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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Lag b’Omer marks the conclusion of the time period of the tragic deaths of the twenty-four thousand holy talmidim of Rebbi Akiva. This horrific tragedy even trumps the mourning period of twenty-one days leading up to the day...
There are many people who agonize over why they don’t have friends. This is no small issue at all. Chazal teach us, “O! chavrusah O! misusah – Either companionship or death!” Such is the importance of having good comrades....
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 teachings, transmitted to us by our gigantic teachers, presents us with a truly great...
Imagine, if one was to gather the ultimate anthology, he would go to Rav Shvadron, Zt”l, and ask him to sift through all of his teachings and choose the most powerful one. Then, he would go to Rabbi...
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 teachings, transmitted to us by our gigantic teachers, presents us with a truly great...