Non-human mammals get what we call goosebumps, the constriction of skin surrounding hair follicles, when they feel threatened or attacked. Only human beings get goosebumps for a different feeling: awe....
When Yaakov wrestled with the malach, we know the identity of Yaakov’s antagonist. He was saro shel Eisav, the angel of Eisav. He is also otherwise known as Samo’el or,...
Why Good People Suffer David HaMelech said, “I will begin to tell my riddle with my harp …” (Tehillim 49:5) but the chapter doesn’t tell any riddles. Reb Yohonoson Eibshitz zt’l...
The Torah in Parashat Vayigash lists the names of Yaakob’s sons and grandsons who settled in Egypt to escape the harsh famine in Eretz Yisrael, thus beginning the Egyptian exile....
“And Yehudah approached him…” [Bereishis 44:18] Binyamin was about to become a hostage. Yehudah recognized the consequences of that eventuality, so he approached Yosef and presented what amounted to a familiar...
I remember hearing form Rabbi Mordechai Gifter many years ago that he enjoys reading the seforim of two baalei batim (businessmen) who were never rabbis. One was the Rashash, who...
We read in Parashat Vayigash about the very powerful moment when Yosef, who was the second-in-command in Egypt, finally revealed to his brothers who he was, saying the simple but...
“I AM WHO I AM BECAUSE YOU SOLD ME” DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? It was the final examination for an introductory Biology course at the university. Like many such freshman...
INGREDIENTS: 1/3rd cup olive oil Three large onions chopped Three stalks celery chopped One green pepper chopped One red pepper chopped Four cloves garlic minced One package of Jack’s Italian sausages chopped Six boneless chicken breast cut into...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, I read your column every week. It prompts much conversation over the Shabbos table. I’m a regular Flatbush/Midwood guy who is into the Sifrei Chassidus....