We next ask Hashem, “R’tzei Hashem Elokeinu b’amcha Yisroel uvis’filasam – Favor Hashem our G-d, Your nation Yisroel and their tefilos.” We first ask Hashem to favor us. For if, G-d forbid, He doesn’t favor us, then He despises...
The Ramban at the end of Parashah Bo writes that the miracles of yetzias Mitzrayim proved to Bnei Yisrael and the world that (1) Hashem exists, (2) He knows what is happening in the world, and (3) He leads the...
The Mishna (Rosh HaShana 1:1) relates that Tu B’Shevat (the fifteenth day of the month of Shevat) is the Rosh Hashanah (new year) for trees. What does this mean? There is a seven...
Rabbi Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869), in his work Mo’ed Le’kol Hai (chapter 30), discusses a number of different laws and customs relevant to the month of Shevat. He begins by establishing that the theme of this month...
Chaim Meisels, 29, is the great-grandson of the Satmar Rebbe, R’ Beirach Moshe. About eight years ago, Chaim chose to immigrate to Israel and enlist in the IDF. Chaim left everything behind, enlisted in...
During the winter break season, many families choose to go on vacations to rejuvenate after a year of stress. While it is undoubtedly a joyous time that should be enjoyed, the question arises: is it permitted to go on...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I don’t know what to do! I’m 21, have returned from seminary and have completed 2 years of college.. My parents, friends and family are all pressuring...
For thousands of years people have engaged in inappropriate behaviors. Our evil inclination was given to us when we were born. However, in years past if one sinned or committed a misdeed, it did not cause him to go off the...
In 1438, a great meeting of German rabbis was convened in Nuremberg during which the rabbis issued a number of communal enactments. During Shabbos davening, R. Nosson of Eiger, a senior rabbi who had taught many of the rabbis...
Parashat Vaera tells of the process of Yetziat Mitzrayim, how Hashem punished the Egyptians until Pharaoh finally let Beneh Yisrael leave. This story is all about freedom, about our ancestors’ release from the chains of bondage and being...