Linkage Between Sinas Chinom and Absence of Simcha [Between Needless Hatred and Absence of Joy] At the end of the Tochacha [verses of rebuke in our Parsha], the pasuk [verse] says that these ninety-eight terrible curses come “as the...
If your child or grandchild ask you – do you care more about my being happy and successful or my being kind – what would you answer? Our Parsha tells the story of the rebellious son. Our Rabbis teach...
Sometimes, one writes an article that touches a familiar chord with the reader, evoking a memory. This past week, I wrote about hashavas aveida, the mitzva of returning a lost object. The article prompted my...
The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo presents the Misva of Bikkurim, which obligates a farmer to take the first fruits that ripen, bring them to the Bet Ha’mikdash, and give them to the Kohen. The unique importance of...
Dear Rabbi and Shira I’m engaged to a great young woman. We connect well, have similar life goals, and are excited to get married and spend the rest of our lives together....
This past weekend Ari Hirsch from The Country Vues interviewed Marcos, the famous waiter at the Hudson Valley Resort. Marcos has been a waiter in the Catskills Borscht Belt for almost forty...
The month of Elul is an extraordinary time of opportunity and investment. Firstly, it is the last month of the year and we have a Talmudic rule that, “Hakol holeich achar hachasom – Everything is determined by the...
M a n y have the custom to bentch their children on Friday night. Where does this custom come from? Should the blessings be given before or after coming home from shul? Should one use one hand or two hands?...
Five conversations that should take place over the course of dating and even within marriage itself. What are the critical things to look for in dating to determine if someone is suitable for marriage? Drs. John and Julie Gottman...
During this time of year, when families and individuals find themselves with a break between camp and school, it’s common to plan trips to various destinations. However, traveling raises important questions about the spiritual atmosphere of such places. Choosing kosher...