August 2022

Shul politics are nothing new, and the hapless victim is usually the rabbi. If he is not extra careful, the president and the synagogue board… Read More »Critical Followers

The Mitzvah: The words of true prophets, conveying the “word of G-d”, are to be heeded and obeyed by the people. It was forbidden for… Read More »Nevuah: Words of the Prophets

This week, the Torah teaches us about royalty and its symbiotic relationship with humility. The concept of the Jewish king is discussed in this week’s… Read More »Royal Humility

Friday Night It’s like getting off a moving sidewalk. While you’re on it, you move quite quickly even if you walk slowly. But the walkway… Read More »Elul

BS”D Volume 36, No. 47 7 Elul 5782 September 3, 2022 Our Parashah, which is always read in the month of Elul preceding the Days… Read More »Judging

Following the decisions of the court and judges of one’s time, even if one personally disagrees with those judicial conclusions, is the subject of this… Read More »The Forest and the Trees

[The speaking of lashon hara (slanderous gossip) is forbidden] whether one speaks lashon hara in front of his fellow (i.e., the victim) or not in… Read More »Chapter 7, Law 5 – Words that Kill

Gazing at the extreme polarities that characterize our world, questions spring to mind. What does it all mean? Why the vast range between the two… Read More »Enjoy the Ride

This week’s parsha, R’ay, gives us a very clear glimpse of the attitude the Torah enjoins us to have towards death. “Bunim a’tem laHashem Elokaichem,… Read More »We Are His Children

“Rather, you shall open your hand to him; you shall lend him his requirement…”(15:8) The Torah instructs us to be open-handed with our destitute brethren.… Read More »Don’t Give It Personally