07 Jul THE THREE WEEKS AND A MESSAGE OF PEACE
We are now in the middle of the period called Bein HaMetzarim, known more commonly as the Three Weeks. As a nation, we mourn the destruction of our two Holy Temples during this time. This loss is more...
30 Jun HASTE MAKES WASTE
In the fifth Perek of Pirkei Avos [5:9], we are introduced to a type of person described as a golem. Laterally, this is a very derogatory word which means a ‘clod.’ However, I do not believe this is...
23 Jun I’M ALLERGIC TO MACHLOKES
In Pirkei Avos, Ben Zoma gives the famous definition, “Eizehu chacham? Halomeid mikol adam – Who is wise? He who can learn from every person.” This immediately begs the question: What can we learn from the rasha, the wicked...
16 Jun THE MYSTERY OF THE ATARAH
All married men wear a tallis gadol in the morning when they pray and most people have a special and exclusive tallis they wear in honor of the Shabbos. Many people, especially among the Chassidim, wear an atarah,...
09 Jun ANGER MANAGEMENT
As we continue to enjoy the wisdom of Pirkei Avos through the spring and the summer, we experience an exercise of mining the pearls and diamonds from the familiar words of these mishnayos. Here’s an example of something that...
01 Jun USING OUR HEADS IN SHUL
Here, on the eastern coast, early summer finally seems to be here. As the plants start to bloom and the temperatures rise, Klal Yisroel continues to collectively learn Pirkei Avos and continue our spiritual blooming as well. During the...
26 May THE GREAT TREASURE OF PIRKEI AVOS
At this time of the year, Klal Yisroel breaks out one of its national treasures: the Mishnayos of Pirkei Avos. This anthology of select ethical teaching, transmitted to us by our gigantic teachers, presents us with a truly...
19 May THE HISTORIC DECLARATION OF NA’ASEH V’NISHMAH
As we celebrate the wonderful Yomtov of Shavous, one of the things that we recall is the historical and admirable proclamation of Klal Yisroel, “Na’aseh v’Nishmah – We will do and we will listen.” This was such a monumental...
12 May WHY IS SHAVUOS DIFFERENT?
As we draw nearer to the conclusion of our sefira countdown, our thoughts are turning increasingly often to the culmination of these seven weeks of waiting, namely waiting for Shavuos. And, as we make our preparations for the...
05 May WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME
One of the special features of the wonderful upcoming Yom Tov of Shavuos is the reading of Megilas Rus. While it is a fascinating and delightful story, its linkage to the celebration of Matan Torah, the giving of...