this on a daily basis. And although every season...
27 May A CENTRAL THEME OF SHAVUOS
Shavuos is the celebration of the great gift of the Torah that Hashem continues to give us. The Rambam, in Hilchos Chanukah, says that the central theme of the Torah is shalom, peace. As the posuk declares, “Derachehah darchei...
20 May WHY IS SHAVUOS DIFFERENT
As we draw nearer to the conclusion of our countdown of sefira, our thoughts are turning more and more to the culmination of these seven weeks of waiting, namely Shavuos. And as we make our preparations for the...